Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Colby Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 16
- Michigan-Ann Arbor Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,138 vs Colby College's $17,180, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Michigan-Ann Arbor benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $83,648 at ten years.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colby
- 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
Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Colby College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,138, roughly $4,042 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colby graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); Michigan-Ann Arbor in Computer Science & IT (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 University of Michigan over Colby College. Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment vs $80,490.
Pick University of Michigan over Colby College. Net price $13,138 vs $17,180.
Pick University of Michigan over Colby College. 93% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colby College and University of Michigan are close on paper, but University of Michigan 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 Michigan takes 16%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,501 to 1,465.
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 Michigan comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,138, about $4,042 a year below Colby College's $17,180. Graduates of Colby College also borrow less: median debt of $19,157, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $16,168 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Michigan leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Michigan graduates report median earnings of $83,648, compared with $80,490 at Colby College. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Michigan has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.24x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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
University of Michigan graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 89%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 University of Michigan 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 Michigan leans toward Computer Science & IT, Engineering. 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 Michigan's $13,138.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Colby College's enrollment, and University of Michigan is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Michigan's enrollment of 34,177 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 34,200 students, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a vibrant and competitive environment suited for those who thrive in large, diverse settings. The acceptance rate of just 16% means that the university attracts a motivated student body. Here, students dive into popular programs like Computer Science & IT, Engineering, and Business & Marketing, allowing them to engage deeply with their fields while also enjoying the resources of a large public university.
Looking at life after graduation, graduates from Michigan can expect to earn about $83,648 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earnings reflects the strong career support and alumni network that helps many students advance in their careers. The university’s high graduation rate of 93% speaks to the commitment of faculty and students alike, ensuring that most make it through to graduation, which is a key factor in securing better job opportunities.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price for students after financial aid is around $13,138, making it a reasonably affordable choice given the quality of education received. With a median debt of $19,500, most graduates leave with manageable loans, especially in light of their earning potential. Students who excel here often share a drive to succeed and a passion for their chosen fields, making Michigan a great fit for those eager to make an impact in their careers.
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with Computer Science (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 Michigan-Ann Arbor).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Psychology, while University of Michigan 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 University of Michigan?
Colby College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 16% at University of Michigan.
Which is more affordable, Colby College or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,138 after aid versus $17,180 at Colby College.
Do Colby College or University of Michigan graduates earn more?
University of Michigan graduates earn more: median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,490 at Colby College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 89%.
Should you choose Colby College or University of Michigan?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Michigan 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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