by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Colby worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Colby is ranked #2,169 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Maine, it ranks #20 of 26 for value.
Among the majors Colby offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| History | #9 of 13 |
| International Business | #67 of 91 |
| Economics | #139 of 234 |
| Econometrics & Quantitative Economics | #139 of 234 |
| Environmental Studies | #152 of 249 |
| Political and Social Sciences | #187 of 235 |
| Environmental Science | #192 of 272 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | #248 of 371 |
| Environment / Natural Resources | #248 of 371 |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | #279 of 405 |
Below is the detailed Colby value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Colby College is ranked #2 out of #26 in Maine for quality and #20 out of #26 for Maine value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Colby financial aid page to be sure.
Colby College is ranked #2,169 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Colby College is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Colby costs about $55,394. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $221,578 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $85,420 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $17,180 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $55,394 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $221,578 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Colby net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
What Colby costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Colby degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $341,680 | — | — |
| All Students | $221,578 | #2,169 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $68,720 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $341,680 | — | — |
| All Students | $221,578 | #20 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $68,720 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Colby shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $6,072 |
| $30K–$48K | $1,331 |
| $48K–$75K | $2,247 |
| $75K–$110K | $15,937 |
| Over $110K | $52,893 |
About 44% of Colby undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $64,417 per year. Get more details on the Colby financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Colby net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.