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Colby College vs Washington University in St Louis

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

9
Colby Wins
11
Tied / N/A
26
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Plains
2,407
Enrollment
7,857
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
12%
1501
SAT Average
1530
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1460-1550
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$65,790
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,790
$17,180
Average Net Price
$21,786
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,716
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,928
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,578
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,170
14%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
94%
94%
Retention Rate
95%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,945
11%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

57%
Female
53%
55%
White
40%
8%
Hispanic
13%
5%
Black
9%
10%
Asian
21%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$78,073
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$81,347
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$86,182
$19,157
Median Debt
$17,500
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
78%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
103.72%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5350.8%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
193.8%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$180,200

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
11.1%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#38
N/A
Teaching Score
58.9
N/A
Research Score
63
N/A
Citations Score
88.6

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 University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.

Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.

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