Navigating the Colby College Application Process: Requirements, Fees, and Deadlines

Applying to college can be a daunting process. This article provides a detailed overview of the application process for Colby College, including requirements for first-year and transfer students, financial aid information, and important deadlines. Colby College actively seeks applicants who exemplify academic excellence and have special qualities or talents to contribute to the Colby community, including diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds valued by the College.

First-Year and Transfer Applicants

Colby College distinguishes between first-year and transfer applicants.

First-year students are those still enrolled in high school or who have graduated but have not matriculated at another college or university.
Transfer students have graduated from high school and have attended a college or university. Colby admits students as candidates for the degree of bachelor of arts.

Priority in admissions is to incoming first-year students, though a small number of transfer students are admitted each year. Admission by transfer is open to those with strong academic and personal records from accredited colleges or universities. Credits from accredited institutions are generally accepted for courses that are comparable to those offered at Colby and in which grades of C or better are received. No more than 64 transferable semester credit hours may be applied toward a Colby degree.

To ensure a common educational base, a minimum of 16 academic preparatory units is strongly recommended, including four years of English, three of a single foreign language, three of college preparatory mathematics, two of history or social studies, two of laboratory science, and two years of other college preparatory electives. The average rate of return from first year to sophomore year is 90 percent.

Academic Requirements and Preferences

Colby College seeks intellectually adventurous students with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the community. The college employs a holistic review process, considering each applicant's overall context, including their personal and educational background.

Read also: Waterville's Colby College

Test-Optional Policy

Colby College is test optional. Students may choose whether to submit the results of their standardized test scores with their application for admission. Students choosing to submit SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Test scores may elect to self-report their standardized test scores on the application. Official scores will be required only for students who submitted test results with their application and choose to enroll at Colby. Students seeking to fulfill the College’s foreign language requirement may do so by submitting official test scores that indicate an earned score of 640 or higher on a foreign language Subject Test or receiving a score of 4 or higher on an AP foreign language exam or scoring a 6 or higher on an International Baccalaureate foreign language exam. Please refer to the Colby AP Exam Policy via the Registrar’s webpage. Information about the tests is available at collegeboard.com/testing and at actstudent.org.

Self-Reported SAT and ACT Scores

Colby is a test optional institution. Self-reported SAT and ACT scores are permitted. The College will accept standardized test scores submitted through one of the following means: (i) scores included on the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application; (ii) scores sent to the admissions office via a PDF score report or from the testing agency; and/or (iii) scores submitted through the optional update form.

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Colby participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program of the College Board. Credits will be recorded on the Colby transcript for official AP scores of 4 or 5, and, where appropriate, advanced course placement will be granted. Colby also recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) and offers advanced course placement and credit based on individual Higher Level examination results, as well as performance on the full IB Diploma program. At the discretion of individual academic departments, advanced placement may be earned for scores of 6 and 7 on higher-level examinations.

Additional Recommendation Letters

Colby accepts additional recommendation letters outside of the required counselor and teacher letters. Colby conducts routine audits of select applications to confirm the accuracy of the information submitted as part of the application process. By submitting an application to Colby, applicants grant consent to Colby to contact individuals, schools, and other organizations identified in applications for the purpose of these audits. Colby College and its employees are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect.

Application Deadlines

It is crucial to adhere to the specified deadlines for application submission. Colby College offers several application options, each with its own deadline:

Read also: Colby's Campus Life

Early Decision I:
- Admission and Financial Aid Deadline: Nov 15
- Optional and Supporting Materials Due: Nov 22
- Notification: On or before December 15
Spring Transfer:
- Admission and Financial Aid Deadline: Nov 1
- Optional and Supporting Materials Due: Nov 1
- Notification: On or before December 15
Early Decision II:
- Admission and Financial Aid Deadline: Jan 5, Jan 15
- Optional and Supporting Materials Due: Jan 15
- Notification: On or before February 15
Regular Decision:
- Admission and Financial Aid Deadline: Jan 5, Jan 15
- Optional and Supporting Materials Due: Jan 15

Early Decision Conversion: If you have filed your regular decision application prior to the deadlines of November 15 or January 5, you can convert your application to Early Decision by submitting a signed Early Decision Agreement by December 1 in the case of EDI, or by February 1 in the case of EDII.

Financial Aid and Costs

Colby College is committed to providing access and opportunity for students from all economic backgrounds.

Commitment to Meeting Demonstrated Need

Need-based financial aid is available to international students. Colby meets 100 percent of demonstrated need for all applicants. International student advisors are available to international students to address visa and immigration concerns.

