Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs Texas A&M University-College Station
- Colby Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 18
- Texas A&M Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colby College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,180 vs Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315, Colby College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Colby College benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $80,490 at ten years.
48 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, 12% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,180, roughly $4,135 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Texas A&M
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colby graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). 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 Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick Colby College over Texas A&M University-College Station. Net price $17,180 vs $21,315.
Pick Colby College over Texas A&M University-College Station. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Colby College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Texas A&M University-College Station takes 57%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,501 to 1,280.
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 $4,135 a year below Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $19,157.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $16,540 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colby College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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 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.
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, Psychology, while Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Engineering, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colby College has less business program depth, and Texas A&M University-College Station offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,315 runs well above Colby College's $17,180.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas A&M 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) 4 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.
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
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 Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colby) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Health Professions. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station?
Colby College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 57% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which is more affordable, Colby College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Colby College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,180 after aid versus $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Do Colby College or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?
Colby College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Colby College has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 84%.
Should you choose Colby College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
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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