Private nonprofit Institution

Colby College — Waterville, Maine

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Annual Tuition $66,600

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 6.8%

Most Selective

Enrollment 2,282

Active Students

Avg. Salary $80,490

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Waterville, Maine
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Colby College stands as a pillar of higher education in Waterville, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,282 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Colby College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Colby College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences
28.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
15.9%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary
7.8%

Enrollment Share

Natural Resources
7.2%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
6.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
6.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Colby College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Colby College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Colby College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Natural Resources College

The Natural Resources program at Colby College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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What is the acceptance rate at Colby College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 6.8%
Difficulty Extremely High

Colby College maintains an acceptance rate of 6.8%, reflecting its status as a most selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 48.9%
Women Enrollment 51.1%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 710 - 760
SAT Mathematics 730 - 790
ACT English 33 - 35
ACT Mathematics 29 - 33
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Colby College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $66,600
Out-of-State Tuition $66,600

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 13.2%
Median Student Debt $19,157

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $66,600, graduates see a median starting salary of $80,490, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Maine.

What salary can Colby College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $80,490

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 90.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $23,939
Median Salary (6yr) $60,052
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Colby College in Waterville?

2,282 Students

Gender Comparison

48.9% Men
51.1% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

90.6%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
10.7%
Black
5.4%
White
53.6%
Unknown
3.6%
Hispanic
8.3%
Two or More Races
7.1%
International
11%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 19
🎓
First-Generation 10.9%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 38.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $80,130
Average Family Income $121,521
Median Family Income $94,859

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

45.2%
54.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Waterville Campus Environment

Located at 4000 Mayflower Hill Drive, Colby College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Maine. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
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How does Colby College compare?

Direct Comparison Colby College vs Thomas College →

Common Questions about Colby College

Is Colby College a good college in Waterville, Maine?
Colby College is a recognized institution in Waterville with an enrollment of 2,282 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Maine.
Is Colby College worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $80,490 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does Colby College cost for Maine residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Colby College is approximately $66,600. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $66,600. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Colby College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Colby College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 38.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Colby College good for Social Sciences and Biological Sciences programs?
Colby College reports program activity in Social Sciences and Biological Sciences. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending Colby College?
Graduates of Colby College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $80,490, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Colby College?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Colby College's official admissions website.
Does Colby College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Colby College's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can Colby College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Colby College earn a median salary of $80,490 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Colby College a good investment compared to other ME colleges?
Compare Colby College's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Maine to judge value for your goals.
Where is Colby College located and what is the campus like?
Colby College is located at 4000 Mayflower Hill Drive in Waterville, ME. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,282 learners.
Who typically attends Colby College in Waterville, ME?
The student body at Colby College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 10.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Maine

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Colby College with other leading institutions in Maine across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

Local Discovery Hub

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