Colby College vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Simmons University is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colby College vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Simmons 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 Simmons University ($16,219 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 1.5% lower than at Colby College ($17,618 vs. $17,890).
• Colby College is 48.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $22,726 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.5% higher at Colby College than at Simmons University (about $22,726 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Colby College (100% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 97% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($69,201 vs. $35,123).

Colby College vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 200 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Simmons University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Colby College (3.86).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Colby College vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $20,600 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $6,655 lower median loan debt than Simmons University graduates ($19,345 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($200 vs. $268).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simmons University 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.