Colby College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Colby College is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (2,412 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Colby College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee ($16,219 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 4.3% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($17,890 vs. $18,685).
• Colby College is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $1,555 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Colby College than at Washington and Lee University (about $1,555 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Colby College (64% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 8.2% larger than aid received by Washington and Lee University students ($69,201 vs. $63,945).

Colby College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 20 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Colby College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Washington and Lee (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Colby College (3.86).
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Colby College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Washington and Lee? 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).

• The graduation rate at Colby College is the same as at Washington and Lee University (91% vs. 91%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than Colby College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $73,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $2,155 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($19,345 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($200 vs. $222).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington and Lee students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 88%)

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.