WATERVILLE — As part of its ongoing efforts to level the playing field for prospective applicants, Colby College has announced a robust, comprehensive program to ensure students who will most benefit from a Colby education are able to apply and enroll. It includes an element to assist Maine students as they consider their college options, according to a news release from the college.

The Colby Commitment focuses on four key areas: offering significant financial aid that includes meeting 100 percent of demonstrated need without student loans, removing barriers to applying for admission, facilitating funded experiences including internships and research opportunities, and providing robust programming and mentorship to support student success.

To encourage students from Maine to consider colleges that match their academic credentials, The Colby Commitment includes another promise: At the request of high school administrators, college counselors or teachers, Colby will conduct a workshop at their high school on topics ranging from college essay writing, writing letters of recommendation, financial aid, pathways to college, or interview skills. Additionally, Colby will provide a travel grant to any community-based organization in Maine working with high school students that requests a visit to campus.

“We have created admissions and financial aid policies to ensure the most talented students — regardless of their financial situation — may apply and enroll if offered admission at Colby,” said Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Matt Proto, in the release. “We are also thrilled to offer support for Maine high schools and community-based organizations to ensure students seriously consider the colleges and universities that will most challenge and inspire them.”

Colby is one of a handful of colleges in the country that meets full-demonstrated need and does not include student loans in financial aid packages. This provides every student receiving financial aid the opportunity to graduate free of student-loan debt. Colby’s rigorous intellectual culture, close interaction with faculty, broad liberal arts curriculum, and access to experiential opportunities together prepare students for successful, purposeful lives.

For more information, visit commitment.colby.edu.

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America’s most selective colleges and the first previously all-male college in New England to admit women. Serving only undergraduates, Colby offers a rigorous academic program rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 57 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 1,850 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Maine location provides easy access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.

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