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Colgate University vs Molloy University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Hamilton NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Rockville Centre NY

The verdict

Colgate University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $115,144 in 3.1 years versus 3.3 years at Molloy University, on median earnings of $85,139 vs $77,789 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureColgate UniversityMolloy University
Net price / yr$28,786$24,347
Total net cost$115,144$97,388
Median earnings, 10 yrs$85,139$77,789
Median debt$15,000$27,000
Payback3.1 yrs3.3 yrs
20-year net return$620,436$491,192

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Colgate University or Molloy University?

Molloy University, at $24,347 a year after aid versus $28,786 — a gap of $4,439 a year, or $17,756 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 Molloy University graduates earn more?

Colgate University graduates report a median $85,139 ten years after entry, $7,350 more than the $77,789 at Molloy 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 Molloy University?

Colgate University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Molloy University, a difference of $12,000. 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 70% at Molloy 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.

Colgate University vs Molloy University: frequently asked questions

Is Colgate University or Molloy University a better value?
Colgate University. It clears its $115,144 net cost in about 3.1 years versus 3.3 years at Molloy University, on median earnings of $85,139 vs $77,789 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Colgate University or Molloy University?
Molloy University: $24,347/yr net price after aid versus $28,786/yr at Colgate University — a difference of $4,439 a year, or about $17,756 over four years.
Do Colgate University or Molloy University graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn a median $85,139 ten years after entry, versus $77,789 at Molloy University — a $7,350 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.