Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

Colby College

Waterville, Maine Β· Town: RemoteOfficial Website β†—

#17
Nationally
#2
In Maine
7%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$63,790
Annual Tuition
per year
90%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
2,284
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
81/100
Excellent
#17 nationally
#2 in Maine
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes90
πŸ’°Affordability97
🎯Selectivity92
πŸ“šAcademic Environment32
πŸ”¬Program Breadth62

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Colby College is a private nonprofit four-year university located in Waterville, Maine. With 2,284 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 7%, the institution is considered most selective. Annual tuition is $63,790, significantly above average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $1,692 after grants and scholarships β€” making it one of the more affordable options in its category. The six-year graduation rate is 90%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate7%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
17,786
Applied
1,215
Admitted
605
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading710 – 760
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math730 – 790
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)32 – 34
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$63,790/yr
Room & Board$17,970/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$84,570/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$63,790↓ Below avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$1,692
$30,001 – $48,000$2,047
$48,001 – $75,000$4,509
$75,001 – $110,000$15,589
Over $110,000$39,186
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate90%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
2,284
Total Undergrads
51% F / 49% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 54%
Hispanic 8%
Black 5%
Asian 11%
Two or more 7%
International 11%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Very affordable for low-income families: avg net price is only $1,692/yr for households earning under $30K
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 90%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Highly selective admissions (7% acceptance rate) β€” a signal of institutional prestige
  • βœ“Strong academic profile: SAT Math 25th percentile is 730
  • βœ“Competitive academic environment: ACT 25th percentile is 32
Consider
  • Β·Tuition ($63,790/yr) is above average β€” factor in aid eligibility
  • Β·Room and board costs ($17,970/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for academically high-achieving students looking for a competitive environment, students from low- and middle-income families who need an affordable option, students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationWaterville, Maine
SettingTown: Remote
Size1,000–4,999
Affordability Spotlight
$1,692
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#2
in Maine out of 7+ colleges
#17
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.