Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Garden City, NY & Waterville, ME
When students choose between Adelphi University and Colby College, they're comparing two schools with dramatically different missions and student populations. Adelphi, based in Garden City, NY, serves a diverse student body with 29% receiving Pell grants.
Colby, in rural Waterville, ME, operates as a highly selective liberal arts college with just 13% Pell recipients. Both deliver strong return on investment, but the data reveals a surprising institutional effectiveness gap that challenges assumptions about prestige and outcomes.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$19,157
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$48,005
borrowed by parents
$59,570
borrowed by parents
Adelphi is predominantly health-focused, with nursing leading graduation numbers at 436 annually, followed by psychology (102 graduates) and sports science (75). This professional orientation contrasts sharply with Colby's liberal arts mission.
Colby emphasizes social sciences, with economics (69 graduates), natural resources conservation (62), and political science (52) dominating. The program mix reflects fundamentally different career preparation philosophies: Adelphi prepares students for immediate professional roles, while Colby cultivates critical thinking across disciplines.
For students prioritizing institutional effectiveness and professional preparation, Adelphi delivers stronger outcomes relative to its student population while preparing graduates for immediate career entry. Colby offers a prestigious liberal arts experience with better completion rates and superior debt management, making it the better choice for students who value that environment and can secure admission.
The data points to fundamentally different value propositions rather than a clear winner. If you're choosing between admitted student offers, consider your career goals: Adelphi for professional preparation with strong ROI, or Colby for liberal arts cultivation with prestige benefits.
Both achieve strong outcomes through different approaches.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
