Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Colby College has a 7.6% acceptance rate. Colby College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Waterville, ME, with a median SAT of 1510 and a median ACT of 33. The average net price is $17,180 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

7.6%

17,800 applicants

SAT Median

1510

Combined score

ACT Median

33

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$17,180

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Colby College

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Colby College (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)143015101550
ACT (composite, 1–36)323334

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

89.5%

Retention Rate

93.7%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$80,490

Student Body

2,407

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Colby College:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$4,049
$30,001 – $48,000$1,251
$48,001 – $75,000$3,666
$75,001 – $110,000$12,106
$110,000+$46,511

Top Majors at Colby College

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences156
Psychology64
Biological & Biomedical Sciences61
Natural Resources & Conservation45
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies39
Computer & Information Sciences35
Physical Sciences33
English Language & Literature22
Visual & Performing Arts19
Mathematics & Statistics15

Financial Aid at Colby College

About Colby College

Official website: https://www.colby.edu/

Admissions: https://afa.colby.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About Colby College

What is the acceptance rate at Colby College?

Colby College has an acceptance rate of 8%. it received about 17,800 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1510; the average net price is $17,180 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Colby College for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Colby College?

Getting into Colby College is highly competitive — it admits 8% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1510. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Colby College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Colby College?

Admitted students at Colby College typically have a median SAT around 1510 and a median ACT around 33. With a 8% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Colby College is located in Waterville, ME. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Colby College?

The average net price at Colby College is $17,180 per year after grants and scholarships. about 45% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $56,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Colby College?

Colby College has a graduation rate of 89%. its first-year retention rate is 94%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $80,490. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Colby College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Colby College test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Colby College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1510. With a 8% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Colby College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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