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Colby College vs Lafayette College

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

19
Colby Wins
5
Tied / N/A
18
Lafayette Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
2,407
Enrollment
2,757
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
31%
1501
SAT Average
1424
33
ACT Midpoint
32
1460-1550
SAT Range
1350-1500

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$65,398
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,398
$17,180
Average Net Price
$34,433
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$12,716
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$7,445
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$10,881
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$52,608
14%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
88%
94%
Retention Rate
90%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$12,663
11%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

57%
Female
58%
55%
White
67%
8%
Hispanic
10%
5%
Black
6%
10%
Asian
3%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.54

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$80,614
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$84,452
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$91,410
$19,157
Median Debt
$16,000
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
78%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
162.69%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5854.6%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
277.9%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$156,700

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.84
0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
6.5%

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.

Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private nonprofit

31% accept 88% grad $91,410 earnings $34,433 net

With an acceptance rate of 31%, Lafayette College in Easton, PA, is an appealing choice for students who are ready to engage deeply with their education in a supportive community. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology and Biomedical Studies, Psychology, and Visual and Performing Arts. The college’s emphasis on collaborative learning and hands-on experiences really stands out, making it a place where students can explore their passions while also preparing for their careers.

After graduation, Lafayette alumni can expect to earn an impressive average of $91,410 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure highlights the strong return on investment that a Lafayette education can offer. With a graduation rate of 88%, it’s clear that students are not just enrolling here; they’re succeeding. This high success rate indicates that the college is effectively supporting students in their academic journeys, and that many are moving on to thriving careers.

In terms of affordability, the net price after aid is around $34,433, with a median debt load of $16,000 for graduates. This manageable debt level suggests that students can graduate with less financial burden, allowing them to focus on their careers and life after college. Lafayette tends to attract motivated individuals who are eager to make the most of their college experience, contributing to a vibrant campus culture where students thrive both academically and socially.

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