Colby College
Waterville, United States
- Cost of Living$ 21,552
- Tuition Fee From$ 69,400
- Country Rank#330
- Batch Strength2,000
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
Founded in 1813, Colby College is a private liberal arts college located in Waterville, Maine. It is a highly selective institution, renowned for its rigorous academic programmes and commitment to creating well-rounded graduates who are prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The college offers over 60 majors across a range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts. The college follows a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, which emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of subjects and to take courses outside of their major in order to broaden their intellectual horizons.
One unique aspect of the college is the Jan Plan, a month-long term that takes place in January. During this time, students can participate in a wide range of immersive courses, research projects, internships, and service opportunities. Jan Plan provides students with the opportunity to explore their passions, try new things, and gain real-world experience outside of the traditional classroom.
Colby College is home to a dedicated and accomplished faculty, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. More than 80% of faculty members hold a PhD or other terminal degree in their field. The faculty is committed to providing personalised attention to each student, and many engage in research and other scholarly activities outside of the classroom. The college has a vibrant student life, with more than 100 student-run organisations and clubs on campus. These range from academic clubs to cultural and affinity groups to athletic teams. The college is also home to a variety of varsity and club sports teams, with a strong tradition of athletic excellence.
Colby College is committed to fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among its students. The college offers a range of community engagement opportunities, including service projects, internships, and other partnerships with local organisations. The Colby Commitment, a college-wide initiative launched in 2018, aims to provide all students with access to high-impact, experiential learning opportunities that promote civic engagement and social responsibility.
Ranking
US News and World Report in 2024 ranked the university #25 in National Liberal Arts College. Colby College was also ranked #8 in Best Value Schools in 2024. Two other major rankings it achieved by the same publication were #7 in Most Innovative Schools and #124 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Colby College has received numerous rankings and awards for its academic programs, campus facilities, and commitment to sustainability. The college was named a 2021 Great College to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The college was recognised for its strong commitment to employee satisfaction and workplace culture. Colby was also among the top 10 producers of Fulbright scholars among liberal arts colleges for the year 2021-2022. Below are some of the college’s recent rankings -
- #82 - Best Colleges In Nation - College Factual 2024
- #2 - Best Colleges In Maine - College Factual 2024
- #1408 - In the World - EduRank 2024
- #379 - In North America - EduRank 2024
- #342 - In United States - EduRank 2024
Course-wise Rankings
- #526 - For Genealogy - EduRank 2024
- #556 - For Political Economy - EduRank 2024
- #586 - For Gender Studies - EduRank 2024
- #33 - Best Colleges for International Relations in America - Niche 2024
- #35 - Best Colleges for Art in America - Niche 2024
- #41 - Best Colleges for History in America - Niche 2024
- #56 - Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America - Niche 2024
- #71 - Best Colleges for Physics in America - Niche 2024
- #70 - Best Colleges for English in America - Niche 2024
- #86 - Best Colleges for Chemistry in America - Niche 2024
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
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Facilities
Colby College offers a wide range of modern state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide an enriching and conducive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Below are some of the widely used facilities at the institution -
Libraries: The college has two libraries on campus—the Miller Library and the Bixler Art and Music Library. These libraries offer extensive collections of books, journals, and electronic resources to support research and academic endeavours.
Academic Buildings: The campus includes numerous academic buildings with classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, and faculty offices. These buildings house departments and programmes across a wide range of disciplines.
Museum of Art: The college is home to the Colby Museum of Art, which houses a significant collection of American art, contemporary art, and works from other regions of the world. The museum provides opportunities for students to engage with art and offers exhibitions, lectures, and other events.
Athletic Facilities: The college has extensive athletic facilities to support its sports programmes. This includes the Harold Alfond Athletic Centre, which features a fieldhouse, basketball courts, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and other training facilities. The campus also has several outdoor sports fields, tennis courts, and a boathouse.
Performing Arts Facilities: The campus includes the Strider Theatre, a state-of-the-art performance space, and the Given Auditorium, which hosts various musical and theatrical events. These venues provide opportunities for students to participate in or enjoy performances.
Student Centre: The Cotter Union serves as the student centre on campus. It houses various student organisations, meeting rooms, lounges, a dining hall, and recreational spaces. The student centre is a hub for social activities and events on campus.
