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Brown University vs Colby College

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

26
Brown Wins
10
Tied / N/A
10
Colby Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
New England
Region
New England
7,226
Enrollment
2,407
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
7%
1546
SAT Average
1501
34
ACT Midpoint
33
1510-1580
SAT Range
1460-1550

Cost & Financial Aid

$71,412
In-State Tuition
$69,600
$71,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,600
$25,184
Average Net Price
$17,180
$-420
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,049
$2,031
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,251
$5,858
Net Price ($48-75K)
$3,666
$44,937
Net Price ($110K+)
$46,511
14%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
10%
Federal Loan Rate
9%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
89%
99%
Retention Rate
94%
92%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$17,839
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,207
17%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

54%
Female
57%
33%
White
55%
12%
Hispanic
8%
8%
Black
5%
23%
Asian
10%
0.80
Diversity Index
0.66

Outcomes

$79,131
Earnings (6yr)
$60,052
$84,208
Earnings (8yr)
$68,015
$93,487
Earnings (10yr)
$80,490
$11,428
Median Debt
$19,157
0.12x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.24x
79%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

136.36%
Mobility Rate
90.38%
1187.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6082.8%
1148.8%
From Bottom 20%
148.6%
$67,800
Parent Median Income
$208,700

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
13.3%
Volunteering Rate
9.9%

Research (Times HE)

#55
World Rank
N/A
59.7
Teaching Score
N/A
57
Research Score
N/A
77.7
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit

5% accept 96% grad $93,487 earnings $25,184 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.

After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.

When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.

Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 89% grad $80,490 earnings $17,180 net

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.

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