Bowdoin College vs. Skidmore College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Skidmore College is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (2,704 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Skidmore College is in Saratoga Springs, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Skidmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Skidmore College 8:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Skidmore College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or Skidmore 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 Skidmore College ($22,228 vs. $31,187).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Skidmore College are 3% lower than at Bowdoin College ($17,940 vs. $18,488).
• Bowdoin College is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Skidmore College (about $542 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $67,290.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at Bowdoin College than at Skidmore College (about $542 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $67,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowdoin College than at Skidmore College (55% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 16.3% larger than aid received by Skidmore College students ($62,872 vs. $54,083).

Bowdoin College vs. Skidmore College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 100 points higher than at Skidmore College (1410).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Skidmore College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Skidmore College 1340/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Skidmore College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Skidmore College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Skidmore College Jan 15, 2027.
• Skidmore College has a higher acceptance rate (21.1%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 26.6% at Skidmore College.

Bowdoin College vs. Skidmore College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and Skidmore 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).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Skidmore College's (84%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $20,600 more per year than Skidmore College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $54,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $667 lower median loan debt than Skidmore College graduates ($18,833 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Skidmore College graduates ($194 vs. $201).
• More Skidmore College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowdoin College students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 87%)

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.