Residential Halls: The college provides a range of residential options for students, including traditional dormitories, suites, and apartments. The residential halls offer amenities such as common areas, study spaces, and laundry facilities.
Dining Facilities: The college has dining halls and cafes that provide various meal options for students. Colby emphasises sustainable dining practices and offers a range of culinary choices to accommodate diverse dietary preferences.
Outdoor Spaces: The college is known for its picturesque campus and natural surroundings. The campus features open green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas, allowing students to enjoy outdoor activities and connect with nature.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
Colby College acceptance rate is only 8%. It is among the top 2% of the most difficult universities to get into in the United States. It is necessary that you submit over-achieved scores and grades to get into this university.
Colby College accepted only 7.61% of applicants in 2023. This number is far below its already selective 16.07% average acceptance rate for the last 10 years. The college has maintained an extremely low acceptance rate, making it very difficult for applicants to gain admission. However, the 2023 yield (enrolled students) of 52.33% significantly exceeded the 37.09% average period. The number of Colby applicants increased by 1,033 (6.51%) compared to the prior year.
Entry Requirements
Colby College offers only undergraduate programmes in over 15 different subjects. The college has a strict admission process with an acceptance rate of just 10%. The college expects all applicants to make sure they fulfil all the eligibility requirements for a smooth admission process. The admissions committee evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis, considering academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other factors that demonstrate a candidate's potential for success. Below are the entry requirements of the college -
- A completed application
- Academic Records
- High school transcript
- Completed secondary school report from a school official
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT/ACT scores - 1380/31
- Early Decision Agreement Form for Early Decision applicants only)
- Proficiency in the English Language
- Personal statement
Accepted English proficiency test scores
- TOEFL iBT - 79
- TOEFL PBT - 550
- IELTS - 6.0
Fees
Colby College offers several programmes at different levels. Listed below are the fees based on popular courses offered by the institution -
- B.S Computer Science - $66,600 /Yr
- B.S Astronomy - Astrophysics - $66,600 /Yr
- B.A/B.S Geoscience - $66,600 /Yr
- B.A Education - Schools, Society, and Culture - $66,600 /Yr
- B.A/B.S Chemistry - $66,600 /Yr
- B.A Sociology - $66,600 /Yr
Note: The specific minimum fee structure requirements may vary depending on the programmes and level of study.
Placement
Colby College has a strong record of preparing its graduates for successful careers and graduate study. The college's DavisConnects programme provides career advising, internship and job search assistance, and networking opportunities to students and alumni. The Career Centre hosts career fairs, on-campus interviews, and other events to connect students with employers. The college emphasises experiential learning and provides numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their fields of interest. The college has partnerships with organisations and companies across the country and around the world, offering students access to a wide range of internships and research opportunities.
According to Colby's most recent Career Outcomes report (Class of 2022), 97% of graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The most common industries for Colby graduates are consulting, education, finance, healthcare, and technology. Colby graduates have a strong record of acceptance to top graduate programmes in a range of fields. In recent years, graduates have been accepted to programmes at institutions such as Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, and others.
Scholarship
UniScholars is committed to levelling the playing field for students in higher education. They carefully curate a diverse selection of scholarships tailored to different disciplines and backgrounds, emphasising accessibility. With this support, UniScholars enables students to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial constraints.
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at college. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Colby College. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the college halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the college, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the college, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Waterville is a small city located in central Maine. Student life in the city is largely centred around the college campus and its community. Waterville is located near several state parks and nature preserves, making it a great location for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. Additionally, Waterville has a small but vibrant downtown area, with several local shops, restaurants, and cultural events throughout the year. The cost of living in Waterville is lower than the national average and most cities in the state. While some areas can be higher than others, students can afford don't have to spend a lot of money to live comfortably in the city.
|
Items |
Cost |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$800 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$765 |
|
Transportation |
$30 |
|
Food Cost |
$660 |
|
Utility Cost |
$206 |
|
Entertainment |
$46 |
|
Groceries |
$60 |
|
Clothes |
$200 |
|
Health Insurance |
$80 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation |
$2,082 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation |
$2,047 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$24,564 |