Overview
Enrollment
Bates College, founded in 1855 and nestled in Lewiston, Maine, stands out as a private liberal arts college renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinctive campus characterized by a blend of historic and modern architecture. Although relatively intimate in size, Bates maintains a broad curriculum with a notably strong focus on social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, as well as physical sciences. The college operates on a semester-based academic calendar, adhering to a selective admissions process. Situated approximately 35 miles from Portland, the campus offers a serene, residential setting with a majority of students living in campus housing, ranging from traditional dormitories to unique residential houses. Bates does not place a strong emphasis on athletic programs but encourages student participation in various sports, competing as the Bates Bobcats in the NCAA Division III without athletic scholarships.
In the most recent statistical year 8,273 prospective students applied, and 1,137 were granted admission. Of those admitted 518 enrolled in the school. 1,790 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 0 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $61,066 plus fees of $0. Bates is ranked 43 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Bates is rated within the top 10% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Bates College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#43 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#43 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in Maine
#2 in Best Private Colleges in Maine
#39 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Value Colleges in Maine
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1420/1520 |
| ACT | 32/33 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $17,224 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,250 |
| Total One Year Cost | $80,440 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 26% |
| Biology | 10% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 9% |
| English and Literature | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Bates are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Bates College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=160977 IPEDS survey data for Bates College.
Current students may use the Bates College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024