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College comparison
Colby vs NYU
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 |  Colby Waterville, ME |  NYU New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateColby College is more selective | 7% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1460–1550 | 1480–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,407 | 28,663 |
| Avg net price | $17,180 | $37,050 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)NYU reports higher median earnings | $80,490 | $82,509 |
| Graduation rate | 89% | 88% |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $20,500 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 3.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Colby vs NYU: how they compare
For a data-driven family weighing a top-tier liberal arts college against a premier urban research university, the choice hinges on prioritizing either a focused residential community or economic mobility and urban immersion.
By the numbers Colby is a high-value, stable investment with superior financial health. Its average net price of $17k yields a value multiplier of 4.7× earnings per dollar spent, against 10-year median earnings of $80k. NYU’s higher median earnings ($83k) come at a much higher average net price ($37k), creating a lower value multiplier of 2.2×. Colby shows stability with an economic-mobility rate of 90%, an admit-rate volatility of 49%, and a DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3. NYU excels in economic mobility with a rate of 363%, but with higher volatility (127% admit-rate volatility) and a financial-health score of 2.7/3. Selectivity is similar (Colby 7% vs. NYU 9% acceptance) with comparable SAT midranges (Colby 1460–1550, NYU 1480–1560). Colby also reports a future-scholar yield of 6.3 and an 89% graduation rate versus NYU’s 88%.
Where they overlap Both institutions are highly selective universities that attract academically driven students. They deliver strong post-graduate earnings outcomes and high graduation rates.
How they differ The core contrast is one of environment and experience. Colby offers a fully residential liberal arts experience on a campus in Maine, fostering a tight-knit community. NYU provides an urban campus integrated into New York City, offering diversity and access to industry and cultural resources. Colby’s culture is described as less diverse, while NYU is international and cosmopolitan.
Quick answers
- Is Colby College or New York University harder to get into?
- Colby College is more selective: Colby College's acceptance rate is approximately 7% and New York University's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Colby College vs New York University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1460–1550 at Colby College and 1480–1560 at New York University. 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.