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Colby College vs George Washington University

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

17
Colby Wins
8
Tied / N/A
21
George Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
2,407
Enrollment
11,182
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
47%
1501
SAT Average
1433
33
ACT Midpoint
32
1460-1550
SAT Range
1350-1500

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$67,710
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,710
$17,180
Average Net Price
$36,586
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$17,440
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$17,292
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$22,080
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$55,337
14%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
32%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
85%
94%
Retention Rate
92%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
49%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,784
11%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

57%
Female
63%
55%
White
48%
8%
Hispanic
14%
5%
Black
8%
10%
Asian
16%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$71,607
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$78,974
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$90,873
$19,157
Median Debt
$20,449
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.23x
78%
Earning Above HS
82%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
215.66%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4225.2%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
510.4%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$137,300

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.84
0.00
Friending Bias
0.02
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
12.5%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#95
N/A
Teaching Score
60.6
N/A
Research Score
43.1
N/A
Citations Score
70.2

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.

George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit

47% accept 85% grad $90,873 earnings $36,586 net

George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.

The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.

The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.

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