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Bates College and Bowdoin College are both private nonprofit institutions — Bates College in Lewiston, ME and Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Lewiston, ME · Private
Acceptance rate: 13.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,760
Tuition: $66,590/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 89.7%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Lewiston, ME with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
Brunswick, ME · Private
Acceptance rate: 7.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,873
Tuition: $67,832/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 95.3%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Physical sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Brunswick, ME with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
| Factor | Bates College | Bowdoin College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 13.3% | 7.1% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | 1420–1530 |
| 1470–1550 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 31–34 | 33–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,760 | 1,873 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $66,590/year | $67,832/year |
| Average net price after aid | $29,351 | $14,398 |
| Graduation rate | 89.7% | 95.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $69,498 | $82,735 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Lewiston, ME | Brunswick, ME |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Physical sciences |
Bowdoin College is more selective (7.1% vs 13.3% acceptance rate). Bowdoin College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($14,398 vs $29,351). Bowdoin College reports the higher graduation rate (95.3% vs 89.7%). Bowdoin College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,873 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Bates College and Bowdoin College
Bates College has an acceptance rate of 13.3%; Bowdoin College is around 7.1%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Bates College tuition is $66,590/year. Bowdoin College is $67,832/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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