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College comparison
Colgate vs WashU
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 |  WashU St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateWashington University in St Louis is more selective | 14% | 12% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1430–1540 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,180 | 7,857 |
| Avg net price | $28,786 | $21,786 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)WashU reports higher median earnings | $85,139 | $86,182 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 94% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Colgate vs WashU: how they compare
Two highly selective private universities with strong outcomes, set in distinctly different environments.
By the numbers WashU is slightly more selective (12% vs. 14% acceptance) with a higher SAT midrange (1500–1570 vs. 1430–1540) and graduation rate (94% vs. 91%). Post-graduate earnings are nearly identical ($86k vs. $85k 10-yr median). Financially, WashU presents a stronger average value proposition with a lower average net price ($22k vs. $29k) and a higher value multiplier (4.0× vs. 3.0× earnings per dollar of net price). It also shows a significantly higher economic-mobility rate (104% vs. 87%). Colgate demonstrates greater financial health per DOE scores (2.6/3 vs. 2.4/3) but has much higher admit-rate volatility (112% vs. 35%).
Where they overlap Both are elite, residential institutions with excellent graduation rates and strong median earnings outcomes a decade after graduation. They require a significant financial investment, though substantial aid is available, and both deliver a high-return education.
How they differ The settings and social textures are opposites. Colgate is defined by its traditional, intimate college town atmosphere in Hamilton, NY, which fosters a tight-knit campus community. WashU is a larger, research-intensive university in a suburban setting within a major metropolitan area (St. Louis), offering more urban resources and a different pace. Qualitatively, discussions suggest Colgate's culture may be more influenced by its athletic scene, while WashU is sometimes perceived as having a more upper-middle-class, suburban campus vibe.
Who each suits Colgate suits a student seeking a cohesive, classic liberal arts college experience in a rural setting where campus life is central. WashU is a better fit for a student who wants the resources and research opportunities of a larger university, prefers proximity to a city, and may thrive in a more decentralized, suburban-campus environment.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Colgate University or Washington University in St Louis harder to get into?
- Washington University in St Louis is more selective: Colgate University's acceptance rate is approximately 14% and Washington University in St Louis's is approximately 12% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Colgate University vs Washington University in St Louis?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1430–1540 at Colgate University and 1500–1570 at Washington University in St Louis. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
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.