Head-to-head · 2026
Colby College vs Eastern Maine Community College
Compare average net price ($17,180 at Colby College; $8,928 at Eastern Maine Community College), ROI score (11.71 vs 11.68), ten-year median earnings ($80,490 vs $41,704), and admissions context (7.1% at Colby College; Open / not reported at Eastern Maine Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Colby College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Colby College | Eastern Maine Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.71 ✓ | 11.68 |
| Avg net price | $17,180 | $8,928 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $80,490 ✓ | $41,704 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 88.8% ✓ | 32.1% |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $11,293 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,407 | 1,840 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1501 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colby College costs $8,252 more per year than Eastern Maine Community College ($17,180 vs $8,928). Colby College graduates report $38,786 higher median earnings after ten years ($80,490 vs $41,704). On EduGradify's model that puts Colby College ahead on projected ROI (11.71 vs 11.68, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Colby College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Colby College reports 7.1% acceptance; Eastern Maine Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colby College vs Eastern Maine Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colby College or Eastern Maine Community College the better value?
Colby College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.71 vs 11.68), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Eastern Maine Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,928 per year vs $17,180 at Colby College. The annual difference of $8,252 adds up to about $33,008 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colby College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $80,490 vs $41,704 at Eastern Maine Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $38,786.
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. Colby College reports a A value grade; Eastern Maine Community College reports A.