Head-to-head · 2026
Bowdoin College vs Colby College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 6 wins for Bowdoin College, 1 for Colby College — Bowdoin College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Bowdoin College | Colby College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.37 ✓ | 11.71 |
| Avg net price | $14,398 ✓ | $17,180 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $82,735 ✓ | $80,490 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% | 7.1% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 95.3% ✓ | 88.8% |
| Median debt | $18,500 ✓ | $19,157 |
| Enrollment | 1,873 | 2,407 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1520 ✓ | 1501 |
| Wins | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colby College costs $2,782 more per year than Bowdoin College ($17,180 vs $14,398). Bowdoin College graduates report $2,245 higher median earnings after ten years ($82,735 vs $80,490). On EduGradify's model that puts Bowdoin College ahead on projected ROI (14.37 vs 11.71, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Bowdoin College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Bowdoin College is highly competitive at 7.1% acceptance versus 7.1% (highly competitive) at Colby College.
Frequently asked
Bowdoin College vs Colby College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bowdoin College or Colby College the better value?
Bowdoin College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.37 vs 11.71), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Bowdoin College is cheaper — average net price $14,398 per year vs $17,180 at Colby College. The annual difference of $2,782 adds up to about $11,128 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Bowdoin College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $82,735 vs $80,490 at Colby College. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,245.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colby College is more selective at 7.1% acceptance vs 7.1% at Bowdoin College.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Bowdoin College reports a A value grade; Colby College reports A.