Colby College vs. Bentley

Comparable Facts

Compare Colby College in Waterville, ME with Bentley University in Waltham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bentley University is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Bentley University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Bentley University 12:1.

Colby College vs. Bentley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Bentley? 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 Bentley ($16,219 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 11.2% lower than at Bentley University ($17,890 vs. $20,140).
• Colby College is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $8,600 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at Colby College than at Bentley University (about $8,600 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at Colby College (88% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 105.5% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($69,201 vs. $33,673).

Colby College vs. Bentley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 150 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Bentley University 1280/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Bentley University 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Bentley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Bentley Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Bentley (3.75).
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 21.3% at Bentley.

Colby College vs. Bentley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Bentley? 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 Bentley University's (88%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than Colby College graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $73,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $7,155 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($19,345 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($200 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colby College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 88%)

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.