Colgate University vs Manhattan University: which has better ROI?
Manhattan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $109,024 in 2.9 years versus 3.1 years at Colgate University, on median earnings of $86,316 vs $85,139 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Colgate University | Manhattan University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,786 | $27,256 |
| Total net cost | $115,144 | $109,024 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $85,139 | $86,316 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 3.1 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $620,436 | $650,096 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Colgate University or Manhattan University?
Manhattan University, at $27,256 a year after aid versus $28,786 — a gap of $1,530 a year, or $6,120 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Colgate University or Manhattan University graduates earn more?
Manhattan University graduates report a median $86,316 ten years after entry, $1,177 more than the $85,139 at Colgate University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Colgate University or Manhattan University?
Colgate University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Manhattan University, a difference of $11,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
91% of students finish at Colgate University, against 64% at Manhattan University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.