Bowdoin College vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, 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 Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (2,065 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bowdoin College vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College 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 Bowdoin College than Union College ($22,228 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 8% lower than at Bowdoin College ($17,010 vs. $18,488).
• Union College is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowdoin College (about $1,207 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Union College than at Bowdoin College (about $1,207 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Bowdoin College (96% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 47.8% larger than aid received by Union College students ($62,872 vs. $42,534).

Bowdoin College vs. Union College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College 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 Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 110 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Bowdoin College vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College 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).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $800 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $8,167 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($18,833 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($194 vs. $279).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union College students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.