Colby’s Class of 2024 Breaks Records

Students in the Class of 2024 will be the first incoming class to use Colby's new best-in-class athletics center, seen just beyond Johnson Pond. (Photo by Gabe Souza, multimedia producer)

By Kardelen Koldas '15

May 8, 2020

Receiving nearly 14,000 applications for the Class of 2024, Colby had the largest applicant pool in the College’s history, showing yet again the continuously growing demand and enthusiasm for a Colby education. Less than 10 percent of the 13,922 who applied were offered admission, and a record number of those students accepted Colby’s offer.

“The members of the Class of 2024 represent a remarkable array of talents and perspectives,” said Vice President for Enrollment and Communications and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Matt Proto. “Their level of academic achievement, as well as their ability to make a positive impact within their communities, are truly inspiring. We’re incredibly excited to welcome them to Colby.”

The Class of 2024 comes to Colby exceptionally well prepared academically. The middle 50 percent range of SAT scores is 1390-1530, with a median score of 1460. The middle 50 percent range of ACT scores is 32-34, with a median score of 33. Eighty-three percent of the incoming students are expected to graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class.

Enrolling students represent 432 high schools from around the world. Fourteen percent are Pell Grant recipients, and 11 percent are first-generation-to-college students. Thirty-three percent of U.S. students self-identify as students of color, and non-U.S. citizens make up 12 percent of the class, hailing from more than 40 countries.

Colby has a longstanding commitment to enrolling the most talented students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The Class of 2024 is the first cohort of students benefiting from the College’s new financial aid policy, which ensures families with a total household income of $65,000 or less and typical assets will have a parent or guardian contribution of $0.

The Class of 2024 will also be the first incoming class to fully experience several of Colby’s new initiatives, including the Pulver Science Scholars Program, a 350,000-square-foot athletics and recreation center scheduled to open in the fall of 2020, and the new Lockwood Hotel and Arts Collaborative in downtown Waterville.

“From cutting-edge academic initiatives to innovative programs like DavisConnects and best-in-class facilities, the most talented students from across the globe are recognizing the impact of the opportunities Colby has to offer,” said Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid Randi Arsenault.