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Colby College vs Providence College

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

23
Colby Wins
5
Tied / N/A
14
Providence Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
2,407
Enrollment
4,229
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
51%
1501
SAT Average
1346
33
ACT Midpoint
29
1460-1550
SAT Range
1250-1390

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$63,550
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,550
$17,180
Average Net Price
$48,523
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$28,152
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$21,835
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$25,296
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$56,699
14%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
57%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
87%
94%
Retention Rate
94%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
72%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$12,190
11%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

57%
Female
58%
55%
White
79%
8%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
2%
10%
Asian
1%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.36

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$69,326
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$73,021
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$87,054
$19,157
Median Debt
$27,000
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31x
78%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
93.24%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4555.5%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
204.7%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$139,300

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.00
Friending Bias
0.02
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
4.8%

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.

Providence College

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit

51% accept 87% grad $87,054 earnings $48,523 net

With an enrollment of about 4,200 students, Providence College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit community while still enjoying the resources of a larger institution. The college’s emphasis on programs like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biology & Biomedical sets a clear academic direction for students. The 51% acceptance rate indicates that while it's selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students who are passionate about their fields.

Looking ahead, the average earnings for graduates after ten years is around $87,054. That’s a solid number that reflects the value of a degree from this institution. Graduates are likely to see upward mobility in their careers, which is a significant consideration when choosing a school. The fact that 87% of students graduate suggests a supportive environment that helps students stay on track and achieve their goals.

Financially, the net price after aid stands at $48,523, and the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable compared to the earning potential, making it a reasonable investment in education. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are engaged in their studies and take advantage of the community support available. Overall, Providence College presents a compelling option for students focused on both academic and career success.

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