Head-to-head · 2026
Colby College vs York County Community College
Compare average net price ($17,180 at Colby College; $5,875 at York County Community College), ROI score (11.71 vs 19.09), ten-year median earnings ($80,490 vs $44,873), and admissions context (7.1% at Colby College; Open / not reported at York County Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. York County Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. York County 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 | York County Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.71 | 19.09 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,180 | $5,875 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $80,490 ✓ | $44,873 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 88.8% ✓ | 33.8% |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $8,861 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,407 | 1,133 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1501 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colby College costs $11,305 more per year than York County Community College ($17,180 vs $5,875). Colby College graduates report $35,617 higher median earnings after ten years ($80,490 vs $44,873). On EduGradify's model that puts York County Community College ahead on projected ROI (19.09 vs 11.71, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (York County Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Colby College reports 7.1% acceptance; York County Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colby College vs York County Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colby College or York County Community College the better value?
York County Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.09 vs 11.71), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
York County Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,875 per year vs $17,180 at Colby College. The annual difference of $11,305 adds up to about $45,220 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colby College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $80,490 vs $44,873 at York County Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $35,617.
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; York County Community College reports A+.