SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

Green In Two

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Win up to $2,000 with the SoFi Green In Two Bonus.

To tee off the inaugural season of TGL presented by SoFi in a big way, we’re giving SoFi Invest® members the chance to score up to $2,000 in stock during the playoffs with an epic promotion. Sign up by April 1, 2025 to score.*


Promo ended

*SoFi Invest TGL Claw Promotion is valid between 3/17/25-4/1/25 and is effective only upon any TGL Player or Team successfully hits the ball onto the green on holes Nine (9) or Fifteen (15) in two strokes or less. There is no guarantee that a Triggering Event will occur. Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $2,000 is 0.028%. See full terms below.

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Get your SoFi Green In Two Bonus!

It’s happened! Now that a team has successfully gone for the green during the playoffs, we’re doubling the stock you can score—up to $2,000—by opening and funding a new SoFi Active Invest account.*

It was an ambitious shot by our players. Now go for your own ambitions with this bonus stock offer and sign up by April 1, 2025.


Promo ended

*SoFi Invest TGL Claw Promotion is valid between 3/17/25-4/1/25 and is effective only upon any TGL Player or Team successfully hits the ball onto the green on holes Nine (9) or Fifteen (15) in two strokes or less. There is no guarantee that a Triggering Event will occur. Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $2,000 is 0.028%. See full terms below.


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There’s more to discover with SoFi Invest®.

More ways to invest—all in one place.


SoFi’s robo advisor provides the ease and expertise to help you reach your goals.

Learn more

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Open a Traditional or Roth IRA from SoFi Invest. Get a 1% match on every dollar you roll over. Terms apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% offer.

Learn more

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Schedule a complimentary 30-minute session with one of our financial planners.

Learn more

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Work on your financial game

with SoFi Learn.

Get educated on building long-term wealth.









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Next gen finance
meets next gen golf.

Our team up with TGL was driven by a shared passion for tech-driven innovation—seeking to unlock the incredible new ways golf fans will engage with the sport. Just like SoFi has redefined personal finance with innovative technology, helping millions of SoFi members on their journey to realizing their ambitions.

For investors ready to take their best shot at their ambitions, join team SoFi today.


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Home Equity Loans – Apply for a Home Equity Loan Online

HOME EQUITY LOANS

Borrow at a lower rate with
a home equity loan.

Rate Drop Alert: Fixed rates start at 6.99% APR*

Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

Received a mailer from us?
Enter confirmation #

✓ Access up to 85% or $350K of your home’s equity.
✓ Keep your current home loan interest rate.
✓ $0 origination fee options.1
✓ Fixed rates and flexible terms.

See APR disclosure

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HOME EQUITY LOANS

Borrow at a lower rate with

a home equity loan.


View your rate

Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

✓ Access up to 85% or $350K of your home’s equity.
✓ Enjoy lower rates for consolidating debt or
home upgrades.
✓ Get flexible terms that work for you.


View your rate

Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

Received a mailer from us?
Enter confirmation #

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How to apply for a
home equity loan online.

Help us understand your needs.

Answer a few questions online to help us
assist you better.

Get paired with a dedicated Mortgage
Loan Officer.

You’ll be connected with an experienced SoFi
Mortgage Loan Officer who’s ready to help you get
the best home equity loan for you.

Submit your application.

Your SoFi Mortgage Loan Officer will help you submit your home equity application so you can get access to your cash.


Get started

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What is a home
equity loan?

Home equity loans let you borrow
money by leveraging the equity in your
home. They’re one of the most
affordable financing options since
home equity rates are lower than
interest rates for most other types of
loans. These lower interest rates can
help fund big purchases, home
renovations, or consolidate high-interest debt.


Learn more

You could save thousands
with a SoFi home equity loan.

