Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Bates College vs Colby College

Lewiston, ME · Waterville, ME · Source: IPEDS federal database

Bates CollegeColby College
Acceptance Rate13.0%6.8%
In-State Tuition$63,478$66,600
Out-of-State Tuition$63,478$66,600
Average Net Price$11,288$8,937
Graduation Rate91.0%90.0%

GradFax Analysis

Bates College accepts 13.0% of applicants. Colby College accepts 6.8%. Bates College's tuition is $63,478. Colby College's is $66,600. Bates College is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 91% at Bates College, 90% at Colby College.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Bates College profileColby College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Bates College or Colby College?

Colby College. It accepts 6.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Bates College or Colby College more affordable?

Bates College has lower published tuition: $63,478 versus $66,600. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Bates College is at 91%; Colby College is at 90%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Bates College vs Colby College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax