Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Colby Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 19
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colby College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,180 vs University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354, Colby College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Colby College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
51 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, 9% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,180, roughly $174 a year less
- 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
Wisconsin-Madison
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colby graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); Wisconsin-Madison in Business & Marketing (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 Colby College over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick Colby College over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $17,180 vs $17,354.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colby College and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but Colby College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,501 to 1,427.
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 $174 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of Colby College also borrow less: median debt of $19,157, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $696 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 $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colby College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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 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 Psychology, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Colby College has less business program depth, and University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wisconsin-Madison 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) 3 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 Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.
When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.
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 Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (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 Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Psychology, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 Wisconsin-Madison?
Colby College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, Colby College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Colby College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,180 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do Colby College or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
Colby College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Colby College has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 89%.
Should you choose Colby College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
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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