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Colby College vs Santa Clara University

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

Colby College
#37
Colby College
Waterville, ME
Private
Santa Clara University
#79
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Waterville, ME

Santa Clara, CA

Total Enrollment

2,412

9,728

Undergrad Enrollment

2,412

6,577

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.1%

48.0%

Average GPA

3.90

3.74

SAT Range

1460–1550

1350–1490

ACT Range

32–34

31–33

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$70

Total Applicants

19,187

18,970


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,730

$76,773

Avg Net Price

$23,939

$50,959

Tuition (In-State)

$60,840

$56,880

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$60,840

$56,880

Room & Board

$17,890

$19,893

% Receiving Aid

45.0%

71.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$69,201

$28,368


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

90.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

82.0%

85.0%

Retention Rate

94.0%

94.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$80,490

$109,183

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Colby is in Waterville, ME

Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Colby College has an acceptance rate of 7%, while Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48%. This means Colby College is more selective than Santa Clara University.

The average net price at Colby College is $23,939 per year, compared to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. Colby College is $27,020 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Colby College typically score between 1460-1550 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Santa Clara University, the typical SAT range is 1350-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Colby College has a graduation rate of 87%, while Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 90%. Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Colby College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Santa Clara University has a ratio of 11:1. Colby College 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 Santa Clara University, 71% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,368.

The median earnings for Colby College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,490, compared to $109,183 for Santa Clara University graduates. Graduates from Santa Clara 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. Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA in a city: midsize setting.