Waterville, ME
Colby College was founded in 1813 as the Maine Literary and Theological Institution, later renamed Waterville College in 1821 and Colby University after donations from philanthropist Gardner Colby, before settling on its present name in 1899. It is the 12th-oldest liberal arts college in the United States, per its own count, and its students formed the nation's first college-based anti-slavery society in 1833. In 1871, Colby became the first all-male college in New England to admit women.
Admissions
Application deadlines for Fall 2027 entry
- Early Decision I: Nov 15, 2026
- Early Decision II: Jan 4, 2027
- Regular Decision: Jan 4, 2027
Confirm on Colby College's own admissions site before you apply.
Cost & outcomes
From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field. Tuition & fees are the sticker price for a full-time first-year undergrad, before financial aid, and don't include room and board.
Where do you stand against Colby College's numbers?
Check your chances hereSee full profile -- financial aid, campus life, and what Colby College weighs in your application
Paying it back
"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.
Majors & earnings
Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.
Campus life
Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.
What matters in your application
From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is Colby College's acceptance rate?
Colby College in Waterville, ME admits approximately 7% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.
What SAT score do I need for Colby College?
Admitted students at Colby College typically score between 1460–1550 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).
What ACT score do I need for Colby College?
Admitted students at Colby College typically score between 32–34 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).
How much does Colby College cost?
Colby College's total cost of attendance is reported at $85,420 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.
When is the application deadline for Colby College?
Colby College's deadlines are Early Decision I Nov 15, 2026; Early Decision II Jan 4, 2027; Regular Decision Jan 4, 2027, per its own published admissions calendar.
Does Colby College require students to live on campus?
No -- Colby College doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.
Related reading
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