Head-to-head · 2026
Colby College vs Southern Maine Community College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Colby College, 2 for Southern Maine Community College — Colby 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 | Colby College | Southern Maine Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.71 ✓ | 9.39 |
| Avg net price | $17,180 | $11,086 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $80,490 ✓ | $41,661 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 88.8% ✓ | 28.2% |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $10,331 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,407 | 5,675 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1501 | — |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colby College costs $6,094 more per year than Southern Maine Community College ($17,180 vs $11,086). Colby College graduates report $38,829 higher median earnings after ten years ($80,490 vs $41,661). On EduGradify's model that puts Colby College ahead on projected ROI (11.71 vs 9.39, 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; Southern Maine Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colby College vs Southern Maine Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colby College or Southern Maine Community College the better value?
Colby College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.71 vs 9.39), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southern Maine Community College is cheaper — average net price $11,086 per year vs $17,180 at Colby College. The annual difference of $6,094 adds up to about $24,376 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colby College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $80,490 vs $41,661 at Southern Maine Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $38,829.
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; Southern Maine Community College reports B.