Bowdoin College vs Colby College
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Bowdoin College Brunswick, ME | Colby College Waterville, ME | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | +1,099% | +354% |
| 10-year net gain | $706,926 | $267,939 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $122,126 | $79,364 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $75,867 | $42,756 |
| Average net price | $14,398 | $17,180 |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $19,157 |
| Break-even | 0.8 yrs | 2.2 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 89% |
| Admission rate | 7% | 7% |
Bowdoin College
Strong return
+$706,926 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Colby College
Strong return
+$267,939 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.