The savings claim above is based upon using a SoFi Home Equity Loan to pay-off credit card balance of $60,000. We assume a credit card APR of 24%. The savings shown assumed payments of only the interest due. We compare that against an assumed SoFi Home Equity Loan of $60,000 (to pay off the credit card) with an APR of 7.29%. Annual interest savings assumes you pay both loans on time. You might not be eligible for the home equity loan and, if you are eligible, your APR rate could be higher. Eligibility and the lowest APR rate depend on credit worthiness, income, and other factors. The 24% APR is the average credit card APR reported by Wallethub for Q1 March 2025 under their Good Credit category.

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Home equity loan requirements:



View your rate

Checking won’t affect your credit score.

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A home equity loan could
help with that.



  • Pay down high-interest debt.

    You could save on your monthly payments
    when you consolidate credit cards or
    other unsecured loans into one lower rate.



  • Fund home improvements.

    Make your dream kitchen a reality without
    having to take on high-interest debt.



  • Make big purchases.

    Tuition, weddings, and vacations can get
    expensive. Instead of putting them on a
    high-interest credit card, a home equity
    loan could help you save on monthly payments.

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Crunch the
numbers on your
home equity loan.

Home equity
loan calculator

Use this to determine your
home’s equity.






Learn more

HELOC monthly
payment
calculator

Get help
understanding your
monthly payments
with a home
equity
line of credit.

Learn more

HELOC
interest-only
calculator

Shine some light on potential
interest payments.




Learn more

HELOC repayment
calculator

Estimate how much you might be
paying with a home equity line of
credit.


Learn more

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Why choose SoFi
for your home
equity loan?

No change to your existing mortgage rate.

Keep your current mortgage as is, no
need to refinance. And for qualified
borrowers, there are options to access
your home’s equity.

Finance almost anything
with up to $350K.

Access up to $350,000 of your home’s
equity (up to 85%) to finance home
improvements or consolidate debt.

Lower your monthly payment.

You could save compared to a high-
interest credit card or unsecured personal loan.

Get dedicated one-on-one support.

You’ll have a dedicated SoFi Mortgage
Loan Officer to help you find the right
loan option for you.


“Austin and his team were awesome and easy to work with! Great communication and follow up. Kept us in the loop every step of the way! I would go back to Austin without question.”

“Spencer and his team totally went to bat for us and got our loan processed. Very happy with him and his teams efforts and follow up. Communication was excellent right up to the loan funding.”

“Mark and his team worked very closely with us to make sure that we were comfortable with the process, understood the expectations, timeline and overall schedule.”

300+ Reviews

Current home equity loan rates by state.

Compare current home equity loan rates by state and find a home equity loan rate that suits your financial goals.

Select a state to view current rates:

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Learn more about home equity loans.

More resources on
home equity

Get answers to questions like “What’s the difference between a home equity loan
and a HELOC (home equity line of credit)?”




















FAQs



How does a home equity loan work?


To start, you’ll need to have sufficient home equity, which is the difference between the market value and what you owe. You may have built home equity by paying down your mortgage and by seeing your home appreciate. You’ll go through an application process, and the lender will likely order a home appraisal to ensure that there’s enough value there to lend against. You’ll have a lot more paperwork than some other loans and will sign mortgage lien documents that give the lender the right to start proceedings should you fail to make payments. After closing on the loan, you’ll receive all funds upfront. Repayment starts shortly after.

Learn more: What Is a Home Equity Loan?



How to apply for a home equity loan?

First, assess your financial situation – consider your income, how much equity you have available, if you have at least a “good” FICO® score, and your debt-to-income ratio. Exploring different loan options is encouraged!

Once you’ve found a fitting loan and are ready to apply, you’ll go through the application process, where you’ll submit information about your income, current mortgage, insurance, and other details the lender requests. If everything checks out, you’ll be able to close on your loan! Funds are disbursed around three business days after closing on the loan.

On a home equity loan where the funds are disbursed upfront and your interest rate is locked, the first payment will be due around 30 days after you close the loan.




How do I qualify for a home equity loan?


