MIT vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

Compare Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA with Colgate University in Hamilton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (11,886 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology is located in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3:1; Colgate University 9:1.

MIT vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MIT or Colgate? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Massachusetts Institute of Technology than Colgate ($20,996 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 13.2% lower than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($17,610 vs. $20,280).
• Colgate University is 12.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than MIT (about $7,910 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $62,396.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.7% higher at Colgate than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (about $7,910 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $62,396.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts Institute of Technology than at Colgate University (59% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Massachusetts Institute of Technology students is 5.8% larger than aid received by Colgate University students ($61,734 vs. $58,334).

MIT vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MIT or Colgate? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Colgate and MIT.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1550) is 60 points higher than at Colgate (1490).
• Incoming MIT students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 33 at Colgate).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1520/1580; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 34/36; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MIT - Required to be considered for admission; Colgate - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: MIT Jan 1, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MIT students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Colgate has a higher acceptance rate (13.9%) than MIT (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 85.8% at MIT vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

MIT vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MIT and Colgate? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Colgate University's (92%).
• Graduates from Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn a median of about $66,800 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($142,100 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $1,191 lower median loan debt than MIT graduates ($16,125 vs. $17,316).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MIT graduates ($166 vs. $179).
• More MIT graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.