Skip to content

Colgate University vs Hobart William Smith Colleges

Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY. Hobart William Smith Colleges is a private university in Geneva, NY. Colgate University admits about 14% of applicants and Hobart William Smith Colleges about 64%, making Colgate University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,786 a year at Colgate University after aid, and about $31,563 at Hobart William Smith Colleges. About 91% of students graduate at Colgate University, compared with 75% at Hobart William Smith Colleges. Ten years after enrolling, Colgate University alumni earn a median of about $85,139, against $68,831 for Hobart William Smith Colleges.

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Geneva, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Hamilton, NY
Geneva, NY
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,180
1,786
Acceptance rate
14%
64%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1430–1540
1190–1385
ACT (middle 50%)
33–34
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,786
$31,563
Full cost / yr
$87,070
$82,602
In-state tuition
$70,306
$65,117
Out-of-state tuition
$70,306
$65,117
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,086
$14,650
$30k - $48k
$2,678
$12,639
$48k - $75k
$13,617
$22,108
$75k - $110k
$21,831
$23,149
Over $110k
$48,234
$39,740
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
75%
Freshman retention
93%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,949
$62,416
Median earnings (10 yr)
$85,139
$68,831
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
25%
First-generation students
18%
13%
International students
8%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colgate University or Hobart William Smith Colleges harder to get into?
Colgate University is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 64% at Hobart William Smith Colleges. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colgate University or Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Colgate University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,786 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,563 at Hobart William Smith Colleges. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Colgate University and Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Before aid, Hobart William Smith Colleges costs about $82,602 a year and Colgate University about $87,070. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colgate University or Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Colgate University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,086 there, against about $14,650 at Hobart William Smith Colleges. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colgate University or Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Colgate University is the larger of the two, with about 3,180 undergraduates against 1,786 at Hobart William Smith Colleges.
Does Colgate University or Hobart William Smith Colleges have a better graduation rate?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 75% at Hobart William Smith Colleges.
Do graduates of Colgate University or Hobart William Smith Colleges earn more?
Colgate University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $85,139 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,831 for Hobart William Smith Colleges. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colgate University and Hobart William Smith Colleges require SAT or ACT scores?
Colgate University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Hobart William Smith Colleges is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Colgate University and Hobart William Smith Colleges look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1430–1540 at Colgate University and 1190–1385 at Hobart William Smith Colleges. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school