Home equity loans are contingent on income, credit history, and debt-to-income ratio. LTV is also considered. LTV compares the amount you owe against your home with its current value. Lenders usually want to see an LTV no higher than 80%. (LTV = Loan Value ÷ Property Value.) On a $400,000 home, for example, that means that you should owe no more than $320,000.



How long does it take to get a home equity loan?


It can take an estimated 30 days to close your loan. Funds are disbursed around three business days after closing on the loan. On a home equity loan where the funds are disbursed upfront and your interest rate is locked, the first payment will be due around 30 days after you close the loan.




What is the interest rate on a home equity loan?


A home equity loan offers a low interest rate because it uses your home’s equity to secure the loan. Because of the way it works, you may have access to a larger sum of money at a lower interest rate than you would if you used another source, such as a credit card. View your home equity rate here.



How much can I get with a home equity loan?

When it comes to how much home equity you can tap, many lenders allow a maximum of 90%, although some allow less, and some, more. In other words, your loan-to-value ratio shouldn’t exceed 90% in many cases.

If you’re taking out a second mortgage like a home equity loan or HELOC, your first mortgage and the equity loan compared with your home value is what is called the combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio. Most lenders will require a CLTV of 90% or less to obtain a home equity loan, although some will allow you to borrow 100% of your home’s value. For a better idea of exactly how much you can borrow, use SoFi’s Home Equity Loan Calculator.

Learn more: Ways to Pull Equity Out of Your Home



What is a home equity line of credit (HELOC)?


A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a credit line secured by the value of your home, minus any existing mortgage owed. You can borrow against it, spend, repay, and borrow again using your home as collateral.

Learn more: What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?




What is the difference between a HELOC vs home equity loan?


A HELOC is a revolving line of credit. You can take out money as you need it, up to your approved limit, during the draw period. You may be able to make interest-only payments on the amount you withdraw during that time, typically 10 years. A home equity loan is another type of second mortgage that uses your home as collateral, but in this case, the funds are disbursed all at once and repayment starts immediately. It is usually a fixed-rate loan of five to 30 years, and monthly payments remain the same until the loan is paid off.

Learn more: HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan



Can you have both a HELOC and home equity loan?


It is rare to have both a HELOC and a home equity loan. One would be a second mortgage and the other would be a third mortgage. Few banks are willing to lend money on a third mortgage, and for any that do, the interest rate would be high.


See more FAQs

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Do You Have Too Much Cash in Your Bank Account?

Your bank accounts are the hub of your financial life, where much of your money comes in and goes out. So of course, you want enough in there to feed all of your obligations. But, according to financial experts, you can have too much cash sitting in your checking and savings accounts.

For some, seeing extra dollars in their checking accounts can be a great source of comfort. Others may simply find it impossible not to draw down their account by month’s end.

There isn’t a magic number that defines “too much” cash. That’s determined by your unique financial situation. One rule of thumb suggests maintaining enough to cover three months’ worth of living expenses. But if you have significant expenses on the horizon, you may have good reason to keep your account more flush.

That noted, if you consistently have more than that in your checking account, or hold much of your savings in a low-yield savings account, there may be more productive ways to use your money – and achieve your financial goals.

What to Do With Excess Cash

There are many ways to use a little extra cash, from investing to saving up for a dream vacation. The following list of priorities may help you decide while keeping your financial wellness front and center. And the order is meaningful: Financial experts commonly recommend you take care of more pressing needs, such as repaying debt, before turning to investing. So here we go:

1.   Boost or establish your emergency fund: Financial planners recommend holding three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible but separate account.

2.   Pay off high-interest debts: Not all debt is created equal, and focusing on paying down high-interest obligations can leave you better off in the long-term. (A high interest rate is commonly considered 7% or higher.)

