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 liberal arts college, small class sizes, and strong sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 8%, Colby College is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 673 students each year. Colby College is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1380–1520, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Colby College 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

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

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.
Test Score Strategy
Colby is test optional and your score falls below the 75th percentile, so seriously consider withholding it and letting your grades, essays, and activities carry your application instead.

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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 PriceEst. 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
Colby College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch