Bowdoin College vs. Colby College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Colby College in Waterville, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colby College is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (2,412 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Colby College is in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Colby College 9:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Colby College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or Colby College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Colby College than Bowdoin College ($16,219 vs. $22,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 3.2% lower than at Bowdoin College ($17,890 vs. $18,488).
• Colby College is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowdoin College (about $1,768 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.6% higher at Colby College than at Bowdoin College (about $1,768 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowdoin College than at Colby College (55% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 10.1% larger than aid received by Bowdoin College students ($69,201 vs. $62,872).

Bowdoin College vs. Colby College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College or Colby College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Colby College and Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is the same as at Colby College (1510).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Colby College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Colby College 1460/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Colby College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Colby College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bowdoin College has a higher acceptance rate (7.1%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 46.2% at Colby College.

Bowdoin College vs. Colby College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and Colby College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Colby College's (91%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Colby College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $73,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $512 lower median loan debt than Colby College graduates ($18,833 vs. $19,345).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colby College graduates ($194 vs. $200).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowdoin College students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 87%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.