3.   Contribute to your retirement savings: An individual retirement account (IRA) can help you work towards your retirement goals, plus contributions may reduce your taxable income for the year and your investments can grow tax-deferred. If you already have an IRA and haven’t funded it for 2024 yet, there’s good news: You still have until tax day (April 15, 2025). If you’re all set for 2024, you could make your contribution for this year too. And note that if you’re 55 or older, additional catch up contributions can help you get to your savings goal. Plus, SoFi is offering members a 1% match on any contributions to a SoFi IRA.

4.   Boost your personal investment account: If points 1-3 are taken care of, you may consider transferring any excess cash into your personal investment account. What you do with it next is a question of your individual goals and risk tolerance, but we’ve got some pointers.

The Interest Rate Environment and Your Investments

Interest rates can play a major role in determining where you put your extra cash to work. Over the past few years, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy has affected everything from the rate you may get on a savings account to how attractive certain investments are.

In 2022 and 2023, the Fed raised rates to combat high inflation, boosting the appeal of certain investment options such as high-yield savings accounts. But inflation has cooled and last year the Fed cut rates three times and said more cuts may be coming.

Lower interest rates typically reduce the returns on savings accounts and other lower-risk investments, potentially making them less attractive compared with other investment options. Understanding these changes is essential for making informed decisions about how to manage and grow your excess funds effectively.

(Note: A high-yield savings account may still be an appropriate place to keep an emergency fund. Learn more about the SoFi high-yield account here.)

Investing Your Excess Cash

Though the broader investing environment may be complex, investing your money doesn’t have to be complicated. You can use a robo-advisor to make specific investment decisions, or work with a financial advisor if you want more personalized guidance.

Investing is inherently riskier than holding all your money in cash because investments can lose value. But diversifying your portfolio – rather than putting all your eggs in one basket – is a proven way to reduce risk and, potentially, improve returns. You may spread picks across different sectors and asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and alternative investments, for example.

Always do your research and assess the risk profile of any investments you’re considering, but know that there are relatively lower-risk and lower-cost strategies that still offer attractive yields. Examples include exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focusing on Treasury securities (Treasury yields rose at the end of 2024) and tracking the performance of the broader stock market.

If you’re looking to move extra cash from your checking account into your investing account and level up how your money can work for you, check out SoFi’s investing content collection to learn more about your options.


Image: Bernie Pesko/SoFi Source iStock

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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Main IRA Refresh Test



Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Invest in your future with an IRA.


Open a Roth or Traditional IRA and benefit from tax-advantaged retirement savings that help you plan for the years ahead.




Open an IRA






Begin rollover

1Terms and conditions apply. Matches are made on contributions up to the annual limits.

Take advantage of our 1% match on IRA rollovers and contributions with no minimum amount required. Learn more.

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headingText=”Want to grow your IRA faster?”
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{/* What is an ira*/}

What is an IRA?

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a personal savings plan that anyone with earned income can open. IRAs provide long-term retirement savings with tax advantages, such as potential tax deductions and tax-free growth, making them a smart choice compared to traditional brokerage accounts. Even if you already have a retirement plan at work, an IRA can help you save more by allowing you to contribute up to the annual maximum.

{/* IRA types*/}

Types of IRAs to fit your retirement goals.

Roth IRA

Taxed today, not in retirement


Open a Roth IRA


Traditional IRA

Save now, taxed when retired


Open a Traditional IRA


SEP IRA

For self-employed


Open a SEP IRA


Rollover IRA

Move 401(k), 403(b) funds

  • • There are no contribution limits when rolling over your 401(k) to an IRA.

  • • Allows you to consolidate 401(k)s from previous employers.

  • • Provides flexibility and control over your retirement savings.

  • • No taxes or penalties when transferring funds from a qualified retirement plan.


Begin Rollover


Use our IRA Contribution Calculator to find out your limits based on your income and age.

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headingText=”How much can you contribute to an IRA?”
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imgSrc=”https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/what-is-an-ira.webp”
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{/* How to manage your IRA */}

Choose how you want to manage your IRA.

