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Colby College vs Washington and Lee University

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

19
Colby Wins
7
Tied / N/A
16
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Town
New England
Region
Southeast
2,407
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1501
SAT Average
1498
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1460-1550
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$17,180
Average Net Price
$23,781
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
14%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
94%
94%
Retention Rate
97%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
11%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

57%
Female
44%
55%
White
68%
8%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
5%
10%
Asian
5%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$19,157
Median Debt
$19,500
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
78%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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