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Colleges / ME / Waterville
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Colby College

Private nonprofit Waterville, ME · Town · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
89%
Graduation Rate
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$17,180
Net Price
7%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Colby College is tailored for students who thrive in a highly selective environment and are eager to dive into topics like Social Sciences, Psychology, Biology, and Computer Science. It’s a small community of about 2,407 students, making it easier to form close connections with peers and professors alike. Those who choose Colby are often passionate about their fields and want to engage deeply in their studies.

Looking at life after graduation, alumni report impressive earnings, with a 10-year median income of $80,490. This suggests that a Colby education can lead to solid financial outcomes, helping graduates secure well-paying jobs. The affordability factor is also notable; with a net price of $17,180, many students find that they can graduate without being burdened by excessive debt, as the median debt sits at $19,157. This balance helps foster mobility for those who want to move up in their careers.

The numbers tell a clear story: Colby is not just about getting a degree but about setting up students for success in the real world. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that support is available for those who need it, the overall environment tends to attract highly motivated individuals. Those who thrive here share a commitment to their studies and benefit from both a strong academic foundation and a supportive community.

Rankings

How Colby Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation89%Earnings 10yr$80KNet Price$17KRetention94%Median Debt$19KPell Grant Rate14%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$4K$0-30K$1K$30-48K$4K$48-75K$47K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%148.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%6082.8%MOBILITY90.38%

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$69,600
Out-of-State
$17,180
Avg Net Price
$19,157
Median Debt
14%
Pell Grant Rate
9%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$4,049
Family Income $0–$30K
$1,251
Family Income $30K–$48K
$3,666
Family Income $48K–$75K
$46,511
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$60,052
6 Years After Entry
$68,015
8 Years
$80,490
10 Years
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
78%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$60,052 6yr $68,015 8yr $80,490 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

90.38%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
6082.8%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$208,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.83
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.784%
Inventor Rate
26
Total Patents
64
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 7%
Retention Rate 94%
SAT Average 1501
ACT Midpoint 33
SAT Range 1460–1550
ACT Range 32–34
Full-Time Faculty 93%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,207
Diversity Index 0.66
First-Gen Students 11%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 29%
Psychology 12%
Biology & Biomedical 11%
Computer Science & IT 7%
Physical Sciences 6%
English & Literature 4%
Visual & Performing Arts 4%
Mathematics & Statistics 3%