Colby College
Waterville, United States • Founded 1813 • World Rank #3513
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1813, the Colby College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Waterville (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Maine.
Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Colby College (CC) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Colby College (CC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 211-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
CC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for Colby College: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
The basic academic profile of Colby College, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.
Programs Offered
Colby College's current programme offering broken down by degree level. Curriculum revisions happen periodically; check the version year on each programme page if accreditation portability matters.
38 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 38 programmes
Showing 10 of 38.
How to apply to Colby College
Practical steps to apply to Colby College, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Colby College's 38 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Colby College typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit your application
Colby College processes applications through www.colby.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (207) 859 4000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colby College
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Colby College as a study destination.
When did Colby College open?
Colby College traces its founding to 1813 (approximately 213 years ago).
Where can I find Colby College?
The institution is located in Waterville, United States.
Is Colby College public or private?
Colby College is a private institution.
How many students does Colby College have?
The institution has a student body of 2,000-2,999.
Where does Colby College stand in university rankings?
Colby College holds rank #3513 globally and #383 in United States.
Is Colby College officially recognised?
Colby College is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
What is Colby College's official website?
Colby College's official website is www.colby.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Time-trend in rankings matters: rising universities in the United States may overtake Colby College or its peers over your study horizon. Year-on-year movement signals institutional momentum.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Tuition reciprocity exists in some National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.
Faculties at nearby universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Colby College draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Interested in Liberal Arts but want alternatives to Colby College? These institutions in the United States also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Compared with Colby College
Students considering Colby College frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.
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