Class of 2023 Sets New Records

By Kardelen Koldas '15

May 9, 2019

Colby received 13,584 applications from all around the country and the globe, a 10-percent increase from last year, reflecting the continuously growing demand for a Colby education.

“Students around the world are recognizing the impact of the opportunities we provide, from guaranteed access to a global experience to cutting-edge academic programs and extraordinary new facilities,” said Randi Arsenault ’09, senior associate dean and director of admissions.

From that pool, 1,308 students were offered admission, which translated into an overall acceptance rate of 9.6 percent. With more admitted students choosing Colby for their undergraduate studies, the yield rate reached 44 percent—an 8-percentage-point increase from the previous admissions cycle. The median SAT score of the incoming class is 1460 and the median ACT score is 33.

“The Class of 2023 is the most academically competitive in the history of the College, and they will bring a breadth of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to our community,” Arsenault said.

The incoming class is drawn from approximately 400 high schools, 38 states, and 36 countries. Among American students, 34 percent self-identified as students of color. Pell Grant recipients make up 17 percent of the first-year class. Approximately 12 percent are first-generation-to-college students. More than 12 percent are non-U.S. citizens.

“The Class of 2023 is the first to benefit from the Fair Shot Fund, which ensures families with a total household income of $150,000 or less and assets typical of that income range will have an annual parent or guardian contribution of $15,000 or less,” said Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Matthew T. Proto. “Our expanded outreach and new financial aid policies have allowed more talented students from all backgrounds to pursue a Colby education.”