Colby College vs. EMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Colby College in Waterville, ME with Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colby College is larger than EMU based on total student enrollment (2,412 students vs. 1,154 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colby College vs. EMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or EMU? 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 EMU ($16,219 vs. $25,021).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Mennonite University are 26.4% lower than at Colby College ($13,170 vs. $17,890).
• Colby College is 58.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than EMU (about $25,680 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.5% higher at Colby College than at Eastern Mennonite University (about $25,680 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Mennonite University than at Colby College (96% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 113.7% larger than aid received by Eastern Mennonite University students ($69,201 vs. $32,378).

Colby College vs. EMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 190 points higher than at EMU (1320).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at EMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Eastern Mennonite University 1040/1590.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Eastern Mennonite University 25/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; EMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at EMU (3.7).
• EMU has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 12.4% at EMU.

Colby College vs. EMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and EMU? 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 Eastern Mennonite University's (66%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $29,500 more per year than EMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $4,105 lower median loan debt than EMU graduates ($19,345 vs. $23,450).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EMU graduates ($200 vs. $242).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EMU students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 80%)

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.