With SoFi’s Roth or Traditional IRAs, you have the flexibility to choose the investment style that suits you best:
self-directed investing for hands-on control or automated investing for a portfolio built just for you with SoFi’s robo advisor.

  • Self-Directed IRAs
    (Hands-On)

    If you want to be hands-on and select your own investments in your IRA, self-directed investing is the option for you. Be your own investor and pay no commissions on your trades. Other fees apply.


    Open a Self-Directed IRA

  • Automated IRAs
    (Hands-Off)

    Overwhelmed by your investment options or not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Just tell us about your overall retirement and investment goals and our robo advisor will build and manage a custom portfolio for your IRA – just for you.


    Open an Automated IRA

{/* How SOFi Can help you prepare for retirement*/}

How SoFi can help you prepare for retirement.

Discover the benefits of opening an IRA with SoFi and see how it can help you achieve your retirement goals.

  • A 1% match for your future. 1

    Reimagine your retirement with a 1% match on IRA contributions and 401(k) rollovers—no employer plan is necessary. Note: SEP IRAs are excluded.

  • Diverse investment options.

    Whether selecting your investment options yourself or letting us build your portfolio for you, you get access to a wide range of investment options including stocks, ETFs, alternative investments, and more.

  • Professional advice at no additional cost.

    Book a complimentary 30-min session with a SoFi Financial Planner to get a clear understanding of your current financial situation – and build a strategy moving forward.

  • No commissions on stocks and ETFs.

    No commissions on stocks and ETFs means no extra cost to you. Other fees apply.


  • Open an IRA






    Begin rollover

    1Terms and conditions apply. Matches are made on contributions up to the annual limits.


Based on SoFi Members. This claim may not be representative of the experience of all other customers. | Updated: 10/22/2025

Open your IRA online in 3 easy steps.

  1. Open your IRA online.

    Tktk

  2. Fund your IRA.

    Tktk

  3. Start investing.

    Tktk


Open an IRA

See where you stand for retirement.

Use our retirement calculator to estimate what you’ll have, what you’ll need,
and to identify any gaps so you can plan with confidence. 3

How our retirement calculator works.

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This calculator projects your retirement savings by considering your current balance, annual contributions, and the rate of return on your investments. This is for educational purposes and is based on hypothetical assumptions that may not reflect actual performance.

The projected amount is in today’s dollars, meaning it reflects the purchasing power of your savings in terms of today’s cost of living, after adjusting for inflation. It also assumes those amounts are in pre-tax dollars, meaning taxes on these funds will be paid when you withdraw them in retirement.



On track or not, maxing out your IRA unlocks the power of compound returns.

Whether you’re on track or facing a gap based on your calculator results, consistently maxing out your IRA each year can help strengthen your long-term retirement outlook with the help of compound returns. This refers to the potential for your savings to build on themselves over time, similar to a snowball effect.

Take this chart, for example. It shows how those returns can add up over time when you consistently contribute the annual IRA maximum, based on a hypothetical 7% annual return, which reflects the historical average of the S&P 500 Index. 2

Calculators and guides to help you plan your retirement.

You know you’re supposed to save for retirement, but do you know how to get started or what you’re supposed to do over time? From knowing how much to save, what to invest in, and how to manage your retirement account, our tools and resources can help you on the road to retirement.








See more investing articles


FAQs


How much can I contribute to an IRA each year?

The IRS contribution limits for a Traditional and Roth IRA are the same: For 2024, the maximum contribution limits are $7,000 or $8,000 if you are 50 years or older; and for 2023, the limits are $6,500 or $7,500 if you are 50 years or older.

For SEP IRAs, the IRS contribution limits for 2024 are $69,000 or 25% of compensation per employee, whichever is lower; and for 2023 the limits are $66,000 or 25% of compensation per employee, whichever is lower. Other limitations may apply.

