Bowdoin College vs Bates College: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Bowdoin College and Bates College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bowdoin College vs Bates College at a glance
Bowdoin College admits 7.1% of applicants and Bates College 13.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,595 at Bowdoin College and $27,390 at Bates College. Six-year graduation rates are 92.8% and 88.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Bowdoin College admits 7.1% of applicants and Bates College 13.3%, so Bowdoin College is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,595 a year at Bowdoin College and $27,390 at Bates College; Bowdoin College costs $11,795 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $3,318 at Bowdoin College and $1,899 at Bates College.
- 92.8% of students graduate within six years at Bowdoin College, against 88.1% at Bates College.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $90,153 for Bowdoin College and $98,373 for Bates College; Bates College is $8,220 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at Bowdoin College and $12,250 at Bates College.
- Bowdoin College enrolls 1,873 students (fringe town) and Bates College 1,760 (small city).
Side by side
Bowdoin College and Bates College in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Bowdoin College | Bates College |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% | 13.3% |
| Applicants | 9,325 | 7,319 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1470–1550 | 1420–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 31–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,595 | $27,390 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,740 | $70,146 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,740 | $70,146 |
| Cost of attendance | $88,820 | $87,520 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $3,318 | $1,899 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $5,634 | $7,617 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,694 | $9,606 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,219 | $21,363 |
| Over $110,000 | $40,929 | $46,685 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 92.8% | 88.1% |
| First-year retention | 96.8% | 91.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $90,153 | $98,373 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $12,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $139 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 1,873 | 1,760 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Town: Fringe | City: Small |
| Location | Brunswick, ME | Lewiston, ME |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Bowdoin College reports 35 bachelor's programs and Bates College 30; 25 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Bowdoin College vs Bates College
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Bowdoin College or Bates College?
Bowdoin College is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Bowdoin College admits 7.1% of applicants and Bates College admits 13.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Bowdoin College 1470–1550; Bates College 1420–1530.
Which is cheaper, Bowdoin College or Bates College?
Bowdoin College has the lower average net price after grants: $15,595 a year at Bowdoin College against $27,390 at Bates College. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $3,318 and $1,899. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Bowdoin College or Bates College graduates earn more?
Bates College graduates earn more at the median: $90,153 ten years after entry for Bowdoin College and $98,373 for Bates College. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $12,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Bowdoin College or Bates College?
Bowdoin College does: 92.8% of Bowdoin College students graduate within six years, against 88.1% at Bates College.
How big are Bowdoin College and Bates College?
Bowdoin College has 1,873 students in Brunswick, ME and Bates College has 1,760 students in Lewiston, ME.