Students at Colgate University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the very top colleges nationwide for graduate financial outcomes.
The university consistently delivers strong career results across diverse fields, from economics and computer science to political science and beyond.
Colgate University delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it among the very top institutions nationwide for graduate earnings. With median 10-year earnings of $85,139, Colgate graduates significantly outperform typical college outcomes, ranking in the 96th percentile nationally. The university combines the intimate learning environment of a prestigious liberal arts college with the career advantages typically associated with elite institutions.
What makes Colgate distinctive is its ability to launch students into high-earning careers across diverse fields. Applied Economics graduates, the university's largest program by total economic impact, earn around $68,000 ten years out, while Computer Science majors reach $66,171. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like Political Science show strong outcomes, with graduates earning $53,358—well above national averages for the field.
As a highly selective private institution in upstate New York, Colgate offers the academic rigor and alumni network strength that opens doors to competitive career opportunities. The university's small size and low student-to-faculty ratios create an environment where students receive personalized attention while building the connections and credentials needed for long-term professional success.
Colgate University's program portfolio reflects the strength of a liberal arts education combined with practical career preparation. Applied Economics leads both in scale and economic impact, with 133 graduates earning around $68,000 ten years out—a combination that makes it the university's most significant contributor to overall graduate success. This program exemplifies Colgate's ability to blend rigorous academic training with market-relevant skills that employers value highly.
Computer Science, though smaller with 53 graduates, delivers some of the university's highest individual earnings at $66,171, reflecting the strong demand for technical skills in today's economy. American Government and Politics, one of Colgate's most popular majors with 79 graduates, demonstrates the university's liberal arts strength—even traditionally lower-earning fields like political science produce graduates earning $53,358, well above national averages for the discipline.
What distinguishes Colgate's programs is how consistently they outperform typical outcomes for their respective fields. Whether students pursue economics, computer science, political science, or other liberal arts disciplines, they benefit from small class sizes, intensive faculty mentorship, and alumni networks that open doors to competitive career opportunities. This combination of academic rigor and professional connections helps explain why Colgate graduates achieve exceptional earnings across such a diverse range of fields.
Colgate University graduates achieve exceptional long-term earnings that rank among the highest in the country. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $85,139, placing the university in the 96th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. This strong performance reflects both the quality of education and the career networks that Colgate provides, with over 1,100 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually—a substantial number for an institution of Colgate's size.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Applied Economics stands out as both the highest-return program and largest economic contributor, with 133 graduates earning around $68,000 ten years out. Computer Science, though smaller with 53 graduates, delivers strong earnings of $66,171, reflecting the field's market demand. Even American Government and Politics, one of Colgate's most popular majors with 79 graduates, produces earnings of $53,358—well above what political science majors typically earn at other institutions.
Colgate's liberal arts foundation, combined with its alumni network strength in finance, consulting, and other high-mobility careers, helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. The university's small size creates intensive mentorship opportunities and tight-knit professional connections that continue paying dividends throughout graduates' careers, particularly in competitive fields where network access matters significantly.
Colgate University requires substantial financial resources from most families, though the institution provides meaningful aid for students who qualify. Low-income students pay about $3,341 annually after aid—an exceptionally affordable rate that reflects Colgate's commitment to economic diversity. Middle-income families face higher costs around $17,685 per year, while high-income families pay the full sticker price of approximately $53,119, which is typical for elite private liberal arts colleges.
The debt picture varies significantly by family income and borrowing strategy. Students who qualify for federal loans typically graduate with about $15,000 in debt—a manageable amount given Colgate's strong earnings outcomes. However, many families rely heavily on Parent PLUS loans, which average $59,463 and require careful financial planning. These higher parent debt levels reflect the reality that Colgate's price point often requires family contribution beyond what students can reasonably borrow in their own names.
What makes Colgate's cost structure sustainable for many families is the exceptional return on investment. With graduates earning $85,139 ten years out, both student and family borrowing typically prove manageable relative to the long-term financial benefits. The university's 91% loan repayment rate and 0% federal default rate demonstrate that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by the strong career outcomes that Colgate consistently delivers.
Colgate University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
