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Colby College vs Northwestern University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Colby College
#37
Colby College
Waterville, ME
Private
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Waterville, ME

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

2,412

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

2,412

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.1%

7.7%

Average GPA

3.90

4.00

SAT Range

1460–1550

1510–1570

ACT Range

32–34

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$75

Total Applicants

19,187

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,730

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$23,939

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$60,840

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$60,840

$62,391

Room & Board

$17,890

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

45.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$69,201

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

82.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

94.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$80,490

$89,363

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Colby is in Waterville, ME

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Colby College has an acceptance rate of 7%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Colby College is more selective than Northwestern University.

The average net price at Colby College is $23,939 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Colby College is $3,204 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Colby College typically score between 1460-1550 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Colby College has a graduation rate of 87%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Colby College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Colby College, 45% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $69,201. At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Colby College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,490, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from Northwestern University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Colby College is located in Waterville, ME in a town: remote setting. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.