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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $87,070 |
| Tuition and Fees | $70,306 |
| Room and Board | $17,610 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,570 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$58,284 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $28,786 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,086 |
| $30–48k | $2,678 |
| $48–75k | $13,617 |
| $75–110k | $21,831 |
| $110k+ | $48,234 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at Colgate University remain well-controlled relative to peer institutions, with a median debt of $15,000 compared to the peer median of $24,181, representing $9,181 less borrowing than typical comparable schools. Debt distribution ranges from $8,000 at the 25th percentile to $18,859 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students borrow modest amounts relative to their future earning potential.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 demonstrates favorable repayment conditions, with debt representing less than 20% of typical graduate earnings at the ten-year mark. Colgate's debt performance ranks at the 85th percentile nationally, placing it in the strong tier for debt management among four-year institutions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Colgate University's investment proposition centers on strong absolute earnings outcomes combined with well-controlled debt levels, though performance relative to student characteristics falls short of expectations. Graduates earn $85,139 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 96th percentile nationally and demonstrating exceptional long-term earning potential that justifies educational investment.
However, graduates earn $11,630 below expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 11.9th percentile for earnings uplift and suggesting that outcomes, while strong in absolute terms, underperform what the student profile would typically predict. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 creates favorable repayment conditions, with student debt representing less than 20% of typical graduate income and supporting sustainable financial management.
Compared to peer institutions, Colgate graduates earn $22,073 more annually while borrowing $9,181 less, creating a favorable combination of higher income and lower debt that enhances long-term financial outcomes. The return on investment ranks at the 91st percentile with top-tier performance, indicating that despite modestly below-average earnings relative to expectations, the combination of strong absolute outcomes and controlled costs creates solid value for educational investment.
Colgate University provides substantial financial aid with an average savings of $54,543 from the published cost of attendance, bringing the mean net price to $29,107. The institution's 12.7% Pell share reflects moderate enrollment of students from the lowest-income backgrounds, suggesting that high published costs may influence application patterns despite generous aid for admitted students.
Financial aid demonstrates strong targeting toward lower-income students, with families earning under $48,000 paying less than $10,000 annually while higher-income families face substantially higher costs. The aid structure supports Colgate's educational mission while managing institutional finances, though the relatively low Pell share indicates that cost concerns may limit access for students from lower-income backgrounds who might benefit from the available aid programs.
Net prices below $30,000 across most income brackets place Colgate within reach for middle-class families, though affordability challenges remain for those not qualifying for substantial aid.
Parent PLUS loans show a median debt of $59,463 with monthly payments of $783, reflecting additional family borrowing that supplements student aid and loan limits. The combination of controlled student borrowing and strong graduate earnings creates sustainable debt levels that support long-term financial stability for most graduates.
