Colgate University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$268,096
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$29,949/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
123%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Colgate University's high tuition cost of $67,024 is offset by strong earnings potential for graduates. One year after graduation, the median salary is $46,979, increasing to $64,949 after five years, and $85,139 after ten years. With a median debt of $15,000, graduates have a relatively low debt burden compared to their earning potential.
The debt-to-income ratio for Colgate graduates is favorable. The median debt of $15,000 is a small fraction of the one-year salary of $46,979. The high earnings potential suggests a short break-even timeline for the investment in education.
The university's high graduation rate of 90.9% and retention rate of 92.9% indicate a positive student experience. The low acceptance rate of 12% suggests the university is highly selective. Only 12.2% of students receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$67,024
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$64,949
Graduation Rate
91%
Receive Financial Aid
12%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | $268,096 | $103,456 | 411% |
| Political Science and Government. | $268,096 | $85,816 | 279% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $268,096 | $49,657 | 9% |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | $268,096 | $50,879 | 18% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | $268,096 | $80,020 | 236% |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | $268,096 | $0 | N/A |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $268,096 | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology. | $268,096 | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $268,096 | $36,509 | -89% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | $268,096 | $65,215 | 125% |
| History. | $268,096 | $53,541 | 38% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $268,096 | $70,524 | 165% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.