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Colby College vs Williams College

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

9
Colby Wins
6
Tied / N/A
27
Williams Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Town
New England
Region
New England
2,407
Enrollment
2,076
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1501
SAT Average
1533
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1460-1550
SAT Range
1490-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$68,560
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,560
$17,180
Average Net Price
$17,716
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,610
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-1,727
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$-1,978
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,594
14%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
95%
94%
Retention Rate
97%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,317
11%
First-Gen Students
22%

Student Body

57%
Female
51%
55%
White
47%
8%
Hispanic
14%
5%
Black
6%
10%
Asian
12%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.73

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$71,754
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$79,082
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$88,665
$19,157
Median Debt
$12,761
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
78%
Earning Above HS
68%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
98.66%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3087.0%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
319.6%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$184,000

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.85
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
10.6%

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.

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $88,665 earnings $17,716 net

With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.

Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.

When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.

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