Overview
Founded in 1813, Colby College is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States and a founding member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Originally established as the Maine Literary and Theological Institution, Colby became known for its strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, small class sizes, and a curriculum emphasizing broad intellectual exploration alongside deep disciplinary study. Over the past two decades, the college has significantly raised its academic profile and selectivity, investing heavily in facilities, financial aid, and interdisciplinary programs such as environmental studies, global studies, and computational science.
At a Glance
| Type | Liberal Arts |
| Location | Waterville, Maine |
| Founded | 1813 |
| Total students | 2,300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 8% |
| Graduation rate | 93% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $65,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $65,000 |
| Room & board | $17,000 |
| Average financial aid | $58,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 45% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1450-1540 |
| ACT range | 33-35 |
| Average GPA | 3.9 |
| Regular deadline | January 1 |
Top Programs
- Economics
- Government
- Environmental Studies
- Biology
- Creative Writing
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.