Colgate University

Colgate University admits approximately 11.9% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 8 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Colgate among the most selective liberal arts colleges in the United States, falling within the Highly Selective category for admission standards.

The peer median admission rate of 70.6% highlights the stark difference between Colgate's selectivity and typical four-year institutions, with Colgate accepting 58.6 percentage points fewer applicants than peer institutions. This level of selectivity means that even exceptionally qualified students face significant uncertainty in the admission process, as demonstrated by SAT scores among the highest we track nationally.

Many students who would thrive at Colgate do not receive admission simply due to the volume of highly qualified applicants competing for limited spots. Students considering Colgate should build comprehensive college lists that include schools with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes.

Treating Colgate as a reach school regardless of qualifications represents sound application strategy, given the unpredictable nature of highly selective admission processes. The institution's 92.8% retention rate and 90.5% graduation rate indicate that admitted students find strong academic and social fit, validating the selective admission process while highlighting the importance of finding appropriate backup options.

Colgate University's published cost of attendance reaches $83,650 per year, including $67,024 in tuition, $16,790 for room and board, and $1,524 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with the mean net price of $29,107 representing $54,543 in financial aid savings from the sticker price.

This net price sits $1,964 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating that Colgate's financial aid brings costs slightly below comparable institutions despite the high published price. The institution's affordability index ranks at the 19.6th percentile with modestly below-average performance, reflecting the challenge that high costs pose for many families even after aid consideration.

Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $3,341 for the lowest-income families to $53,119 for the highest-income bracket, demonstrating progressive financial aid that concentrates resources toward students with the greatest need. However, the relatively small Pell-eligible population of 12.7% suggests that high costs may deter applications from lower-income students despite generous aid for those who do apply and enroll.

Colgate University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with median income rising from $64,949 six years after enrollment to $74,696 at eight years and $85,139 at ten years, representing 31.1% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on cohorts of 191 graduates at six years, 220 at eight years, and 240 at ten years, providing solid confidence in the reported figures across all time horizons.

Graduates earn $85,139 at the ten-year mark, ranking in the 96th percentile nationally and placing Colgate among the top 5% of institutions for absolute earnings performance. However, graduates earn $11,630 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 11.9th percentile for earnings uplift and indicating modestly below-average performance relative to student demographics and institutional characteristics.

Low-income graduates earn $67,300, ranking in the top 25% nationally and demonstrating that students from lower-income backgrounds achieve solid outcomes. Earnings span from $56,075 at the 25th percentile to $139,443 at the 75th percentile, with the 2.5:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 20.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

Colgate University offers 14 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Applied Economics ranks #20 nationally and #3 in New York, producing 133 graduates with median earnings of $103,456 and a value score of 90.6, making it the largest and highest-earning program at the institution.

American Government and Politics ranks #4 nationally and #1 in New York, graduating 79 students with median earnings of $85,816 and an exceptional value score of 99.0. International Relations ranks #9 nationally and #1 in New York, graduating 41 students with median earnings of $80,020 and a value score of 88.4.

Environmental Science ranks #5 nationally and #1 in New York with graduates earning $70,524, while English Language and Literature ranks #55 nationally and #5 in New York with earnings of $49,657. Computer Science, despite ranking #152 nationally, produces graduates earning $66,171 among 53 graduates, reflecting the institution's strength in traditional liberal arts rather than technical fields.