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College comparison
Colby vs Pomona
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 |  Pomona Claremont, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance ratePomona College is more selective | 7% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1460–1550 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,407 | 1,666 |
| Avg net price | $17,180 | $19,285 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Colby reports higher median earnings | $80,490 | $77,779 |
| Graduation rate | 89% | 93% |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $11,782 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Colby vs Pomona: how they compare
Two highly selective liberal arts colleges, one rooted in the Maine woods and the other in Southern California sunshine, present a choice defined by distinct environments and pathways.
By the numbers Both are equally selective, with a 7% acceptance rate. Pomona's student body has a slightly higher standardized test profile (SAT 25–75: 1490–1560 vs. Colby's 1460–1550). Post-graduate outcomes show Colby graduates with slightly higher 10-year median earnings ($80k vs. Pomona's $78k) and a better calculated value (4.7× earnings per dollar of net price vs. 4.0×) due to its lower average net price ($17k vs. $19k). However, Pomona excels in economic mobility, with an economic-mobility rate of 195% (vs. Colby's 90%), and is a stronger pipeline to academia, with a future-scholar (S&E PhD) yield of 11.3 (vs. Colby's 6.3). Pomona also has a higher graduation rate (93% vs. 89%). Institutional stability is similar, with Colby holding a slight edge in DOE financial-health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.9/3) and experiencing higher admit-rate volatility (49% vs. 28%).
Where they overlap Both are premier, highly residential liberal arts colleges with intense academic cultures. They foster tight-knit communities where students live predominantly on campus and form close relationships with faculty. Each provides a classic, immersive undergraduate experience focused on rigorous intellectual engagement.
How they differ The core difference is one of place and culture. Colby offers a New England college-town experience in Maine, with an emphasis on rigorous academics and a significant athletic presence shaping campus life. Pomona provides a Southern California suburban lifestyle within the Claremont Colleges consortium, offering access to a broader academic and social network across five colleges. Its culture is marked by a vibrant, frequent on-campus social scene and sunny weather.
Quick answers
- Is Colby College or Pomona College harder to get into?
- Pomona College is more selective: Colby College's acceptance rate is approximately 7% and Pomona College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Colby College vs Pomona College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1460–1550 at Colby College and 1490–1560 at Pomona 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.