Founded in 1813, Colby is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the U.S., and the private school prides itself on the opportunities it provides for undergraduate research.
Colby is highly selective, with one of the country’s lowest acceptance rates. But for the school's 2,400 students, it's worth the work to get in. The school is known for its small class sizes (the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1) and devoted professors. Academically, the top fields of study include economics, environmental science and political science.
Although Colby has a high sticker price — the total cost of attendance is more than $95,000 a year — approximately 44% of students receive financial aid, significantly reducing the price tag. Plus, the school boasts impressive outcomes. About 88% of students graduate within six years, a much higher rate than the national median.
The campus has an idyllic, New England feel, with an on-campus arboretum and nature trails. But its location in central Maine is a bit off the beaten path, with the nearest large city, Portland, some 90 minutes to the south.
