Chances of Getting Into Colby College
Waterville, Maine • Private University • #14 National • Founded 1813
Colby Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Colby SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Colby College
Colby College has transformed from a strong liberal arts school to one of the most selective colleges in America, driven by massive investment in campus, DavisConnects career program, and elimination of student loans. Located in central Maine, Colby offers a quintessential New England college experience.
Top Programs
What Makes Colby Unique
- DavisConnects guarantees every student a funded internship or research opportunity
- No student loans — all financial aid is grants
- $1B+ in campus investment over the past decade
- New downtown Colby campus in Waterville
- Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs integrates civic engagement
Colby Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Colby Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Colby: Admission Tips
Colby's ED rate is strong (~40%) — apply ED if it's your top school
Mention DavisConnects in your application — it's a signature program
Colby tracks demonstrated interest heavily; visit and engage
Community engagement and outdoors enthusiasm resonate
The application has an optional arts supplement — use it if you have talent
The Brutal Truth About Colby Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 7.5% acceptance rate, Colby rejected over 16,650 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Colby, having a 3.87 GPA and 1450 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Colby doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Colby genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 7.5%-acceptance-rate basket.
Colby Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Colby College?
Colby College has an acceptance rate of 7.5% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 18,000+ applicants, approximately 530 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Colby?
The average GPA of admitted students at Colby College is 3.87. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.72, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Colby?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Colby students is 1390-1510. The average SAT score is 1450. For ACT, the range is 32-34 with an average of 33.
Is Colby hard to get into?
Yes, Colby College is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 7.5%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Colby cost?
Tuition at Colby College is $65,350 per year, with total cost of attendance at $82,900. However, 44% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $53,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Colby?
Your chances of getting into Colby College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 7.5% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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