PrivateTownColby College
Waterville, Maine 04901-8840
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Colby College is a private town institution in Waterville, Maine. Admission is competitive, with an average SAT of 1500.
A mid-sized campus of 2.3K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
90% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $80,490 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $23,939.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History 19th century On February 27, 1813, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, led by Baptists, adopted a petition to establish the Maine Literary and Theological Institution.
- •It was moved to Waterville, Maine, and used 179 acres of land donated by citizens.
- •In 1818, trustees assigned the institution to Jeremiah Chaplin and classes began in a vacant Waterville home.
- •After Maine separated from Massachusetts in 1820, the first Maine legislature affirmed the Massachusetts charter for the institution, but made significant changes.
- •The Maine Literary and Theological Institution was renamed Waterville College on February 5, 1821, and four years later, the theological department was discontinued.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Doris Kearns Goodwin '64
Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian
Elijah Parish Lovejoy 1826
Abolitionist journalist and martyr
Robert Diamond '73
Former CEO of Barclays
Alan Taylor '77
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian
Annie Leibovitz
Renowned portrait photographer (attended)
Amy Walter '91
Political analyst and publisher of The Cook Political Report
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1500
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by Mid-December
Aid deadline: November 15
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 3
Decision by Mid-February
Regular Decision
January 3
Decision by Late March
Reply by May 1
Colby is permanently test-optional, allowing students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores
Colby requires supplemental essays exploring why Colby and personal perspectives
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Colby eliminated loans from all financial aid packages
Colby is need-blind for all applicants, including international students
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
91.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Academics
Colby has distributional requirements across arts, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, diversity, quantitative reasoning, and a foreign language requirement or W-course
Research: Extensive research opportunities through summer research programs and DavisConnects
Thesis: Honors thesis available across departments
Programs (38)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
91%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
15
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from ME state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Self-contained hilltop campus with all facilities walkable; shuttle service to downtown
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Colby College Museum of Artwalkable
Museum featuring significant American art collections
Colby Arboretumwalkable
128-acre arboretum with trails and gardens
Downtown Waterville
Revitalized downtown with restaurants and shops
Belgrade Lakes
Scenic lakes region for recreation
Sugarloaf Mountain
Ski resort in western Maine