Head-to-head · 2026
Colby College vs Northern Maine Community College
Compare average net price ($17,180 at Colby College; $7,181 at Northern Maine Community College), ROI score (11.71 vs 15.09), ten-year median earnings ($80,490 vs $43,348), and admissions context (7.1% at Colby College; Open / not reported at Northern Maine Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Northern Maine Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Northern Maine Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | Northern Maine Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.71 | 15.09 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,180 | $7,181 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $80,490 ✓ | $43,348 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 88.8% ✓ | 42.3% |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $10,825 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,407 | 638 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1501 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colby College costs $9,999 more per year than Northern Maine Community College ($17,180 vs $7,181). Colby College graduates report $37,142 higher median earnings after ten years ($80,490 vs $43,348). On EduGradify's model that puts Northern Maine Community College ahead on projected ROI (15.09 vs 11.71, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Northern Maine Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Colby College reports 7.1% acceptance; Northern Maine Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colby College vs Northern Maine Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colby College or Northern Maine Community College the better value?
Northern Maine Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.09 vs 11.71), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern Maine Community College is cheaper — average net price $7,181 per year vs $17,180 at Colby College. The annual difference of $9,999 adds up to about $39,996 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colby College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $80,490 vs $43,348 at Northern Maine Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $37,142.
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; Northern Maine Community College reports A.