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 University delivers strong financial returns despite its liberal arts focus, with graduates earning a median of $85,139 ten years after graduation against relatively manageable debt of $15,000. The high graduation rate of 90.5% means you're likely to finish and see returns on your investment.
Economics and Computer Science majors see the strongest earnings potential, with economics graduates earning $67,995 and computer science graduates earning $66,171. Political science and international relations majors also perform well financially, earning over $53,000. Romance languages majors face a tougher financial picture at $47,260, making this path riskier from a pure ROI perspective.
The biggest financial risk at Colgate is the sticker price shock. With only 12.68% of students receiving aid, most families pay close to full freight. If you don't qualify for need-based aid, you're looking at significant out-of-pocket costs that could strain family finances or force you into private loans beyond the typical federal limits.
Colgate makes financial sense if your family can afford the net price of $29,107 without excessive borrowing, or if you qualify for their need-based aid. The school works well for students targeting finance, consulting, or graduate school, where the alumni network and brand recognition pay dividends. Skip Colgate if you need substantial merit aid or plan to major in fields where the starting salary won't justify the cost. The school's rural Hamilton location may also limit internship and job opportunities compared to urban alternatives.
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.