Head-to-head · 2026
Colby College vs University of Maine at Presque Isle
Compare average net price ($17,180 at Colby College; $7,035 at University of Maine at Presque Isle), ROI score (11.71 vs 14.55), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($80,490 vs $40,956), and admissions selectivity (7.1% acceptance at Colby College; 99.9% at University of Maine at Presque Isle) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Colby College | University of Maine at Presque Isle |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 11.71 | 14.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,180 | $7,035 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $68,720 | $28,140 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $69,600 | $9,402 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $69,600 | $14,862 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $80,490 ✓ | $40,956 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% | 99.9% |
| Graduation rate | 88.8% ✓ | 51.6% |
| Retention rate | 93.7% ✓ | 58.4% |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $16,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,407 | 1,913 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1501 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Colby College | University of Maine at Presque Isle |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $4,049 ✓ | $5,934 |
| Family income $30–48k | $1,251 ✓ | $4,492 |
| Family income $48–75k | $3,666 ✓ | $6,564 |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,106 | $10,229 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $46,511 | $9,758 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Colby College | University of Maine at Presque Isle |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 5.6% | 3.7% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 7.1% | 1.5% |
| Biology, General | 5.2% | 1.1% |
| Mathematics | 3.1% | 1.5% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 2.6% | 1.5% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 1.9% | 1.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Maine at Presque Isle reports the lower average net price by $10,145 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $40,580 difference over four years ($28,140 vs $68,720).
Colby College reports $39,534 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($80,490 vs $40,956). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 93.7% at Colby College and 58.4% at University of Maine at Presque Isle. Median federal debt among completers is $19,157 vs $16,000, respectively.
6 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Colby College vs University of Maine at Presque Isle, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Maine at Presque Isle is cheaper — average net price $7,035 per year vs $17,180 at Colby College. The annual difference of $10,145 adds up to about $40,580 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colby College reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $80,490 vs $40,956 at University of Maine at Presque Isle. The gap in the federal data is $39,534. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colby College is more selective at 7.1% acceptance vs 99.9% at University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.