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Colby College vs College of the Holy Cross

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

21
Colby Wins
6
Tied / N/A
15
College Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
2,407
Enrollment
3,106
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
18%
1501
SAT Average
1353
33
ACT Midpoint
30
1460-1550
SAT Range
1240-1410

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$64,500
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,500
$17,180
Average Net Price
$38,782
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$14,343
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$16,179
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$12,682
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$56,284
14%
Pell Grant Rate
15%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
38%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
88%
94%
Retention Rate
95%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
89%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$12,363
11%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

57%
Female
53%
55%
White
68%
8%
Hispanic
13%
5%
Black
5%
10%
Asian
3%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.51

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$69,984
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$84,240
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$90,543
$19,157
Median Debt
$27,000
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.3x
78%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
100.01%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4868.0%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
205.5%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$157,000

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
7.5%

The Overviews

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.

College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit

18% accept 88% grad $90,543 earnings $38,782 net

With an acceptance rate of just 18%, the College of the Holy Cross attracts students who are not only academically driven but also eager for a transformative educational experience. Here, students dive into programs like Social Sciences, Psychology, and Biology, among others. This school is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking and personal growth.

Looking at life after graduation, Holy Cross graduates see impressive earnings, averaging around $90,543 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This financial trajectory speaks volumes about the school’s ability to prepare students for successful careers. It’s worth noting that the high graduation rate of 88% indicates that most students stay on track to complete their degrees, which can significantly affect future earning potential.

When it comes to the cost of attending, the net price stands at $38,782 after financial aid, while the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This can be manageable for many, especially considering the strong earning potential post-graduation. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are motivated, engaged, and ready to take full advantage of the resources and community at Holy Cross.

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