Colgate University vs Middlebury College: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Colgate University and Middlebury College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Colgate University vs Middlebury College at a glance
Colgate University admits 13.9% of applicants and Middlebury College 10.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,409 at Colgate University and $32,102 at Middlebury College. Six-year graduation rates are 88.8% and 92.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Colgate University admits 13.9% of applicants and Middlebury College 10.8%, so Middlebury College is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,409 a year at Colgate University and $32,102 at Middlebury College; Colgate University costs $2,693 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $8,610 at Colgate University and $7,548 at Middlebury College.
- 88.8% of students graduate within six years at Colgate University, against 92.5% at Middlebury College.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $96,328 for Colgate University and $85,077 for Middlebury College; Colgate University is $11,251 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $12,000 at Colgate University and $18,437 at Middlebury College.
- Colgate University enrolls 3,180 students (distant town) and Middlebury College 2,738 (distant town).
Side by side
Colgate University and Middlebury College in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Colgate University | Middlebury College |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 13.9% | 10.8% |
| Applicants | 17,540 | 11,906 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1430–1540 | 1445–1550 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–34 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,409 | $32,102 |
| Tuition, in state | $73,646 | $70,640 |
| Tuition, out of state | $73,646 | $70,640 |
| Cost of attendance | $91,222 | $88,850 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $8,610 | $7,548 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,748 | $8,388 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $15,150 | $13,993 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $26,968 | $23,522 |
| Over $110,000 | $49,725 | $50,664 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 88.8% | 92.5% |
| First-year retention | 93.4% | 93.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $96,328 | $85,077 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $12,000 | $18,437 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $136 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 3,180 | 2,738 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Town: Distant | Town: Distant |
| Location | Hamilton, NY | Middlebury, VT |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Colgate University reports 41 bachelor's programs and Middlebury College 45; 31 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Colgate University vs Middlebury College
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Colgate University or Middlebury College?
Middlebury College is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Colgate University admits 13.9% of applicants and Middlebury College admits 10.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Colgate University 1430–1540; Middlebury College 1445–1550.
Which is cheaper, Colgate University or Middlebury College?
Colgate University has the lower average net price after grants: $29,409 a year at Colgate University against $32,102 at Middlebury College. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $8,610 and $7,548. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Colgate University or Middlebury College graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more at the median: $96,328 ten years after entry for Colgate University and $85,077 for Middlebury College. Median federal debt at graduation is $12,000 and $18,437.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Colgate University or Middlebury College?
Middlebury College does: 88.8% of Colgate University students graduate within six years, against 92.5% at Middlebury College.
How big are Colgate University and Middlebury College?
Colgate University has 3,180 students in Hamilton, NY and Middlebury College has 2,738 students in Middlebury, VT.