Colby College
About Colby College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Colby College is a private liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine. One of the most selective colleges in the nation with an 8% acceptance rate, it is known for economics, environmental studies, computer science, and languages, with a campus overlooking the Kennebec Valley.
Founded
1813
Location
Waterville, Maine
Students
2,407
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
7.1%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
88.8%
Above national average
Tuition
$69,600
Per year
Avg Net Price
$17,180
After financial aid
SAT Average
1501
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$80,490
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 7.1 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 5
With a 7.1% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1501, Colby College is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1501/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
88.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
93.7%
4-Year Grad
81%
6-Year Grad
87%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
93.1%
$/Student
$28.0K
Class Size
Small
81% of students graduate on time, and 93.1% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$69,600
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,890
Books & Supplies
$850
Total Cost of Attendance
$85,420
After Financial Aid
$17,180
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$4,049
Receive Grants
14.3%
Take Loans
8.5%
Don't let the $69,600 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $17,180 after financial aid, a 75% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $4,049.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Colby College fund their education.
While in School
14.3%
Get Grants
Free money
8.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$94,859
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,157
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$203/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 8.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,157. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Colby College.
Gender
51.2%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,407
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
10.9%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.1%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 11.2% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
2,407
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Colby College fields 18 varsity teams with 918 student athletes, about 38% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
NESCAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
18
Biggest: Lacrosse
Student Athletes
918
38% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
518
Men
400
Women
15
Men's Teams
15
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Colby Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$80,490
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$76K
94 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$54K
66 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$28K
47 grads
1yr Earnings
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
—
44 grads
Computer Science
—
43 grads
International/Globalization Studies
$43K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $60K six years out, climb to $65K by year eight, and reach $80K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Colby College
What is the acceptance rate at Colby College?▾
How much does Colby College cost?▾
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How much do Colby College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.