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.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

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.

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

By Kim Franke-Folstad

(Last Updated – 02/2025)

The University of Richmond is a small private university known for its emphasis on research and collaborative learning. Its proximity to Virginia’s capital city of Richmond gives students easy access to business and government internships, cultural activities, outdoor recreation, and more. Here’s an overview of the University of Richmond tuition, fees, housing costs, acceptance rate, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

The University of Richmond total cost of attendance was $65,110 in 2023-24. Here’s a breakdown of those costs:

Financial Aid

To help cover the University of Richmond cost, around 69% of beginning undergraduate students use financial aid. More specifically, 13% get some type of federal grant, 14% get state or local government grants/scholarships, and 63% get institutional grants/scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that 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, and 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

Recommended: Virginia Student Loan & Scholarships

Private Student Loans

At the University of Richmond, around 32% of students take out federal student loans to help pay the Richmond tuition. Roughly 5% take out private student loans, averaging $28,805, to help cover University of Richmond costs.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-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 as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your 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

Based on costs from the 2023-2024 school year, a four-year degree at the University of Richmond — including tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses — would be approximately $325,280.

In comparison, the average four-year cost for a U.S. private university is $241,680, making the University of Richmond significantly more expensive.

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

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

The total cost of attendance for undergraduates at the University of Richmond was $81,320 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: $27,852

•  Fees: $0

Tuition and fees for graduate students at the University of Richmond in 2023-24 averaged $27,852. This is higher than the average cost of graduate school tuition and fees in the U.S., which is $21,730 per year.

Cost per Credit Hour

The University of Richmond uses a system of “units” rather than credits. One unit is the equivalent of 3.5 semester hours and costs approximately $9,360.

Campus Housing Expenses

There are six freshman residence halls at the University of Richmond, and all of them are co-ed (with students housed by gender within each hall). Most are double rooms, but there are some single and triple rooms available. (Freshmen can’t request a specific dorm.)

For upperclass students, there are 12 residence halls and two apartment complexes on campus. Only juniors and seniors can apply to live in an on-campus apartment. There are also apartments and houses available for rent off campus that are not affiliated with the University.

University of Richmond Acceptance Rate

At 23%, the University of Richmond acceptance rate is selective.

Admission Requirements

The University of Richmond uses what it calls a “holistic admission” process. Along with traditional measures of student success, admissions officers take other factors into account while reviewing each application.

Required:

•  Common Application or Coalition Application

•  High school transcript

•  Secondary school report

•  Recommendation letter

•  Personal statement or essay

Optional:

•  Up to 2 additional recommendation letters

•  SAT or ACT scores

The application deadline for Early Action or Early Decision I is November 1. The deadline for Early Decision II and Regular Decision is January 1.

SAT and ACT Scores

The University of Richmond is test-optional, which means incoming freshmen do not have to submit ACT or SAT test scores for admission. If you indicate on your application that you want your scores to be considered, they must be submitted by the credential deadline for your admission status (that’s November 15 for Early Decision I, December 1 for Early Action, January 15 for Early Decision II, and February 15 for Regular Decision.)

Although standardized test scores are not required for admissions, many students do submit them. Here’s a look at the scores of students who enrolled in Fall 2023 at the 25th and 75th percentiles.

Popular Majors at the University of Richmond

The University of Richmond offers over 60 academic majors. Here’s a look at some of the most popular areas of study among undergraduate students.

1. Business Administration

Students can enter the Robins School of Business and officially declare a major after completing their first year of study at the university. Those majoring in business administration can select from several concentrations, including accounting, business analytics, finance, international business, marketing, and management entrepreneurship.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 361

2. Social Sciences

Social science majors may choose to focus on anthropology, sociology, geography, political science, or economics and quantitative economics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 89

3. Biological and Biomedical Sciences

This program allows students to study life processes at the molecular level and gain an understanding of biological organisms from a chemical and physical basis.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 67

4. Interdisciplinary Studies

Students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at the University of Richmond can design their own majors.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 57

5. Psychology

The psychology program integrates theoretical study, empirical investigation, and practical application. Psychology majors are routinely admitted to top graduate programs, both in psychology and other fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 38

6. English Language and Literature

This curriculum is designed to strengthen writing skills as well as critical thinking. Students can combine an English major with a major in classical studies, French, German, Greek, Latin, theater, or Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 33

7. Health Studies

Students in the Health Studies department are equipped with both the theoretical and empirical framework to understand the social, cultural, environmental, biological, psychological, ethical, legal and economic factors that shape health and health care. Alumni typically work in medicine and other clinical professions, public health, healthcare policy and management, and many other health-related fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 27

8. Computer and Information Sciences

The university’s computer science program provides students with an understanding of computer technology and its mathematical foundations. Computer Science majors can also add a concentration in Data Science and Statistics to further build their analytical skills.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 26

9. Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics)

Chemistry majors at the University of Richmond can get a strong background in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry. Physics majors benefit from an emphasis on classical learning and research opportunities.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 22

10. General Mathematics

Mathematics majors learn how to problem solve using logic, analysis, and abstract thinking. This program can be a good fit for those seeking a graduate degree in science, finance, and other disciplines.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 15

Graduation Rate

The University of Richmond’s overall graduation rate for students who began their studies in 2017 is 88%.

Here’s a breakdown of the school’s graduation rate by how long it took that cohort of students to earn a degree.

•  4 years: 82%

•  6 years: 88%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

The median annual earnings of University of Richmond graduates is $76,178. This is higher than the median earnings for all graduates of four-year colleges, which is $53,747.

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the country’s leading research universities. Over the years, Case Western students and faculty have worked on such major projects as the polio vaccine, the MRI, and insulin.

Case Western tuition for the 2023-24 academic year was $64,671. This is much higher than the national average of $43,350 for private university tuition and fees.

Financial Aid

Many students use financial aid while attending Case Western. In fact 88% of CWRU students use one or more forms of financial aid to help with Case Western tuition and other costs. This aid may be in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans, or it may be a combination of all these.

For instance, Pell Grants, federal funding for undergraduates with exceptional financial need, are awarded to 17% of Case Western Reserve University students.

Explore financial aid options: Ohio Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students that 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: TThese 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, and nonprofit 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

•   SoFi Scholarship Finder – Use our online tool to streamline your search for scholarships, grants, and other opportunities, and filter by award type, location, level of study, and more.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

The majority of students at Case Western Reserve use student loans to help pay for the cost of college. Two-thirds, or 63%, of CWRU undergrads take out federal student loans. And 7% take out private student loans. These private loans average $11,457 per year, per student.

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.

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

The cost to attend Case Western University for four years, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses, would be $344,292, based on 2023-24 prices. This is higher than the national average cost of four years at a private university, which is $241,680.

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

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

The combined cost of tuition and fees plus books and supplies for students at Case Western in 2023-24 was $65,871. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same costs to attend the university.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Considering Case Western Reserve University for grad school? In 2023-24, the cost for Case Western tuition and fees for graduate school was $52,402. This is significantly higher than the national average for graduate school at private institutions, which is $15,100 per year.

There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.