Bates vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bates College in Lewiston, ME with Union College in Schenectady, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union College is larger than Bates based on total student enrollment (2,065 students vs. 1,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bates College is located in Lewiston, ME (Small City setting); Union College is in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting).
• Bates College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bates College 9:1; Union College 9:1.

Bates vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bates or Union College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bates College than Union College ($24,723 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 9.4% lower than at Bates College ($17,010 vs. $18,780).
• Union College is 3.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bates (about $2,449 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $66,590.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.7% higher at Union College than at Bates College (about $2,449 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $66,590.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Bates College (96% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bates College students is 38.3% larger than aid received by Union College students ($58,809 vs. $42,534).

Bates vs. Union College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bates or Union College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union College and Bates.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bates College (1480) is 80 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Bates students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bates College 1420/1530; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bates College 31/34; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bates - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bates Jan 1, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Bates (13.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.5% at Bates vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Bates vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bates and Union College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bates College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Bates College earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,700 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bates College graduates have a $12,550 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($14,450 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bates graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More Bates graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.