Colby College
Waterville, Maine · Private
Colby College admitted 6.8% of 17,786 applicants (IPEDS, fall 2023). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1440–1550 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 90% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Colby College
Enter a score to see whether Colby College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It admits 6.8% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Colby College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 4, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 4, 2027
The application is free. Colby College asks for the Common App personal essay, two teacher recommendations, and a counselor recommendation. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Colby College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $85,420 a year. After grants, students paid $15,163 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Colby College’s acceptance rate?
Colby College admitted 6.8% of applicants: 1,215 of 17,786 (IPEDS, fall 2023).
When is Colby College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 4, 2027, and regular decision is due January 4, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Colby College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1440 to 1550, with a median around 1510. A score at or above 1510 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Colby College’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Colby College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Colby College asks for the Common App personal essay, two teacher recommendations, and a counselor recommendation.
Does Colby College have supplemental essays?
No. Colby College has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Colby College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Colby College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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