Financial Aid Details

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 42.79%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 100%
Average Aid Package Awarded: $75,056
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $71,349
Average Need-Based Loan Amount: $3,348
Typical Debt at Graduation: $25,005

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Financial Aid Application Process

U.S. citizens or permanent residents wishing to apply for federal funds need only submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processor. Those also applying for Colby’s institutional grants should submit the Profile form to the College Scholarship Service (CSS), including the Non-Custodial CSS Profile if applicable. On the basis of the FAFSA, the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) form, W-2 forms, federal income tax returns, and other forms that may be required for special circumstances, the College determines eligibility within the context of Colby policy and federal regulations.

Read also: Academics at Colby

Early Decision applicants who wish to be considered for institutional financial aid must file the CSS Profile, FAFSA, and provide copies of the parent and student federal income tax return (including all schedules and W-2s) before Nov. 15 for Early Decision I, before Jan. 17 for Early Decision II, and before Jan. 17 for Regular Decision. International students must complete and submit the International Student CSS Profile by the appropriate decision deadline.

Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: Feb 1 The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
Priority Application Due: Not available Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
Notification Date: Apr 1 When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
Response Due: Not available The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment

Financial Aid Appeals

Colby is committed to ensuring that students can achieve their educational goals, even in the midst of hardships or unexpected financial changes. If your family’s circumstances have changed since you first applied for financial aid, filing an appeal with the financial aid office may help you access additional funding or financing resources.

Affordability Initiatives

No fees. No loans.
For families with a total income of $75,001 to $100,000 and typical assets, your parent or guardian contribution will be no more than $10,000.
For families with a total income of $100,001 to $150,000 and typical assets, your parent or guardian contribution will be no more than $15,000.
Families with a total income of $200K or less with typical assets have a parent/guardian contribution of no more than $20K.

Costs

Average Per Year After Aid: $15,163
Average Net Price: $15,163 per year
Books and Supplies: $850 per year
Personal Expenses: $850 per year
Transportation: $500 per year

Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Two Year Waiting Period

Students who do not complete an aid application for Colby institutional aid prior to admission will not be considered for College grant assistance for two award years, unless there have been substantial unexpected and unavoidable changes to the family financial circumstances. Unexpected and unavoidable changes do not include anticipated changes such as an additional child enrolled in college, nor does it include employment changes which were discretionary choices.

Other Fees and Deposits

Students arriving at Colby for their first semester on campus will also be charged for the Colby Outdoor Orientation Trip (COOT).
Enrollment Deposit for All New Students: A nonrefundable deposit of $300 is due on or before the date of confirmation of intention to attend.
Study-Away Deposit: Students who will not be enrolled on the Waterville campus, but are participating in a Colby-billed study-away program are required to pay a $500 deposit.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition: All matriculating students are required to enroll for at least 12 credit hours each semester. Exceptions are made by the dean of admissions and financial aid in the case of nontraditional students and by the dean of students in certain cases of regular students with extenuating circumstances that prohibit them from carrying a normal course load. Students who receive loans and/or grants should be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours per semester to qualify for these funds.
Food: The College offers a board plan of 21 meals per week.
Housing: Students are expected to occupy College housing facilities to the full extent of their availability. Other arrangements may be made only with specific approval of the dean of students.
All full-time students are required to have health insurance coverage while attending Colby. All students are automatically enrolled in the plan administered by Anthem and billed the $2,508 annual premium. Students are required to complete the online enroll/waive process annually and may waive participation in the plan by documenting comparable coverage under another insurance policy. This process must be completed by August 1, 2025. Failure to meet this deadline results in automatic enrollment in the plan, and the student will be responsible for paying the non-refundable annual premium.
Two types of off-campus-study programs are available at Colby: approved non-Colby off-campus study and Colby off-campus programs. Students who are engaged in approved non-Colby off-campus foreign or domestic study programs pay fees directly to the host institution or service providers. For Colby programs abroad and domestic exchanges, a comprehensive fee including tuition, housing, food, and travel applies. Financial aid is available to students enrolled in approved non-Colby off-campus programs as well as to those enrolled in Colby off-campus programs. Colby-billed study-away programs require a $500 attendance deposit. Students who expect to transfer credits for full-time study in a non-Colby program will be subject to a fee of $1,500 per semester. Students who are not enrolled on campus for either the fall or spring semester will be charged a fee of $7,760 for tuition for participating only in an on-campus January Program.
Applied Music: A student is notified of the fee that will be charged to the student’s account when registering for musical instruction in the applied music program.
Damage to or Loss of College Property: Liability for damage or loss of College property located within individual residence hall rooms lies with the resident(s) of the room. When damage or loss of College property occurs in residence hall common areas (e.g., lounges, hallways, lobbies, bathrooms), the Office of Campus Life will make every effort to identify the individuals responsible and to bill them. In cases in which residential life staff determines that responsibility lies with the residents of a specific section of a residence hall, those students will be billed.

