Colgate University vs Villanova University

Colgate University and Villanova University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Colgate, a private liberal arts college in Hamilton, New York, boasts a lower acceptance rate (13%) and a smaller student body (2,900 undergraduates) compared to Villanova, a private Catholic university in Villanova, Pennsylvania, which has a higher acceptance rate (66%) and a larger student body (10,000 undergraduates). While Colgate's popular majors include Economics, Biology, and English, Villanova's strengths lie in Business, Nursing, and Engineering. Colgate's student body is predominantly White (68%) and female (55%), while Villanova's student body is more diverse, with a larger percentage of White (63%), Asian (15%), and Hispanic (10%) students, and a more balanced gender ratio (51% female, 49% male). Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, with Colgate at 93

	Colgate University	Villanova University
Overview
Location	Hamilton, New York	Villanova, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	93.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	17.2%	25.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1350 - 1500	1350 - 1490
ACT range	32 - 34	31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	29.0%	28.0%
Students submitting ACT score	21.0%	17.0%
Total number of applicants	17,540	24,410
Total number of admissions given out	3,015	6,162
Admitted students who chose to enroll	887	1,772
Yield rate	29.4%	28.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$80,160	$77,806
Average net price	$24,500	$33,123
Tuition	$61,594	$58,290
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,496 Meal plan: $8,028	Room/dormitory: $8,236 Meal plan: $7,150
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	41.0% Average amount $53,718	52.0% Average amount $43,106
Students receiving federal student loan	11.0% Average amount $4,253	34.0% Average amount $5,267
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $34,492	7.0% Average amount $29,933

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,164 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%	7,032 Men 45.6% Women 54.4%
Graduate students	12 Men 41.7% Women 58.3%	3,838 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	75.2%	80.7%
International students	8.8%	3.6%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,972	5,400
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York New Jersey Connecticut California Pennsylvania	New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Physical Science Ethnic Studies Visual & Performing Arts	Business Engineering Health Professions Legal Profession Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	90.3%	91.3%
Dropout rate	2.8%	1.5%
Transferred out	6.7%	7.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,196 Year 2: $67,995 Year 3: $86,742 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $67,401 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,813 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $60,399 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,179 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $57,947 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,895 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $51,701 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,416 Year 3: $50,739 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,610 Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: $43,419 Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,641 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $40,037 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,181 Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: $21,648 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $44,942 Year 3: N/A	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $114,668 Year 2: $165,766 Year 3: $171,511 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $124,137 Year 2: $100,740 Year 3: $121,765 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,590 Year 2: $109,095 Year 3: $118,365 Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,687 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $106,587 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,782 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $91,484 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,757 Year 2: $73,579 Year 3: $88,419 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,583 Year 2: $80,218 Year 3: $88,254 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,297 Year 2: $71,947 Year 3: $86,990 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,492 Year 2: $72,214 Year 3: $85,108 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,115 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $84,596

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between Colgate University and Villanova University?

Colgate University is a small, highly selective liberal arts college located in rural Hamilton, New York, known for its rigorous academics and strong sense of community. Villanova University, on the other hand, is a larger, private Catholic university located in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including strong business and engineering schools. Colgate emphasizes a residential liberal arts experience, while Villanova provides a blend of liberal arts and professional studies within a faith-based environment.
How do Colgate and Villanova differ in terms of academic focus?

Colgate University is primarily focused on undergraduate liberal arts education, with strengths in fields like economics, political science, natural sciences, and English. Villanova University offers a wider array of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, engineering, nursing, law, and arts and sciences. While both institutions offer strong liberal arts programs, Villanova provides more options for students interested in pre-professional training and advanced degrees.
What is the campus environment like at Colgate versus Villanova?

Colgate University boasts a close-knit, residential campus environment in a rural setting. Students often describe the community as tight-knit and academically focused. Villanova University offers a more diverse campus environment in a suburban setting, with a larger student body and a wider range of extracurricular activities. Villanova's campus is known for its strong school spirit and active student life, particularly surrounding athletics.
How do the student bodies compare in size and diversity?

Colgate University has a smaller undergraduate student body, typically around 3,000 students, fostering a more intimate learning environment. Villanova University has a significantly larger student body, with over 7,000 undergraduate students and a substantial graduate student population. While both institutions strive for diversity, Villanova's larger size generally allows for a more diverse student body in terms of backgrounds, interests, and perspectives.
What are the religious affiliations of Colgate and Villanova?

Colgate University has historically ties to the Baptist church, but is now non-denominational. Villanova University is a Catholic university founded by the Order of Saint Augustine. While students of all faiths are welcome at both institutions, Villanova's Catholic identity is central to its mission and values, influencing campus life and academic programs.
How do the athletic programs at Colgate and Villanova compare?

Both Colgate and Villanova have strong athletic programs. Colgate University competes in the Patriot League (Division I FCS for football) and offers a range of varsity sports. Villanova University competes in the Big East Conference (Division I) and is particularly well-known for its men's basketball program, which has won multiple national championships. Villanova's athletic programs generally receive more national attention due to their success in high-profile sports.
What are the typical costs of attendance at Colgate and Villanova?

The cost of attendance at both Colgate University and Villanova University is high, reflecting their status as private institutions. Tuition, fees, and room and board are significant expenses. However, both institutions offer financial aid and scholarships to help students afford their education. It's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date cost information and financial aid opportunities.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of Colgate and Villanova?

Graduates from both Colgate University and Villanova University enjoy strong career prospects. Colgate graduates are well-prepared for careers in fields such as finance, consulting, government, and non-profit organizations, often pursuing graduate studies as well. Villanova graduates are highly sought after in fields such as business, engineering, nursing, and law, benefiting from the university's strong alumni network and career services. Both institutions provide resources to help students secure internships and full-time employment after graduation.
How do the locations of Colgate and Villanova impact the student experience?

Colgate University's rural location provides a focused and immersive campus experience, fostering a strong sense of community. Students have access to outdoor activities and a close-knit social scene. Villanova University's suburban location offers a balance between campus life and access to the cultural and professional opportunities of Philadelphia. Students can easily explore the city's museums, restaurants, and internship opportunities.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between Colgate and Villanova?

When deciding between Colgate University and Villanova University, consider your academic interests, preferred campus environment, religious preferences, and career goals. If you're seeking a small, academically rigorous liberal arts college in a rural setting, Colgate may be a good fit. If you're interested in a broader range of academic programs, a faith-based environment, and access to a major city, Villanova may be a better choice. Visiting both campuses and speaking with current students can help you make an informed decision.

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