Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Colby Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 15
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park 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 Maryland-College Park's $15,678 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colby
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Maryland-College Park
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Colby College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $1,502 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colby graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). 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 University of Maryland-College Park over Colby College. Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment vs $80,490.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Colby College. Net price $15,678 vs $17,180.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colby College and University of Maryland-College Park are close on paper, but University of Maryland-College Park wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 University of Maryland-College Park takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,501 to 1,473.
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 Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $1,502 a year below Colby College's $17,180. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $19,157.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $6,008 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates report median earnings of $82,860, compared with $80,490 at Colby College. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Maryland-College Park has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.24x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Maryland-College Park 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 Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while University of Maryland-College Park leans toward Computer Science & IT, Business & Marketing. 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 University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colby College has less business program depth, and University of Maryland-College Park offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Maryland-College Park 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.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
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 Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
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 Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Business & Marketing, 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 University of Maryland-College Park?
Colby College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which is more affordable, Colby College or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $17,180 at Colby College.
Do Colby College or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,490 at Colby College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or University of Maryland-College Park?
Colby College has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 89%.
Should you choose Colby College or University of Maryland-College Park?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park 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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