At $29,107/yr net price, Colgate University graduates earn $85,139/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $51,139/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,107 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $85,139/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$51,139/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 90.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,341/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,345/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,685/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,027/yr |
| $110,001+ | $53,119/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $67,995 | $17,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,171 | $16,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $53,775 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $16,250 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $16,900 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $44,942 | $17,000 |
| Philosophy. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $15,350 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $15,875 |
The Risk Factor
90.5% of students at Colgate University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Colgate gives you a strong financial return. You leave with median debt of $15,000 against median earnings of $85,139 ten years out, so the debt is well under one year of typical pay. The 92.85% retention and 90.50% graduation rates mean you are likely to actually finish, which is where most college debt turns toxic , you borrow and leave without a degree. That risk is low here.
Economics and computer science are the top earners among listed bachelor programs, with early-career pay near $66,000-$68,000. Both carry debt in the $16,000-$17,500 range, so the borrowing tracks the payoff. The humanities and language paths pay less early on: Romance languages graduates start around $47,000, roughly $20,000 below economics, while carrying nearly identical debt. If you major in languages or political science, your first decade earns back the same loans on a slower income curve.
The main financial risk is the sticker price. Above $110,000 in family income, you pay $53,119 a year , more than $212,000 across four years. If your household clears that line, run the math on your intended major, because a $47,000 starting salary against full price is a slower return than economics or CS at the same cost.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families heavily. Under $30,000 in income, you pay $3,341 a year. between $30,000 and $48,000, $9,345. Those tiers make Colgate a genuine bargain if you qualify. The jump is steep at the $75,000-$110,000 band, where price roughly doubles to $31,027. Colgate fits you well if you land in the lower income tiers or plan to major in economics or computer science. Full-pay families steering toward lower-earning majors should weigh the cost carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colgate University worth the cost?
Colgate graduates earn $85,139 ten years after graduation with relatively low debt of $15,000, making the investment worthwhile for most students. The strong alumni network and 90.5% graduation rate help justify the cost, though liberal arts majors should expect lower starting salaries.
What are the best paying majors at Colgate University?
Economics and Computer Science majors at Colgate earn around $67,000 after graduation, significantly higher than other programs. International Relations and Political Science majors earn in the low $50,000s, while language majors typically start around $47,000.
How much debt do Colgate University students graduate with?
Colgate students graduate with a median debt of just $15,000, much lower than the national average. The school's strong financial aid program keeps debt manageable despite the high sticker price.
Does Colgate University provide good financial aid?
Colgate's net price averages $29,107 per year, which represents significant financial aid given the full cost. However, aid is primarily need-based, so middle and upper-middle class families often pay close to full price.