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Colby College vs University of Southern Maine

Colby College is a private college in Waterville, ME, and University of Southern Maine is a public university in Portland, ME. Colby College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 7% of applicants against 79% at University of Southern Maine. University of Southern Maine is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,596 a year against $17,180 at Colby College. About 89% of students graduate at Colby College, compared with 43% at University of Southern Maine. Ten years after enrolling, Colby College alumni earn a median of about $80,490, against $49,958 for University of Southern Maine.

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Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Waterville, ME
Portland, ME
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,407
4,222
Acceptance rate
7%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1460–1550
990–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
24–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,180
$13,596
Full cost / yr
$85,420
$23,717
In-state tuition
$69,600
$11,284
Out-of-state tuition
$69,600
$27,944
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,049
$9,999
$30k - $48k
$1,251
$10,847
$48k - $75k
$3,666
$12,550
$75k - $110k
$12,106
$16,750
Over $110k
$46,511
$19,180
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
43%
Freshman retention
94%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,052
$47,107
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,490
$49,958
Median debt at graduation
$19,157
$19,060
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
28%
First-generation students
11%
33%
International students
11%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling

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 Colby College or University of Southern Maine harder to get into?
Colby College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 79% at University of Southern Maine. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colby College or University of Southern Maine?
University of Southern Maine is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,596 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 Colby College and University of Southern Maine?
Before aid, University of Southern Maine costs about $23,717 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, Colby College or University of Southern Maine?
Colby College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,049 there, against about $9,999 at University of Southern Maine. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colby College or University of Southern Maine?
University of Southern Maine is the larger of the two, with about 4,222 undergraduates against 2,407 at Colby College.
Does Colby College or University of Southern Maine have a better graduation rate?
Colby College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 43% at University of Southern Maine.
Do graduates of Colby College or University of Southern Maine earn more?
Colby College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,490 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,958 for University of Southern Maine. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colby College and University of Southern Maine require SAT or ACT scores?
Colby College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Southern Maine is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Colby College and University of Southern Maine look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1460–1550 at Colby College and 990–1250 at University of Southern Maine. 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