Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs Western Governors University
- Colby Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 18
- Western Governors Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Western Governors University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Colby College achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 48%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,180 compared to Western Governors University's $12,548 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Western Governors University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
45 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, 33% more than Western Governors University
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
Western Governors
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $4,632 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,116, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colby graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); Western Governors in Business & Marketing (28%). 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 Western Governors University. Median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment vs $60,615.
Pick Western Governors University over Colby College. Net price $12,548 vs $17,180.
Pick Colby College over Western Governors University. 89% completion rate vs 48%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colby College and Western Governors University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
What it costs
On price, Western Governors University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $4,632 a year below Colby College's $17,180. Graduates of Western Governors University also borrow less: median debt of $11,116, against $19,157.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $18,528 before any change in aid. Choosing Western Governors University 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 $60,615 at Western Governors University. That is a 33% advantage. Set against borrowing, Western Governors University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.24x.
So what: An earnings gap of 33% 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
Colby College graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 48%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 41% 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 Western Governors University to keep costs and debt down; pick Colby College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: Medium. Both schools report 4 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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Western Governors University saves about $4,632 a year, yet Colby College graduates earn $19,875 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Colby College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Western Governors University leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Computer Science & IT. 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 Western Governors University's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,157, against $11,116 at Western Governors University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colby College has less business program depth, and Western Governors University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Western Governors University's enrollment of 155,088 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 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.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of 155,088 students, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City stands out as a solid choice for those seeking flexibility in their education. It caters well to non-traditional students, particularly in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Education, and Engineering. The online format allows for self-paced learning, which is ideal for working adults or those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Looking at life after graduation, students can expect a median earning of $60,615 ten years post-degree. This figure suggests that graduates are finding solid job opportunities. While the graduation rate is 48%, the income potential indicates that those who complete their programs are likely to see a good return on their investment, despite the challenges that might come with juggling work and studies.
On the practical side, the net price after aid comes in at $12,548, with a median debt of $11,116. This suggests that many students can manage their educational expenses without overwhelming debt. Those who thrive here are typically self-motivated individuals who appreciate the autonomy of an online learning environment, making it a good fit for those ready to take charge of their education and career paths.
Rankings They Appear On
Western Governors University is featured on the Best Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colby's top program is Sociology (28% of enrollment), while Western Governors leads with Business Administration (28%).
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 Western Governors).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Western Governors University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Education. 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
Which is more affordable, Colby College or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $17,180 at Colby College.
Do Colby College or Western Governors University graduates earn more?
Colby College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,615 at Western Governors University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or Western Governors University?
Colby College has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 48%.
Should you choose Colby College or Western Governors University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Western Governors University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Colby College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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