Learn: How to Open an IRA: A Beginner’s Guide


Are IRA contributions tax deductible?

Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible if you meet certain income requirements. Roth IRAs are not tax-deductible.

Learn more: IRA Tax Deduction Rules


What are the withdrawal rules for IRAs?

For traditional IRAs, you can make penalty-free withdrawals once you reach age 59½. Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn at any time without tax or penalty, for any reason at any age. Investment earnings on Roth contributions can typically be withdrawn, tax-free and without penalty, once the investor reaches the age of 59½, as long as the account has been open for at least a five-year period.

Learn more: Traditional and Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules & Penalties


Can I have an IRA if I have a 401(k)?

Yes, you can have both a 401(k) and an IRA. Note that the two account types have different contribution and withdrawal rules, so be sure to understand those before opening an account.




How do I move my 401(k) to an IRA?


SoFi Invest offers a range of retirement accounts and 401(k) rollover options. We offer Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs, and can help with the rollover process.


What are required minimum distributions (RMDs)?

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are minimum withdrawals set by the IRS that you must make when you reach a certain age. For traditional IRAs, RMDs kick in the year you turn 72 (73 if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022).


Can I have multiple IRAs?

Yes, you can have multiple IRAs, but the total amount you contribute to all of your IRAs cannot exceed the annual IRS contribution limits.



How much does it cost to open a SoFi IRA?

There’s no cost to open a SoFi IRA.


What are the fees associated with SoFi retirement accounts?

SoFi retirement accounts don’t have any account fees. However, there may be fees associated with certain ETFs and mutual funds ranging from 0.03% to 0.40%. Other fees apply.


How does SoFi invest my retirement savings?

SoFi offers a variety of investment options for your retirement savings including ETFs, stocks, and more. You can choose to invest in individual investments or you can use SoFi’s automated investing service to create a diversified portfolio that’s tailored to your risk tolerance and investment goals.


Who can open a SoFi IRA?

SoFi IRAs are available to anyone who is a U.S. citizen or resident who’s at least 18 years old and has a valid Social Security number.


Start saving for retirement your way.


Open a SoFi IRA

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Colgate University Tuition and Fees


Colgate University Tuition and Fees

Colgate University Tuition

On this page:

    By Susan Guillory

    (Last Updated – 02/2025)

    Colgate University, located in Hamilton, New York, is a prestigious private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics, close-knit community, and picturesque campus. It also stands out for its small class sizes, which foster closer faculty-student relationships, and a strong core curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and global perspectives. Here’s an overview of Colgate tuition, fees, housing costs, acceptance rate, and more.

    Total Cost of Attendance

    Costs for 2023-2024

    Colgate University’s total cost of attendance for 2023-24 was $87,070. Here’s how those costs break down:

    •  Tuition & Fees: $67,024

    •  Books & Supplies: $1,524

    •  Room & Board: $16,790

    •  Other Expenses: $1,732

    •  Total Cost of Attendance: $87,070

    Financial Aid

    Half of students use one or more forms of financial aid to help with the Colgate University cost. This may be in the form of scholarships, loans, grants, or a combination of these.

    For example, Pell Grants, federal funding for undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need, were awarded to 12% of Colgate students in the 2022-23 academic year.

    Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

    The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

    •  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

    •  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or non-profit organizations.

    •  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

    •  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

    Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

    You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

    •  US Department of Education — Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

    •  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) — A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

    •  Scholarship Search Tool

    Recommended: New York Student Loans & Scholarships

    Private Student Loans

    To help cover the cost of Colgate tuition, around 13% of students get federal student loans and roughly 4% take out private student loans (averaging $24,495 for the academic year).

    Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

    What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

    Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

    What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

    Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

    If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

    Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

    Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

    Colgate has a high price tag. The combined cost for Colgate tuition, fees, books, room/board, and other expenses for four years would be $348,280 (based on 2023-24 numbers). This is far higher than the national average of $241,680 for four years at a private university.

