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Bowdoin College vs Colby College

Bowdoin College is a private college in Brunswick, ME, and Colby College is a private college in Waterville, ME. Both admit about 7% of applicants. Bowdoin College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,398 a year against $17,180 at Colby College. About 95% of students graduate at Bowdoin College, compared with 89% at Colby College. Ten years after enrolling, Bowdoin College alumni earn a median of about $82,735, against $80,490 for Colby College.

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Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private

Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Brunswick, ME
Waterville, ME
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,873
2,407
Acceptance rate
7%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1550
1460–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,398
$17,180
Full cost / yr
$85,100
$85,420
In-state tuition
$67,832
$69,600
Out-of-state tuition
$67,832
$69,600
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,145
$4,049
$30k - $48k
$2,800
$1,251
$48k - $75k
$9,007
$3,666
$75k - $110k
$13,801
$12,106
Over $110k
$35,196
$46,511
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
89%
Freshman retention
97%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,692
$60,052
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,735
$80,490
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
$19,157
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
14%
First-generation students
19%
11%
International students
7%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 Bowdoin College or Colby College harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 7% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bowdoin College or Colby College?
Bowdoin College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,398 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,180 at Colby 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 Bowdoin College and Colby College?
Before aid, Bowdoin College costs about $85,100 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, Bowdoin College or Colby College?
Bowdoin College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,145 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, Bowdoin College or Colby College?
Colby College is the larger of the two, with about 2,407 undergraduates against 1,873 at Bowdoin College.
Does Bowdoin College or Colby College have a better graduation rate?
Bowdoin College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 89% at Colby College.
Do graduates of Bowdoin College or Colby College earn more?
Bowdoin College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,735 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,490 for Colby College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bowdoin College and Colby College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin College and Colby College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470–1550 at Bowdoin 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school