Colby College vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare Colby College in Waterville, ME with Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bard College is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Bard College 9:1.

Colby College vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Bard 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 Bard College ($16,219 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 5.1% lower than at Bard College ($17,890 vs. $18,852).
• Colby College is 4.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bard College (about $3,164 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at Colby College than at Bard College (about $3,164 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at Colby College (74% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 25.3% larger than aid received by Bard College students ($69,201 vs. $55,235).

Colby College vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colby College or Bard 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 Bard College and Colby College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 150 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Colby College vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Bard 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).

• Colby College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $31,800 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $6,849 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($19,345 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($200 vs. $270).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 81%)

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.