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Colby College vs Davidson College

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

17
Colby Wins
6
Tied / N/A
19
Davidson Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Southeast
2,407
Enrollment
1,867
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
13%
1501
SAT Average
1469
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1460-1550
SAT Range
1400-1530

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$64,410
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,410
$17,180
Average Net Price
$17,379
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$9,497
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$5,354
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,759
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,346
14%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
9%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
91%
94%
Retention Rate
95%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,033
11%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

57%
Female
46%
55%
White
60%
8%
Hispanic
11%
5%
Black
7%
10%
Asian
5%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.60

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$62,866
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$71,470
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$81,400
$19,157
Median Debt
$18,688
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.23x
78%
Earning Above HS
82%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
41.02%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
2968.9%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
138.2%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$208,500

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.76
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
9.8%

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.

Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private nonprofit

13% accept 91% grad $81,400 earnings $17,379 net

Davidson College is an ideal choice for students who thrive in a small, close-knit community, with an enrollment of just 1,867. With an acceptance rate of 13%, it attracts motivated individuals looking for a rigorous academic environment. Students here dive into a variety of programs, including Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical fields, Psychology, Physical Sciences, and Computer Science and IT. This range of studies suggests a strong commitment to understanding both the human experience and the scientific world.

Looking at life after graduation, we can see that Davidson graduates tend to do quite well for themselves, with an impressive 10-year earnings average of $81,400. This figure reflects the value of a Davidson degree in the job market. The affordability factor is also noteworthy, as 18% of students receive Pell Grants, which helps to lighten the financial burden for those who need it most.

In terms of finances, the net price after aid is around $17,379, which is manageable for many families. Graduates leave with a median debt of $18,688, a relatively low figure that suggests a commitment to keeping education accessible. Those who tend to thrive at Davidson are often self-driven, academically inclined, and deeply engaged in their communities, making the most of both their education and the connections they build during their time here.

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