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Colgate University vs SUNY College at Potsdam

Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY. SUNY College at Potsdam is a public college in Potsdam, NY. Colgate University admits about 14% of applicants and SUNY College at Potsdam about 78%, making Colgate University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,624 a year at SUNY College at Potsdam after aid, and about $28,786 at Colgate University. About 91% of students graduate at Colgate University, compared with 47% at SUNY College at Potsdam. Ten years after enrolling, Colgate University alumni earn a median of about $85,139, against $47,866 for SUNY College at Potsdam.

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private

SUNY College at Potsdam

Potsdam, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hamilton, NY
Potsdam, NY
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,180
1,823
Acceptance rate
14%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1430–1540
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
33–34
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,786
$13,624
Full cost / yr
$87,070
$25,083
In-state tuition
$70,306
$8,768
Out-of-state tuition
$70,306
$18,678
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,086
$8,623
$30k - $48k
$2,678
$8,684
$48k - $75k
$13,617
$14,524
$75k - $110k
$21,831
$15,513
Over $110k
$48,234
$20,041
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
47%
Freshman retention
93%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,949
$39,440
Median earnings (10 yr)
$85,139
$47,866
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
40%
First-generation students
18%
34%
International students
8%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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 College at Potsdam harder to get into?
Colgate University is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 78% at SUNY College at Potsdam. 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 College at Potsdam?
SUNY College at Potsdam is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,624 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 College at Potsdam?
Before aid, SUNY College at Potsdam costs about $25,083 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 College at Potsdam?
Colgate University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,086 there, against about $8,623 at SUNY College at Potsdam. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colgate University or SUNY College at Potsdam?
Colgate University is the larger of the two, with about 3,180 undergraduates against 1,823 at SUNY College at Potsdam.
Does Colgate University or SUNY College at Potsdam have a better graduation rate?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 47% at SUNY College at Potsdam.
Do graduates of Colgate University or SUNY College at Potsdam earn more?
Colgate University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $85,139 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,866 for SUNY College at Potsdam. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colgate University and SUNY College at Potsdam require SAT or ACT scores?
Colgate University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. SUNY College at Potsdam is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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