Colby College
Overview
One of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges, Colby offers 56 majors and 35 minors, close interaction with world-class faculty scholars, and guaranteed opportunities for research, internships, and global learning. Colby's rigorous academic experience is rooted in the deep exploration of ideas and connected to the world's most complex challenges. Unique connections—to the local community, a supportive alumni network, and global experiential learning opportunities—enrich the Colby experience and prepare graduates for lifelong success.
Colby's diverse and collaborative community represents more than 70 countries and 45 states, with each student bringing their unique background, experience, perspective, interests and voice to the community. Through the Colby Commitment, the College ensures the most talented students from all backgrounds have access to the best possible education. Colby meets 100 percent of demonstrated need without including loans in financial aid packages. Families with a total income of $65,000 or less and typical assets should expect a parent or guardian contribution of $0. Families with a total income between $65,000 and $150,000 with typical assets can expect a parent or guardian contribution of $15,000 or less. There is no fee to apply and extra essays and writing supplements are not required. As a test optional institution, you may choose whether to submit your test scores with your application to Colby.
The College’s DavisConnects program guarantees every Colby student access to a global experience, regardless of their ability to pay, and provides advising to all Colby students beginning in their first year. Students on a pre-professional track meet regularly with a designated advisor as they prepare and apply for admission to the country’s best graduate programs. A robust global community of alumni and parents—as well as partnerships with companies, nonprofits, and international institutions—provides every Colby student with an extensive career and personal network, regardless of their background. Many recent initiatives have bolstered students’ experiential learning opportunities, including a pilot internship opportunity with Citigroup and an extensive job-shadowing program pairing students with alumni and parents across a wide range of industries.
Colby's Jan Plan program, an intensive four-week academic term in January, allows students to pursue focused coursework, independent or collaborative study, or a career opportunity on or off-campus. A few of the many options available to students include an EMT certification course, internships at a Fortune 500 company or small nonprofit, and coursework ranging from an in-depth look at the anthropology of utopias to a geology field research course in Bermuda.
The student experience is bolstered by over 100 campus clubs and organizations, as well as a renowned art museum. The Lunder Institute for American Art was established with a gift of more than $100 million in American art from the Lunder family. The Lunder Institute furthers the museum’s educational mission and is the only research institute focused on American art at any college similar in size to Colby. Additionally, the Buck Lab for Climate and Environment grants students access and funding to extraordinary research experiences and internships focused on climate change and sustainability.
The Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Colby is the first cross-disciplinary institute for artificial intelligence (AI) at a liberal arts college. The Institute facilitates significant faculty and student research using rich datasets with real-world consequences and prepares students for a future where AI is transforming industries, careers, and modes of discovery, creativity, and scholarship.
Opened in 2020, the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center is among the best facilities in the nation and serves as a resource for athletes at Colby, in Waterville, and throughout New England. Colby boasts 32 NCAA Division III varsity athletic teams, countless opportunities to explore the Maine outdoors, and numerous civic engagement offerings. The Bill & Joan Alfond Main Street Commons residence hall in downtown Waterville continues to deepen Colby’s commitment to community partnership.
