At a Glance
Colby College is a small private nonprofit college in Waterville, ME. Approximately 2,407 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 7% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Messalonskee Lake, just 3 miles from the water. The nearest beach is about 37 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 37 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 41/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Location
Waterville, ME
Campus Identity
Colby College is a small private nonprofit college in Waterville, ME. Approximately 2,407 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 7% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Messalonskee Lake, just 3 miles from the water. The nearest beach is about 37 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 37 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 41/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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@colbycollege
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Campus Lifestyle
Colby College is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school with NCAA D3 athletics. The campus is 37 miles from Ducktrap Beach, ME and 37 miles from Camden Snow Bowl.
Athletics
NCAA D3
New England Small College Athletic
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Town setting
Beach Access
37 miles
Ducktrap Beach, ME
Weather
Cold Climate
38°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Colby College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Camden Snow Bowl, 37 miles away with 3 lifts and 100 skiable acres. All are within 43 miles of campus.
Maine
Maine
Maine
Nearest Beach
Students at Colby College are 37 miles from Ducktrap Beach, ME.
Ducktrap Beach, ME
Ocean access within 37.5 miles
Lake Life Campus
Messalonskee Lake is 3 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Colby College students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Messalonskee Lake
Lake access within 3.3 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Waterville, ME
Waterville has a cool climate, with winters averaging 19°F in Jan and summers peaking around 70°F in Jul.
Station: WATERVILLE TREATMENT PLANT · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Colby College in ME earns a composite safety score of 41/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $69,600 |
| Fees | $2,580 |
| Room & Board | $17,890 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $90,070 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
38 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Colby College located?
Colby College is located in Waterville, ME. The main campus address is 4000 Mayflower Hill Drive, Waterville, ME. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Colby College?
Colby College has an acceptance rate of 7%, making it extremely selective. Out of 19,187 applicants, 1,360 were admitted in the most recent year.
How many students attend Colby College?
Colby College enrolls 2,407 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What ACT score do you need for Colby College?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Colby College scored between 32 and 34 on the ACT, with a median of 33. About 16% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Colby College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Colby College charges $69,600/year in tuition. Including room and board ($17,890/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $61,220/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $17,180/year — what students actually pay. Use Colby College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What NCAA division is Colby College in?
Colby College competes in NCAA Division III, part of the New England Small College Athletic. Division III programs compete without athletic scholarships and emphasize academics alongside varsity sport.
Is Colby College the right fit for me?
Whether Colby College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (7% admit rate), avg net price ($17,180/year after aid), campus culture in Waterville, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Colby College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Colby College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Waterville, ME
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's
- NCAA
- NCAA D3
- Conference
- New England Small College Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 38°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 41/100
- Nearest Airport
- Augusta, ME (AUG) · 18 mialso BGR (44 mi), RKD (45 mi)