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Colgate University vs SUNY at Purchase College

Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY, and SUNY at Purchase College is a public college in Purchase, NY. Colgate University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 74% at SUNY at Purchase College. SUNY at Purchase College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,913 a year against $28,786 at Colgate University. About 91% of students graduate at Colgate University, compared with 62% at SUNY at Purchase College. Ten years after enrolling, Colgate University alumni earn a median of about $85,139, against $45,092 for SUNY at Purchase College.

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private

SUNY at Purchase College

Purchase, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hamilton, NY
Purchase, NY
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,180
3,197
Acceptance rate
14%
74%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1430–1540
1185–1380
ACT (middle 50%)
33–34
27–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,786
$18,913
Full cost / yr
$87,070
$29,043
In-state tuition
$70,306
$8,953
Out-of-state tuition
$70,306
$19,203
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,086
$11,835
$30k - $48k
$2,678
$15,230
$48k - $75k
$13,617
$19,658
$75k - $110k
$21,831
$20,886
Over $110k
$48,234
$25,428
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
62%
Freshman retention
93%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,949
$31,229
Median earnings (10 yr)
$85,139
$45,092
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$21,067
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
36%
First-generation students
18%
24%
International students
8%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 SUNY at Purchase College harder to get into?
Colgate University is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 74% at SUNY at Purchase College. 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 SUNY at Purchase College?
SUNY at Purchase College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,913 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,786 at Colgate University. 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 SUNY at Purchase College?
Before aid, SUNY at Purchase College costs about $29,043 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 SUNY at Purchase College?
Colgate University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,086 there, against about $11,835 at SUNY at Purchase College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colgate University or SUNY at Purchase College?
SUNY at Purchase College is the larger of the two, with about 3,197 undergraduates against 3,180 at Colgate University.
Does Colgate University or SUNY at Purchase College have a better graduation rate?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 62% at SUNY at Purchase College.
Do graduates of Colgate University or SUNY at Purchase College earn more?
Colgate University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $85,139 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,092 for SUNY at Purchase College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colgate University and SUNY at Purchase College require SAT or ACT scores?
Colgate University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. SUNY at Purchase College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Colgate University and SUNY at Purchase College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1430–1540 at Colgate University and 1185–1380 at SUNY at Purchase College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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