WUSTL vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington University in St Louis in St. Louis, MO with Colgate University in Hamilton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington University in St Louis is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (16,357 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington University in St Louis is located in St. Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Washington University in St Louis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington University in St Louis 7:1; Colgate University 9:1.

WUSTL vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WUSTL 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 Washington University in St Louis than Colgate ($22,408 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 19.4% lower than at Washington University in St Louis ($17,610 vs. $21,854).
• Colgate University is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WUSTL (about $4,516 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $65,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Colgate than at Washington University in St Louis (about $4,516 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $65,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington University in St Louis than at Colgate University (49% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington University in St Louis students is 13.3% larger than aid received by Colgate University students ($66,080 vs. $58,334).

WUSTL vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WUSTL 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 WUSTL .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington University in St Louis (1540) is 50 points higher than at Colgate (1490).
• Incoming WUSTL students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Colgate).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 1500/1570; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 33/35; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WUSTL - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WUSTL Jan 4, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WUSTL students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Colgate has a higher acceptance rate (13.9%) than WUSTL (12.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.7% at WUSTL vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

WUSTL vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WUSTL 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).

• Washington University in St Louis's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Colgate University's (92%).
• Graduates from Washington University in St Louis earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,800 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $3,775 lower median loan debt than WUSTL graduates ($16,125 vs. $19,900).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WUSTL graduates ($166 vs. $205).
• More WUSTL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.