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Colgate University vs Vassar College

Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY, and Vassar College is a private college in Poughkeepsie, NY. Colgate University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 19% at Vassar College. Colgate University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,786 a year against $39,343 at Vassar College. About 91% of students graduate at Colgate University, compared with 90% at Vassar College. Ten years after enrolling, Colgate University alumni earn a median of about $85,139, against $71,366 for Vassar College.

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Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private

Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Hamilton, NY
Poughkeepsie, NY
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,180
2,444
Acceptance rate
14%
19%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1430–1540
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
33–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,786
$39,343
Full cost / yr
$87,070
$87,419
In-state tuition
$70,306
$71,030
Out-of-state tuition
$70,306
$71,030
Application fee
$60
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,086
$15,953
$30k - $48k
$2,678
$14,548
$48k - $75k
$13,617
$14,126
$75k - $110k
$21,831
$25,773
Over $110k
$48,234
$56,615
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
90%
Freshman retention
93%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,949
$49,177
Median earnings (10 yr)
$85,139
$71,366
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$18,625
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
19%
First-generation students
18%
14%
International students
8%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 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 Vassar College harder to get into?
Colgate University is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 19% at Vassar 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 Vassar College?
Colgate University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,786 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $39,343 at Vassar College. 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 Vassar College?
Before aid, Colgate University costs about $87,070 a year and Vassar College about $87,419. 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 Vassar College?
Colgate University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,086 there, against about $15,953 at Vassar College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colgate University or Vassar College?
Colgate University is the larger of the two, with about 3,180 undergraduates against 2,444 at Vassar College.
Does Colgate University or Vassar College have a better graduation rate?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 90% at Vassar College.
Do graduates of Colgate University or Vassar College earn more?
Colgate University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $85,139 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,366 for Vassar College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colgate University and Vassar College require SAT or ACT scores?
Colgate University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Vassar College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Colgate University and Vassar College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1430–1540 at Colgate University and 1450–1550 at Vassar College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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