Colby College
A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $71,000 within 10 years; exceptional 90% graduation rate.
About This School
Colby College is a private nonprofit institution located in Waterville, Maine with approximately 2,282 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 7%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,939 per year. The graduation rate is 90%, and the typical graduate earns $71,000 within 10 years of enrollment.
Colby College is a private liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine, United States. Founded in 1813 as the Maine Literary and Theological Institution, it was renamed Waterville College in 1821. The donations of philanthropist Gardner Colby saw the institution renamed again to Colby University before settling on its current name, reflecting its liberal arts college curriculum, in 1899. Approximately 2,400 representing more than 45 states and 80 countries are enrolled annually. The college offers 58 major fields of study and 38 minors.
This is a strong option for students who thrive in a tight-knit, residential liberal arts environment — a 90% graduation rate and just $15,000 in median debt at graduation signal that students both finish and do so without being buried financially. The 7% acceptance rate makes it genuinely selective, so apply with realistic expectations, but the $71,000 median earnings at 10 years suggests the degree carries real weight in the job market. The rural Waterville, Maine location is the most honest concern — it's not for everyone, and students who need a city nearby should factor that in seriously.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,282 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Maine
University of Maine
Orono, ME · Public
Unity Environmental University
New Gloucester, ME · Private nonprofit
Southern Maine Community College
South Portland, ME · Public
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME · Public
Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME · Public
University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta, ME · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.