About Colby-Sawyer College
Students pay an average net price of $25,857 after financial aid, though this varies by family income. Lower-income students pay just $14,570 on average, while wealthier families face costs near $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $46,474 ten years after graduation, leaving them with typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. About 75% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.
The student body skews heavily female at 72%, reflecting the college's strength in fields like nursing and education. With 230 student-athletes competing across 17 Division III sports, the Chargers maintain a strong athletic culture despite the small enrollment. The 61% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees, though 98% of graduates find employment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.6%
- Retention Rate
- 80.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,474
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,796 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $45,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $36,134 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,138 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,391 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,495 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Women make up 71.85% of the student body, creating a distinctly collaborative campus atmosphere. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals by October. Students spend weekends hiking the nearby mountains, attending Chargers athletic events, or gathering around dorm fireplaces during New England's long winters. The college's strong arts programs draw creative students who organize everything from theater productions to gallery walks. Lake Sunapee provides swimming and boating opportunities when temperatures climb above freezing. Small-town New London offers a few restaurants and shops, but campus becomes the center of social life, especially during the snowy months that define much of the academic year.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 884 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–28°F
- July Avg
- 59°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 85.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 28.2%
- Women
- 71.9%
- White
- 78.4%
- Black
- 4.2%
- Hispanic
- 3.0%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 47.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.0%
Location
- Address
- New London, New Hampshire 03257-7835
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,474
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,900
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Colby-Sawyer College?
Colby-Sawyer College accepts 78% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts college. The school attracts students seeking a close-knit academic environment with strong support systems. With just 778 total students, admissions focuses on finding students who will thrive in this intimate mountain setting.
How much does Colby-Sawyer College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,857 after financial aid, with total costs reaching $37,258 including room and board. The college provides institutional grants averaging $36,724 to about 31% of students. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Colby-Sawyer College?
Colby-Sawyer maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in this liberal arts environment. The small class sizes support the college's focus on experiential learning and mentorship. With 80.77% of students returning for their second year, the intimate academic setting clearly resonates with many students.
What are the career outcomes for Colby-Sawyer College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $46,474 ten years after graduation, with 98.1% finding employment. The college's career-focused liberal arts programs prepare students for immediate workforce entry. About 61% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the hands-on learning approach that characterizes this New Hampshire institution.
Where is Colby-Sawyer College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in rural New London, New Hampshire, providing a classic New England small-town college experience. With housing capacity for 884 students and only 778 enrolled, nearly all students can live on campus. Women make up 72% of the student body, creating a distinctive campus active in this mountain community.
Does Colby-Sawyer College offer athletic scholarships?
Colby-Sawyer offers no athletic scholarships as an NCAA Division III institution, where 230 students compete across 17 varsity sports. The Chargers compete in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference with about 30% of the student body participating in athletics. This reflects the college's philosophy of balancing academics with competitive sports without the pressure of athletic scholarships.
