Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs Rice University
- Colby Wins
- 7
- Tied
- 16
- Rice Wins
- 31
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Colby College's $17,180, Rice University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rice University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colby
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Rice
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, 11% more than Colby College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $3,810 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colby graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); Rice in Biology & Biomedical (16%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Rice University over Colby College. Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment vs $80,490.
Pick Rice University over Colby College. Net price $13,370 vs $17,180.
Pick Rice University over Colby College. 1.6% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Rice University over Colby College. 95% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colby College and Rice University are close on paper, but Rice University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Colby College is the harder admit. It takes 7% of applicants, while Rice University takes 8%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,501 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Colby College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Rice University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,370, about $3,810 a year below Colby College's $17,180. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $19,157.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,240 before any change in aid. Choosing Rice University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rice University graduates report median earnings of $89,718, compared with $80,490 at Colby College. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.24x.
So what: An earnings gap of 11% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Rice University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 89%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Rice University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at Colby College, it is 0.9%. Rice University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Rice University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rice University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Colby College is harder to get into, with a 7% admit rate, but Rice University posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.6%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Colby College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Rice University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $17,180 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,157, against $11,000 at Rice University.
- Engineering-focused students: Rice University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rice University's enrollment of 4,776 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Rice offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Colby does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Colby College
Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit
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.
Rice University
Houston, TX · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Rice University attracts driven students who are eager to excel academically and socially. This private nonprofit institution in Houston is ideal for those interested in fields like Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The strong graduation rate of 95% speaks volumes about the supportive environment here, where students are encouraged to dive deep into their studies and collaborate across disciplines.
Graduates from Rice see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $89,718 just ten years after finishing their degree. This figure is significant because it highlights the school's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. While 17% of students rely on Pell Grants, the overall affordability of education here, combined with the strong salary potential, makes it a viable option for many.
When it comes to the practical side of things, the net price after aid is around $13,370, and the median debt for graduates is relatively low at $11,000. These numbers suggest that students can graduate with manageable debt, which is a big plus in today’s economy. Those who thrive here are often collaborative, ambitious, and ready to engage with a diverse community, making the most of the excellent academic resources available to them.
Rankings They Appear On
Rice University is featured on the Best Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colby's top program is Sociology (28% of enrollment), while Rice leads with Biology (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colby) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rice).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Psychology, while Rice University concentrates in Engineering. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colby College or Rice University?
Colby College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 8% at Rice University.
Which is more affordable, Colby College or Rice University?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $17,180 at Colby College.
Do Colby College or Rice University graduates earn more?
Rice University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,490 at Colby College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or Rice University?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 89%.
Colby College vs Rice University: which is better for social mobility?
Rice University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colby College or Rice University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rice University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Colby College if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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