UNIVERSITY · CDS 2024-2025
Colby College
Waterville, ME 2,400 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
NESCACLAC4-1-4 Calendar
Accept
8.0%
Yield
—
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%)
—
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
—
SAT Math (mid 50%)
—
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
32–34
GPA
Not reported
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$72,590
Total COA
$97,020
Avg need-based aid
$73,688
Avg merit award
$2,000
Net price after avg need aid
$23,332
Colby meets 1% of demonstrated need on average.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Colby's AP Policy
Colby awards placement and allows students to satisfy distribution requirements for AP exams with scores of 4 or 5. AP credits do not count toward the 128 credits required for graduation.
Min score
4
Credit cap
0 credits
Mode
Placement only
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayImportant
- Recommendation(s)Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Colby is committed to the belief that the best preparation for life, and especially for the professions that require specialized study, is a broad acquaintance with human knowledge.
Distilled Themes
Broad acquaintance with human knowledgeCritical and imaginative thinkingDiversity and compassionLifelong learningLeadership and service
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Colby values students who are intellectually curious and have a desire to learn about a wide range of subjects.
- 02They are looking for students who are not only strong academically but also compassionate and engaged in their communities.
- 03A demonstrated interest in the liberal arts and a willingness to explore different fields of study is a plus.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Highlight your intellectual curiosity by showcasing a variety of interests and a passion for learning.
- 02Demonstrate your commitment to community engagement through volunteer work or extracurricular activities.
- 03Write a thoughtful and personal essay that reflects your values and how you would contribute to the Colby community.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of intellectual curiosity or a narrow focus on a single subject
- A purely academic application with no evidence of community engagement or extracurricular involvement
- A generic essay that does not demonstrate a genuine interest in Colby
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Environmental Science; Government; Economics; Biology; English; Art
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 15, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Early Decision II
Binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Feb 15, 2026
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Apr 1, 2026
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (N/A)
Not trackedWeight: Unknown
Colby College does not officially track demonstrated interest; their admissions process is described as a holistic review of each applicant.
Save the energy
Focus on crafting a strong application with excellent essays and highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements; do not spend effort on demonstrating interest.
Provenance