Colby College vs. Manhattan University

Comparable Facts

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

Manhattan University is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (3,225 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Manhattan University is in Riverdale, NY (Large City setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Manhattan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Manhattan University 15:1.

Colby College vs. Manhattan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Manhattan 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 Manhattan University ($16,219 vs. $29,717).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 4.8% lower than at Manhattan University ($17,890 vs. $18,800).
• Colby College is 30.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Manhattan University (about $16,200 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $53,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.3% higher at Colby College than at Manhattan University (about $16,200 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $53,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Manhattan University than at Colby College (100% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 103.1% larger than aid received by Manhattan University students ($69,201 vs. $34,078).

Colby College vs. Manhattan University Admissions comparison

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

• Manhattan University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 240 points higher than at Manhattan University (1270).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 27 at Manhattan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Manhattan University 1180/1358.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Manhattan University 25/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Manhattan University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Manhattan University Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Manhattan University (3.63).
• Manhattan University has a higher acceptance rate (78.9%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 8% at Manhattan University.

Colby College vs. Manhattan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Manhattan 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 Manhattan University's (72%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Manhattan 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 $6,655 lower median loan debt than Manhattan University graduates ($19,345 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Manhattan University graduates ($200 vs. $268).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Manhattan 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.