Bates College
The Vibe Check
Bates College is a close-knit, collaborative community where intellectual curiosity meets a strong sense of social responsibility. The campus feels like a supportive, tight-knit family where students are encouraged to be their authentic selves. There's a palpable energy of engaged learning and mutual respect, set against the backdrop of a classic New England campus.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Bates is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking and writing across top programs like Social Sciences, Biology, and Psychology. The college is committed to exceptional teaching, with small class sizes and direct mentorship from faculty who are dedicated educators first. Students have ample opportunities for hands-on research, often collaborating with professors as early as their first year.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Lewiston
Students in Lewiston enjoy a mix of outdoor activities and a burgeoning arts and food scene, with easy access to hiking, skiing, and the Androscoggin River. The city offers a growing number of cafes, restaurants, and local shops, and is just an hour north of Portland for bigger concerts and events. On campus, students are heavily involved in athletics, a cappella, and over 100 student-led clubs, creating a vibrant social life within the college community.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($69,498):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Bates College is located in a safe, small city environment with a low crime rate, and the campus itself is well-lit and secure. The college maintains a close relationship with the Lewiston Police Department, and students generally feel safe walking around campus and the surrounding downtown area.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional faculty mentorship and small class sizes foster deep learning.
- ✓ High graduation and retention rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support.
- ✓ A collaborative, non-competitive academic atmosphere encourages intellectual risk-taking.
- ✓ Strong alumni network provides valuable connections for internships and careers.
Cons
- ✗ The high sticker price and tuition can be a significant financial burden.
- ✗ Lewiston is a smaller city, which may feel isolated for students seeking a major metropolitan experience.
- ✗ The campus can feel socially insular due to its small size and rural-urban setting.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Bates College is nationally renowned for its commitment to a rigorous liberal arts education, close-knit community, and a distinctive 'January Project' that allows for immersive, off-campus study. It is also known for its test-optional admissions policy, which it pioneered, and for fostering a collaborative rather than competitive academic environment. The college emphasizes undergraduate research, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
Yes, Bates College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of just 13.02%. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1446 and 1510, though the college is test-optional. Admissions are holistic, placing significant weight on essays, extracurricular involvement, and a strong academic record in a challenging curriculum.
Campus life at Bates is defined by a strong sense of community and student engagement. With a small enrollment of around 1,753 students, the campus is intimate, and over 94% of students live on campus, fostering close relationships. Students are active in over 100 clubs, Division III athletics, and the arts, and the social scene is centered around campus events, outdoor activities in Maine, and the nearby downtown Lewiston area.
For many students, yes. While the sticker price is high, Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, significantly reducing the net cost for many families. The college's 91.6% graduation rate and strong alumni network contribute to a solid return on investment, with median 10-year earnings of $69,498. The investment is often justified by the exceptional education, mentorship, and lifelong connections made at Bates.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,928
- In-State Tuition $63,478
- Zip Code 04240
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price over $63,000, Bates is a significant investment, but its high graduation rate and strong alumni network contribute to a solid return on investment. The median 10-year earnings of $69,498 are competitive for a liberal arts college, and the average net price of $30,703—after aid—is more manageable for many families. Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, making it a potentially valuable option for students who receive substantial aid packages.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.