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Colby College vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

15
Colby Wins
9
Tied / N/A
22
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Town
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Southeast
2,407
Enrollment
20,752
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
15%
1501
SAT Average
1439
33
ACT Midpoint
25
1460-1550
SAT Range
1390-1530

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$8,994
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,203
$17,180
Average Net Price
$11,655
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,004
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$3,918
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,538
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$24,396
14%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
13%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
92%
94%
Retention Rate
97%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
78%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,046
11%
First-Gen Students
20%

Student Body

57%
Female
62%
55%
White
53%
8%
Hispanic
10%
5%
Black
7%
10%
Asian
16%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$57,057
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$65,584
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$72,200
$19,157
Median Debt
$14,000
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
78%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
115.19%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3330.1%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
345.9%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$129,500

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.68
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#30
N/A
Teaching Score
70.9
N/A
Research Score
75.1
N/A
Citations Score
85

The Overviews

Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 89% grad $80,490 earnings $17,180 net

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

15% accept 92% grad $72,200 earnings $11,655 net

With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill attracts students who are ready to dive into a diverse range of studies, including Biology, Business, and Communications. This school is a great fit for those who thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for strong academic support. The impressive graduation rate of 92% indicates a solid commitment to student success, meaning you'll likely find yourself in a community that values achievement and collaboration.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $72,200 within a decade, which is a pretty solid starting point for many. This level of earning power suggests that the programs offered here are well-aligned with job market needs. Additionally, the cost of attendance is manageable, with a net price of $11,655 after aid, making it a compelling choice for those concerned about financial barriers.

When it comes to debt, the median load of $14,000 is relatively low compared to what many graduates face elsewhere. This means that students who manage their finances well can leave college with a degree of financial freedom. Generally, those who thrive here are driven and engaged, ready to take advantage of the rich academic and social resources that UNC Chapel Hill has to offer.

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