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Colby College vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

5
Colby Wins
9
Tied / N/A
32
Massachusetts Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
2,407
Enrollment
4,535
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1501
SAT Average
1560
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1460-1550
SAT Range
1520-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$62,396
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,396
$17,180
Average Net Price
$20,111
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,533
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$93
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,480
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,479
14%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
7%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
96%
94%
Retention Rate
99%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
99%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$24,177
11%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

57%
Female
37%
55%
White
21%
8%
Hispanic
14%
5%
Black
8%
10%
Asian
35%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$131,633
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$135,278
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$143,372
$19,157
Median Debt
$14,768
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.1x
78%
Earning Above HS
87%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
339.82%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6652.9%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
510.8%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$141,000

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
6.1%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#3
N/A
Teaching Score
97.8
N/A
Research Score
91.4
N/A
Citations Score
99.9

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.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 96% grad $143,372 earnings $20,111 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.

The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.

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