Student Account Information

Online student account statements are available to enrolled students. Students may authorize the College to make online statements accessible to parents or to discuss financial matters with parents. In order to do so, permission must be granted by the student through the student’s Workday account. Instructions on how to grant parental access are available on the Workday Student Resources webpage.
Prior to the first day of classes each semester, student accounts must be paid or satisfactory arrangements made with Student Financial Services. If the balance on the account is to be paid by an outside scholarship, a 30-day late fee waiver will be granted for the amount of the scholarship only if the student notifies Student Financial Services of this information prior to the first day of classes. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all financial matters are resolved prior to the first day of classes.
In the event that a student account is delinquent, the account may be placed with a collection agency or an attorney for collection.
The College does not accept post-dated checks or credit card payments on campus for semester charges.
checking or savings account can be made at colby.edu/sfs.
A late payment fee of one percent of an unpaid balance of $1,000 or more will be assessed at the first of each month for as long as such a balance remains unpaid. A balance must be 30 days old to be assessed a fee. Assessment dates for September and February will coincide with the first day of classes rather than with the first day of those months.
checking or savings account can be made at colby.edu/sfs under the Student Account Info link. The College makes available a number of loans and a payment plan.

Refund Policy

Colby College has developed a refund policy for all students. Students who officially withdraw before the first day of classes will be refunded 100 percent of institutional charges (tuition and fees), less any non-refundable enrollment or matriculation fees. Refunds will be made for students who withdraw either voluntarily or unofficially in accordance with this policy. Refunds of institutional charges are not granted to full-time students withdrawing during the January Program. No refunds are made for students who elect not to do an on-campus January Program. The College offers optional tuition refund insurance designed to reduce the financial loss caused by a medical withdrawal.

Title IV Financial Assistance and Withdrawals

Title IV financial assistance recipients who withdraw from the College must have their aid eligibility recalculated in accordance with applicable federal laws. The law specifies how Colby must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that you earn if you withdraw from school. Though your aid is posted to your account at the start of each period, you earn the funds as you complete the period. If you withdraw during your payment period, the amount of Title IV program assistance that you have earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula.

If you received (or your school or parent received on your behalf) less assistance than the amount that you earned, you may be able to receive those additional funds. The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a pro-rate basis. For example, if you completed 30 percent of your payment period or period of enrollment, you earn 30 percent of the assistance you were originally scheduled to receive. If you did not receive all the funds that you earned, you may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement.

If your post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, your school must get your permission before it can disburse them. You may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that you don’t incur additional debt. Your school may automatically use all or a portion of your post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and housing, and food charges (as contracted with the school). The school needs your permission to use the post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other school charges. If you do not give your permission (some schools ask for this when you enroll), you will be offered the funds.

There are some Title IV funds that you were scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed to you once you withdraw because of other eligibility requirements. The school must return this amount even if it didn’t keep this amount of your Title IV program funds. If your school is not required to return all the excess funds, you must return the remaining amount. For any loan funds that you must return, you (or your parent for a Direct PLUS Loan) must repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. Any amount of unearned grant funds that you must return is called an overpayment. The maximum amount of a grant overpayment that you must repay is half of the grant funds you received or were scheduled to receive. You do not have to repay a grant overpayment if the original amount of the overpayment is $50 or less. The requirements for Title IV program funds when you withdraw are separate from any refund policy that your school may have. Therefore, you may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional charges. Your school may also charge you for any Title IV program funds that the school was required to return. If you don’t already know your school’s refund policy, you should ask your school for a copy.

Admission Requirements and Selectivity

Colby College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. Meeting the college's academic expectations is crucial for admission.

GPA Requirements

Applicants should aim for a GPA of 4.13 or higher to be competitive.

Standardized Testing

While Colby College has a test-optional policy, submitting SAT or ACT scores can strengthen an application. The 25th and 75th percentile SAT scores are 1470 and 1530, respectively. For the ACT, the 25th and 75th percentile scores are 32 and 34, respectively. Colby College is understood to superscore both the ACT and SAT.

Holistic Review

Colby's admission process is holistic, considering factors beyond academic achievements such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Opportunities at Colby

Study Abroad

Colby offers two first-semester abroad options-in Dijon, France, and Salamanca, Spain-which are described in the Opportunities to Study Off Campus section. Students who participate in one of the College’s first-semester abroad programs will earn academic credit and satisfy distribution requirements toward the degree at the same pace as their classmates.

DavisConnects

DavisConnects guarantees all students access to research, internship, and global experiences around the world - regardless of their ability to pay.

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