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Bates College vs Colby College

Bates College is a private college in Lewiston, ME. Colby College is a private college in Waterville, ME. Colby College admits about 7% of applicants and Bates College about 13%, making Colby College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,180 a year at Colby College after aid, and about $29,351 at Bates College. About 90% of students graduate at Bates College, compared with 89% at Colby College. Ten years after enrolling, Colby College alumni earn a median of about $80,490, against $69,498 for Bates College.

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Bates College

Lewiston, ME · Private

Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lewiston, ME
Waterville, ME
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,760
2,407
Acceptance rate
13%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1420–1530
1460–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,351
$17,180
Full cost / yr
$83,532
$85,420
In-state tuition
$66,590
$69,600
Out-of-state tuition
$66,590
$69,600
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,397
$4,049
$30k - $48k
$8,958
$1,251
$48k - $75k
$11,336
$3,666
$75k - $110k
$19,468
$12,106
Over $110k
$45,886
$46,511
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
89%
Freshman retention
91%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,202
$60,052
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,498
$80,490
Median debt at graduation
$14,275
$19,157
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
14%
First-generation students
15%
11%
International students
10%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 4

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bates College or Colby College harder to get into?
Colby College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 13% at Bates College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bates College or Colby College?
Colby College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,180 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,351 at Bates College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bates College and Colby College?
Before aid, Bates College costs about $83,532 a year and Colby College about $85,420. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bates College or Colby College?
Bates College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,397 there, against about $4,049 at Colby College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bates College or Colby College?
Colby College is the larger of the two, with about 2,407 undergraduates against 1,760 at Bates College.
Does Bates College or Colby College have a better graduation rate?
Bates College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 89% at Colby College.
Do graduates of Bates College or Colby College earn more?
Colby College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,490 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,498 for Bates College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bates College and Colby College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bates College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Colby College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bates College and Colby College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1420–1530 at Bates College and 1460–1550 at Colby College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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