Colby College vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare Colby College in Waterville, ME with Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colby College is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (2,412 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Colby College vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Soka University of America? 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 Soka University of America than Colby College ($15,691 vs. $16,219).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 19.6% lower than at Colby College ($14,378 vs. $17,890).
• Colby College is 79.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $30,872 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.7% higher at Colby College than at Soka University of America (about $30,872 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Colby College (100% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 75.8% larger than aid received by Soka University of America students ($69,201 vs. $39,373).

Colby College vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colby College or Soka University of America? 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 Soka University of America and Colby College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 90 points higher than at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• 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; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Colby College vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Soka University of America? 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 Soka University of America's (87%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $2,943 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($19,345 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($200 vs. $230).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Soka University of America students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 86%)

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.