Bowdoin College vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowdoin College is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (1,881 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or Olin 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 Bowdoin College than Olin College ($22,228 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowdoin College are 11.2% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($18,488 vs. $20,810).
• Bowdoin College is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Olin College (about $1,434 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at Bowdoin College than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (about $1,434 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Bowdoin College (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 45.2% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($62,872 vs. $43,290).

Bowdoin College vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College or Olin 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 Olin College and Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 20 points higher than at Bowdoin College (1510).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Olin College has a higher acceptance rate (25.2%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Bowdoin College vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and Olin 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Bowdoin College's (92%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $4,123 lower median loan debt than Bowdoin College graduates ($14,710 vs. $18,833).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowdoin College graduates ($152 vs. $194).

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.