Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs University of Georgia
- Colby Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 18
- Georgia Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Georgia offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Colby College achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,180 compared to University of Georgia's $13,936 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Georgia's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 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, 17% more than University of Georgia
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,936, roughly $3,244 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.1%, 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); Georgia in Business & Marketing (29%). 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 University of Georgia. Median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of Georgia over Colby College. Net price $13,936 vs $17,180.
Pick University of Georgia over Colby College. 1.1% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colby College and University of Georgia split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Colby College is the harder admit. It takes 7% of applicants, while University of Georgia takes 38%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,501 to 1,397.
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, University of Georgia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,936, about $3,244 a year below Colby College's $17,180. Graduates of University of Georgia also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $19,157.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $12,976 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Georgia 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 $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 17% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colby College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 17% 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.
Moving people up
University of Georgia does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.1%; at Colby College, it is 0.9%. University of Georgia also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Georgia 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 University of Georgia to keep costs and debt down; pick Colby College for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Georgia saves about $3,244 a year, yet Colby College graduates earn $11,764 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Colby College is harder to get into, with a 7% admit rate, but University of Georgia posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.1%. 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 University of Georgia leans toward Business & Marketing, Communications. 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 University of Georgia's $13,936.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colby College has less business program depth, and University of Georgia offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Georgia's enrollment of 32,137 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgia 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
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.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Georgia is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colby's top program is Sociology (28% of enrollment), while Georgia leads with Business Administration (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colby) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Georgia).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, while University of Georgia concentrates in Business & Marketing, Communications. 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 University of Georgia?
Colby College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 38% at University of Georgia.
Which is more affordable, Colby College or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,936 after aid versus $17,180 at Colby College.
Do Colby College or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
Colby College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or University of Georgia?
Colby College has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 89%.
Colby College vs University of Georgia: which is better for social mobility?
University of Georgia is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.1% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colby College or University of Georgia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Georgia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Colby College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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