Colby College

Colby College is a highly selective private liberal arts college located in Waterville, Maine. It is one of the nation's premier liberal arts institutions, known for its rigorous academics, beautiful natural setting, and strong commitment to environmental sustainability and global engagement. The university offers a broad curriculum across the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, emphasizing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. It fosters a fully residential, tight-knit community where a low student-to-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship and collaborative research opportunities.

The college was founded in 1813 as the Maine Literary and Theological Institution by a group of Baptist ministers, making it the oldest college in Maine. It was renamed Waterville College in 1821 and later adopted its final name in 1867 to honor one of its primary benefactors, Gardner Colby. The university was a pioneer in coeducation in New England, graduating its first women in 1871. A major defining moment in its modern history was the strategic decision to move its entire campus from downtown Waterville to a stunning, spacious new site on Mayflower Hill in the 1930s, a move that solidified its identity as a residential, campus-focused college with world-class facilities.

This college stands as a top-tier liberal arts college, combining a long, distinguished history with a forward-looking commitment to sustainability, global awareness, and artistic integration. By offering a rigorous academic experience with the flexibility of the Jan Plan and the resources of specialized centers like the Lunder Institute, the university cultivates students who are prepared to be innovative leaders and engaged citizens. Its blend of a close-knit residential community and high academic standards ensures that it remains one of the most selective and influential institutions in the liberal arts landscape.