Colby College vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Brandeis University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Brandeis University 10:1.

Colby College vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Brandeis University? 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 Brandeis University ($16,219 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 10.3% lower than at Brandeis University ($17,890 vs. $19,944).
• Colby College is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Brandeis University (about $1,520 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at Colby College than at Brandeis University (about $1,520 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $68,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Colby College (62% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 61.5% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($69,201 vs. $42,841).

Colby College vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 50 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

Colby College vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Brandeis University? 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).

• The graduation rate at Colby College is the same as at Brandeis University (91% vs. 91%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $7,655 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($19,345 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($200 vs. $279).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 82%)

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.