College comparison
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric | Colgate Hamilton, NY | Emory University-Oxford College Oxford, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateEmory University-Oxford College is more selective | 14% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1430–1540 | 1470–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,180 | 967 |
| Avg net price | $28,786 | $37,920 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Colgate reports higher median earnings | $85,139 | $80,137 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | — |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $18,250 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Two highly selective liberal arts institutions offering distinct pathways: one a classic, independent college, the other a unique two-year campus within a major research university.
By the numbers Colgate demonstrates a strong return on investment, with a 3.0× value multiplier (10-year median earnings of $85k vs. an average net price of $29k). Emory-Oxford's multiplier is 2.1× ($80k earnings vs. $38k net price). Selectivity is similar (Colgate 14% vs. Emory-Oxford 13%), with Emory-Oxford's admitted student SAT middle 50% range (1470–1550) slightly higher than Colgate's (1430–1540). Colgate shows a very high economic-mobility rate (87%) and higher admit-rate volatility (112% vs. 70%), and it holds a solid DOE financial-health score of 2.6/3.
Where they overlap Both are elite, residential liberal arts communities with a focus on undergraduate teaching and high graduation rates. They attract academically driven students seeking a rigorous foundation.
How they differ The core distinction is structure and scale. Colgate is a four-year, standalone national liberal arts college in a classic upstate New York college town. Emory-Oxford is a two-year, intimate program on a smaller suburban campus, after which students transition to Emory's Atlanta campus to complete their degree. Culturally, Oxford is described as an exceptionally close-knit community with intense professor engagement, while Colgate offers a traditional four-year continuity in a more isolated setting. Socially, the full Emory University experience in Atlanta offers vast urban resources, while Colgate has its own established campus traditions.
Who each suits Choose for a student who thrives in a self-contained, traditional four-year college environment with a strong sense of place and consistent community. Choose for a student who desires the nurturing, highly personalized start of a small college but is confident and eager to leverage the opportunities of a major research university in a dynamic city for their final two years.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.
| Location | Hamilton, NY | Oxford, GA |
|---|
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.