Colby College vs. University of Southern Maine

Comparable Facts

Compare Colby College in Waterville, ME with University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Maine is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (7,604 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); University of Southern Maine is in Portland, ME (Small City setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; University of Southern Maine 14:1.

Colby College vs. University of Southern Maine Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or University of Southern Maine? 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 University of Southern Maine than Colby College ($14,028 vs. $16,219).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 31.4% lower than at Colby College ($12,280 vs. $17,890).
• Colby College is 516.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $58,316 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 149.1% higher at Colby College than at University of Southern Maine (about $41,656 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $27,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern Maine than at Colby College (95% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 518.5% larger than aid received by University of Southern Maine students ($69,201 vs. $11,188).

Colby College vs. University of Southern Maine Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 390 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 26 at University of Southern Maine).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; University of Southern Maine 990/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; University of Southern Maine 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; University of Southern Maine - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at University of Southern Maine (3.33).
• University of Southern Maine has a higher acceptance rate (79.2%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 15.3% at University of Southern Maine.

Colby College vs. University of Southern Maine Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and University of Southern Maine? 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 University of Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $30,800 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $3,155 lower median loan debt than University of Southern Maine graduates ($19,345 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Southern Maine graduates ($200 vs. $232).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Southern Maine students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 64%)

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.