Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Colby Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 11
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colby College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,180 vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406, Colby College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Colby College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colby
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,180, roughly $7,226 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,157, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rutgers University-New
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colby graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); Rutgers University-New in Business & Marketing (19%). 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 Colby College over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Colby College over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Net price $17,180 vs $24,406.
Pick Colby College over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 89% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colby College and Rutgers University-New Brunswick are close on paper, but Colby College 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,501 to 1,410.
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, Colby College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,180, about $7,226 a year below Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406. Graduates of Colby College also borrow less: median debt of $19,157, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $28,904 before any change in aid. Choosing Colby College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Colby College graduates report median earnings of $80,490, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colby College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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
Colby College graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Colby College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Colby College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick leans toward Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Colby College's enrollment, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colby College has less business program depth, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $24,406 runs well above Colby College's $17,180.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick's enrollment of 37,751 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 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
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.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ · Public
With an enrollment of over 37,000 students, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a great fit for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. The school stands out for its strong programs in Business and Marketing, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions, and Biology. If you're looking to dive into a field with solid job prospects and a supportive academic community, this could be your place.
When we look at what happens after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn an average of $74,479 within a decade of finishing their degrees. That’s a solid return on investment, especially when you consider the affordability of Rutgers. The net price after financial aid is $24,406, which is reasonable given the earning potential. This environment supports students not just in their studies, but in launching successful careers.
Now, let’s talk about the practical side of things. With a median debt of $21,500, students often leave with manageable loans, especially if they utilize financial aid options. The blend of affordability and strong career outcomes suggests that students who put in the effort here tend to thrive, especially those who are driven and engaged. If you're ready to take on challenges and make the most of your education, Rutgers can be a great stepping stone to your future.
Rankings They Appear On
Colby College is featured on the Best Colleges in Maine ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colby's top program is Sociology (28% of enrollment), while Rutgers University-New leads with Business Administration (19%).
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 Rutgers University-New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Colby College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Colby College or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Colby College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,180 after aid versus $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Do Colby College or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
Colby College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Colby College has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 84%.
Should you choose Colby College or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colby College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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