Bowdoin College vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Smith College in Northampton, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Smith College is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (2,857 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Smith College 8:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or Smith 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 Smith College ($22,228 vs. $27,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowdoin College are 18.1% lower than at Smith College ($18,488 vs. $22,570).
• Bowdoin College is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Smith College (about $2,654 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at Bowdoin College than at Smith College (about $2,654 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Smith College than at Bowdoin College (67% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Smith College students ($62,872 vs. $58,725).

Bowdoin College vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 30 points higher than at Smith College (1480).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Smith College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Smith College has a higher acceptance rate (21%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Bowdoin College vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and Smith 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 Smith College's (85%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $26,100 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $167 lower median loan debt than Smith College graduates ($18,833 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Smith College graduates ($194 vs. $196).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Smith College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 80%)

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.