About

About Colby College

liberal arts collegesmall class sizesstrong sciences focus

Colby College is a private liberal arts college in Waterville, ME, known for its small class sizes and strong sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 8%, Colby is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 673 students each year. Colby is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1380–1520, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Colby meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants.

Admissions

Colby College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

8%
Overall Accept Rate
1450
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1380 – 1520 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Colby College

Essay Strategy
Colby places real weight on essays, so write specifically about Waterville, Maine and what draws you to Colby's Jan Plan, a unique January term where students pursue independent projects, rather than writing a generic liberal arts essay that could apply to any school.
Demonstrated Interest
Colby rates demonstrated interest as low importance in admissions decisions, so do not stress about registering every campus visit or email interaction, and focus your energy on the essays and activities sections instead.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Colby College actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Colby College has replaced all loans with grants. Colby College's sticker price of ~$79k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$79k/yr$4.0k
30k-48k~$79k/yr$1.3k
48k-75k~$79k/yr$3.7k
75k-110k~$79k/yr$12.1k
110k+~$79k/yr$46.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

90%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$60k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,454
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

55%White
11%International
10%Asian
8%Hispanic
7%Two or More Races
5%Black / African American
3%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender49% Men · 51% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status89% Citizens and Immigrants · 11% International
Colby College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch