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College comparison
Bowdoin vs Colby
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Bowdoin Brunswick, ME |  Colby Waterville, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateColby College is more selective | 7% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1550 | 1460–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,873 | 2,407 |
| Avg net price | $14,398 | $17,180 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Bowdoin reports higher median earnings | $82,735 | $80,490 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 89% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $19,157 |
| Economic mobility | 1.1% | 0.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Bowdoin vs Colby: how they compare
Two premier Maine liberal arts colleges with near-identical selectivity diverge in financial value, stability, and campus culture.
By the numbers Both schools are highly selective, with a 7% acceptance rate and virtually identical SAT midranges (Bowdoin 1470–1550, Colby 1460–1550). Outcomes and value, however, differ. Bowdoin shows a stronger return on investment, with a 10-year median earnings figure of $83k versus Colby’s $80k, and a higher value multiplier (5.7x earnings per dollar of net price vs. Colby’s 4.7x), partly due to Bowdoin’s lower average net price ($14k vs. $17k). Bowdoin also boasts a higher economic mobility rate (109% vs. 90%) and a much more stable admissions process (admit-rate volatility of 17% vs. 49%). Colby matches Bowdoin in financial health (DOE score 3.0/3 vs. 2.9/3) but trails in graduation rate (89% vs. 95%) and future scholar yield (6.3 vs. 6.7).
Where they overlap Both are located in classic New England college towns, offering a tight-knit, residential liberal arts experience with a strong focus on undergraduate education and faculty support. They share a deep connection to the outdoors and Maine's natural environment.
How they differ The cultures and settings are distinct. Bowdoin is located in the more accessible town of Brunswick, which has an Amtrak connection. Colby’s campus is in a more rural setting atop Mayflower Hill.
Who each suits Bowdoin suits the student seeking a rigorous academic environment in a more accessible college town, with a slightly stronger quantitative return on investment and greater economic mobility. Colby is a fit for the student drawn to a campus-centric community with an outdoorsy culture, who values financial stability.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Bowdoin College or Colby College harder to get into?
- Colby College is more selective: Bowdoin College's acceptance rate is approximately 7% and Colby College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Bowdoin College vs Colby College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1550 at Bowdoin College and 1460–1550 at Colby College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.