Northeastern University Oakland vs. Colby College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University Oakland in Oakland, CA with Colby College in Waterville, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colby College is larger than Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (2,412 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University Oakland is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); Colby College is in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting).
• Northeastern University Oakland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University Oakland 7:1; Colby College 9:1.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Colby College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern University Oakland or Colby College? 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 Northeastern University Oakland ($16,219 vs. $27,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 8.6% lower than at Northeastern University Oakland ($17,890 vs. $19,580).
• Colby College is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern University Oakland (about $1,822 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $67,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at Colby College than at Northeastern University Oakland (about $1,822 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $67,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University Oakland than at Colby College (67% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 19.4% larger than aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students ($69,201 vs. $57,948).

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Colby College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern University Oakland or Colby College? 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 Colby College and Northeastern University Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 40 points higher than at Northeastern University Oakland (1470).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Northeastern University Oakland).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520; Colby College 1460/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 32/33; Colby College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern University Oakland - Test optional; Colby College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Northeastern University Oakland (3.57).
• Northeastern University Oakland has a higher acceptance rate (16.7%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 46.2% at Colby College.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Colby College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern University Oakland and Colby College? 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 Northeastern University Oakland's (57%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $29,000 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $4,155 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($19,345 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($200 vs. $242).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern University Oakland students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 66%)

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.