Class of 2029 Admitted to Colby
Awaiting the incoming class are endless opportunities to shape their interests into unique educational experiences
A record-breaking 20,144 students have applied to Colby, the largest and most competitive applicant pool in the history of the College. Of those, 7 percent have been offered admission to join the Class of 2029.
Students admitted to Colby’s Class of 2029 represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five U.S. territories, and 82 countries. They will graduate from more than 870 high schools worldwide. Nearly 95 percent are expected to graduate within the top 10 percent of their high school class. The median SAT is a 1520 and the median ACT is a 34.
“They are an incredible group of talented artists and writers, creative thinkers and innovators, award-winning scientists, impactful athletes, and leaders who are transforming their schools and communities,” said Molly Hodgkins ’15, deputy dean of enrollment management. “We are eager to welcome them to our community.”
Throughout the month of April, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid offers several virtual and in-person opportunities for admitted members of the Class of 2029 to learn more about Colby’s distinctive offerings. Students and their families are given the opportunity to participate in spotlight classes with world-class faculty, attend sessions highlighting key initiatives and community resources, and engage directly with current students, faculty, administrators, and staff.
The Class of 2029 is the first to benefit from an expanded Fair Shot Fund program featuring financial aid benchmarks for families based on their total income. Families with an income of $75,000 or less with typical assets can expect a $0 parent or guardian contribution. And families earning a total income of up to $100,000, $150,000, or $200,000 with typical assets have a parent or guardian contribution of no more than $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, respectively. Through the Colby Commitment, the College meets 100 percent of each admitted student’s demonstrated financial need without loans.
“Colby’s financial aid policies ensure talented students from around the world have access to exceptional opportunities and resources,” said Candida Oxendine, deputy dean of financial aid and enrollment operations, “regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.”
Unlimited opportunities
Students arriving on Mayflower Hill this August to begin their academic careers will have an array of programs and disciplines available. Among the 46 majors and 36 minors are new programs in public health, marine science, public policy, data science, environmental humanities, and digital media.
Awaiting the incoming class are endless opportunities to shape their interests into unique educational experiences. They will join a dynamic community of serious and committed scholars who embrace cross-disciplinary study, pursue innovative and creative projects, and strive to become engaged and thoughtful global citizens.
The arts ecosystem provides robust opportunities for all students. In addition to the world-class Colby College Museum of Art, Colby boasts the innovative Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Opened in 2023, the center has flexible, multipurpose performance areas and studios that give students freedom to experiment. Downtown Waterville arts venues include the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, a hub for film, visual and performing arts, and community engagement, and Greene Block + Studios, where workshops, performances, and exhibitions abound.
The Lyons Arts Lab advances students’ creative pursuits by supporting them at multiple stages during their creative process. Learning, making, and connection-building are at the lab’s core to help students realize their original work. The Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship provides entrepreneurship education and training programs, funding for students to start commercial and social enterprises, mentorships, and more.
Students interested in the sciences will find support at the Linde Packman Lab for Bioscience Innovation, which is committed to connecting students to opportunities, programs, mentors, and funding to ensure transformative bioscience experiences on campus and around the world.
Colby’s newest lab is the Public Policy Lab. Established in 2024, the non-partisan lab is an innovative center for interdisciplinary research, immersive learning, and meaningful collaboration with policymakers and community stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels.
The Buck Lab for Climate and Environment is a nexus for collaborations among Colby students, faculty, staff, and community partners. The lab provides grants to fund internships, research, community engagement projects, and professional networking for students wanting to investigate and help solve pressing environmental challenges, in Maine and beyond.
The Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence is the first cross-disciplinary institute for AI and machine learning at a liberal arts school. Truly interdisciplinary, Davis AI promotes human-centered approaches to AI with programs and research deeply embedded in Colby’s academic program.
Helping students navigate the array of opportunities, while thinking ahead to post-graduate goals, is Colby’s singular DavisConnects. DavisConnects provides expert coaching, helps qualified applicants pursue grant funding, and connects students to Colby’s global network of alumni, parents, and institutional partners.
Student athletes and others seeking a healthy, active lifestyle have access to the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, which supports Colby’s 32 varsity teams as well as students wanting to work out, take fitness classes, practice wellness, or cheer on the Mules in NESCAC play.
This rich assortment of opportunities is rooted in Colby’s beautiful Mayflower Hill campus, nestled in the heart of Maine, and on its Island Campus in Muscongus Bay. The Island Campus, composed of Allen and Benner islands, is a living laboratory ideal for interdisciplinary research, reflection, and inspiration.
“Much like Colby’s academic programs, the interests of our admitted Class of 2029 are far-reaching and deeply connected to real-world impact,” said Randi Maloney ’09, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid. “With access to unparalleled resources and close engagement with Colby’s world-class faculty, they’ll be well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the most complex and vexing challenges of our time.”