    This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

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    Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

    Costs for 2023-24

    Tuition & Fees

    $67,024

    Books & Supplies

    $1,524

    Total

    $68,548


    The total cost of attendance (which includes the above costs plus room and board and other expenses) for undergraduates at Colgate was $87,070 in 2023-24. This is notably higher than the average annual cost of attendance for private colleges in the U.S., which is $60,420.

    Graduate Tuition and Fees

    Costs for 2023-24

    •  Average tuition: $66,622

    •  Fees: $402

    •  Total: $67,024

    Tuition and fees for graduate students at Colgate for 2023-24 averaged $67,024. This is significantly higher than the average cost of graduate school tuition and fees in the U.S., which is $21,730 per year.

    There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.

    Cost per Credit Hour

    Based on a full course load (4.5 course credits, or 18 credit hours, per semester) and Colgate’s tuition and fees of $67,024, the cost per credit at Colgate comes out to $1,862.

    Certificates

    Colgate University offers a teaching certificate program. Students study education and also learn through experiences created to give them teaching effectiveness and leadership. The program has an emphasis on teaching to promote greater social justice and environmental responsibility.

    Students who want to be teachers can earn a New York State Department of Education teacher certification at Colgate. This certificate can be completed in eight or nine semesters. The ninth semester is a tuition-free student teaching semester.

    Campus Housing Expenses

    Costs for 2023-24

    •  Food and Housing: $16,790

    •  Other Expenses: $1,732

    •  Total Estimated Living Expenses: $18,522

    Colgate requires students to live on campus for all four years they attend school. For their first two years, students live in Residential Commons, located in close proximity to classes and dining options. After that, they have options for more independent on-campus living, including apartment and townhouse-style housing.

    One exception: Due to on-campus housing capacity limits, Colgate does offer approval to a small number of senior-year students to live off campus in privately owned housing. Approval to live off campus is granted through an application and lottery process.

    Colgate University Acceptance Rate

    Fall 2023

    Number of Applications

    Number Accepted

    Percentage Accepted

    21,130

    2,535

    12%

    Colgate has a 12% acceptance rate, making it highly selective.

    Admission Requirements

    Here’s what’s required and what’s optional for students applying to Colgate University.

    Required:

    •  Application

    •  High school transcript

    •  Two academic teacher recommendations

    •  Guidance counselor recommendation

    •  Mid-year grades from final year of high school

    Optional:

    •  SAT or ACT scores

    •  Supplemental essays

    •  Supplemental materials (such as artistic or athletic achievements)

    The deadline for Colgate’s Early Decision I is November 1. The deadline for Early Decision II and Regular Decision is January 15.

    SAT and ACT Scores

    Although standardized test scores are currently optional at Colgate, it can be helpful for prospective students to see previous test scores. Here is a look at test scores at the 25th and 75th percentile submitted by students in the fall of 2023.

    Subject

    25th Percentile

    75th Percentile

    SAT Evidence-Based
    Reading/Writing

    710

    750

    SAT Math

    720

    780

    ACT Composite

    33

    34

    ACT English

    34

    35

    ACT Math

    29

    34

    Graduation Rate

    The majority of Colgate students earn their degree in four years. However, some students require six years. These are the graduation rates at Colgate University for students who started school in the fall of 2017.

    •  4 years: 87%

    •  6 years: 90%

    Post-Graduation Median Earnings

    The median annual earnings of Colgate University graduates is $85,139. This is significantly higher than the median earnings for all graduates of four-year colleges, which is $53,747.

    Bottom Line

    If you’re one of the 12% of applicants who are admitted to Colgate University, you’re in for a stellar education. The school’s tuition and total costs may be high, but there are plenty of financial aid options to help you pay for four years of college at this prestigious institution.

    SoFi private student loans offer competitive interest rates for qualifying borrowers, flexible repayment plans, and no origination fees.

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    SoFi Private Student Loans
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    SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.


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