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Colby College vs Princeton University

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

4
Colby Wins
9
Tied / N/A
33
Princeton Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
2,407
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1501
SAT Average
1553
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1460-1550
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$17,180
Average Net Price
$6,128
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
14%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
97%
94%
Retention Rate
98%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
11%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

57%
Female
51%
55%
White
34%
8%
Hispanic
10%
5%
Black
9%
10%
Asian
23%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$19,157
Median Debt
$10,320
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
78%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.88
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#5
N/A
Teaching Score
90.9
N/A
Research Score
95.4
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.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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