Colby College vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

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

Colby College is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (2,412 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

Colby College vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Caldwell 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 Caldwell University ($16,219 vs. $21,875).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 20.7% lower than at Colby College ($14,188 vs. $17,890).
• Colby College is 70.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $28,752 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.4% higher at Colby College than at Caldwell University (about $28,752 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Colby College (100% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 114% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($69,201 vs. $32,340).

Colby College vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 260 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

Colby College vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Caldwell 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).

• Colby College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $26,600 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $6,405 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($19,345 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($200 vs. $266).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 50%)

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.