Overview
Founded in 1855 by a group of abolitionists, Bates College is a liberal arts college in southern Maine with a focus on social justice and egalitarianism. Bates confers bachelor’s degrees in 35 academic majors and students have the option to pursue minors or general education concentrations. Additionally, nearly half of the student body enrolls in community-engaged courses and the campus features the Harward Center for Community Partnerships. Beyond the classroom, Bates hosts the Center for Purposeful Work to help connect students to meaningful careers.
Acceptance Rate:
14%
Average Net Price:
$26,451
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
3.9
Average ACT Composite
32
Average SAT Composite
1420
Virtual Tour
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $63,478 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $63,478 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $17,904 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
0
100
100%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
10%
Average Aid Per Year
$51,414
10%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$3,478
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$48,821
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
1%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$2286
26%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$3,478
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$40,669,908
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$533,204
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
13%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$8,728
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,531
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$130
Students receiving federal loans
12%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,326
Average Other Loans Per Year
$31,569
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
8273
Students Applied
6%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
8
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Yes
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. | November 15 | January 12 |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 10 | May 1 |
Application Fee
$60
Fee waivers availableApplications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
12%
Submitting ACT
17%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 32
Average SAT Composite: 1420
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.9
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Bachelor's
Total Number of Students
1,790
Total Number of Undergrads
1,790
0
100
90%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
92%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
10:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
Learning Options
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
38
Faculty Overview
0
100
95%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
48
Countries Represented
78
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
15%
Student Organizations
110
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
100%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Disability Housing Available
No
0
100
92%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Bobcats
School Colors
garnet
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
New England Small College Ath Conf
Total Male Athletes
394
Total Female Athletes
283
Intramural Sports
19
Sports Club
27
Sports Team (Men)
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Crew-Rowing
- Football
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Skiing-Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Squash
Sports Team (Women)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Crew-Rowing
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Skiing-Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Squash
Bates College Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$74,300
Top 5 Cities
Boston
New York
Portland
Lewiston
Washington
Top 5 Employers
Bates College
Fidelity Investments
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard University
Google
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Education
Community and Social Services
Research
Operations
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,531
Loan Default Rate
1%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$130
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingWhat captured me was the modest intelligence of the students. Everyone here not only passionately wants to be here, but every student sincerely deserves to be here. The student body, friendly and easy-going, is a part of the aura of subdued learning and knowledge, that makes Bates a truly welcoming and enjoyable environment.
Kiera from Lewiston, ME
You might be wondering what is this tiny school all the way in Maine, but before you write it off, just know that this school gives provides so many opportunities. Aside from that, the food is absolutely amazing, the dorm options are nice/expanding, the clubs are endless, and the people are very chill. If you are looking for a school with growing diversity, an active campus environment, challenging and rewarding academics, great food, affordable cost, good sports (mainly swimming/diving, track, rowing), and raging fun on the weekends then choose Bates.
Joseph from Kansas City, MO
The opportunities that Bates offers to its students are endless, from the arts to the sciences and to athletics. Every student is welcomed with open arms. The small classes offer great relationships with Professors as well as your fellow classmates, and makes for a great learning environment.
Logan from South Berwick, ME
Bates is an academically rigorous school with out the pressure to compete with the rest of your classmates. The student body is chill and down to earth. There are tons of opportunities to get involved on and off campus.
I started referring to Bates as home only a couple of weeks into my freshman year, when I was at my actual house. Warm, spirited, intelligent and athletic people grace the campus. Opportunities seem unlimited because of how many people wish to extend a helping hand within the community.
Addie C. from Maine
Bates College is the place that I now call home. Academic integrity, athletic excellence, and the all-around amazing people that make up the student body and faculty here make it a wonderful place to spend my undergraduate years.
Christian from Newburyport, MA
Bates is an amazing school that prides itself on helping the students, which it really does. It gives the students the attention they deserve, and professors are always more than willing to help. Though the school is small, there is always something to do.
Elle from New York
Bates was unexpectedly perfect for me. The people are amazing and the atmosphere is great. I love it here.
Erin from Rumford, ME
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