Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Brunswick, Maine |
| Online | bowdoin.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Bowdoin College, founded in 1794, is a private liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine, about 25 miles north of Portland. Notable for its rigorous academics, Bowdoin offers a diverse array of undergraduate majors with particular strengths in Government and Legal Studies, Environmental Science, and Economics, attracting students who seek an intimate educational setting; the college maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio. The historic campus is recognized for its distinctive Federalist architecture, and it encompasses a picturesque 207-acre main area with a supportive residential life, as nearly all students live on campus in a variety of housing options. Bowdoin's admissions process is highly selective, seeking students who demonstrate strong academic potential and a breadth of interests. While not primarily known for its athletic programs, the college competes in the NCAA Division III as the Bowdoin Polar Bears and has earned recognition for its competitive women's field hockey team.
In the most recent statistical year 9,376 prospective students applied, and 862 were granted admission. Of those admitted 508 enrolled in the school. 1,909 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 6 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $60,952 plus fees of $576. Bowdoin College is ranked 25 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Bowdoin College is rated within the top 7% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Bowdoin College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#25 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#25 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Colleges in Maine
#1 in Best Private Colleges in Maine
#20 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in Maine
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1460/1560 |
| ACT | 33/35 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 5, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Extreme |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $840 |
| Other Fees | $576 |
| Room and Board | $16,772 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,250 |
| Total One Year Cost | $80,390 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 28% |
| Biology | 17% |
| Foreign Languages | 9% |
| Natural Resources Conservation | 7% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Bowdoin College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=161004 IPEDS survey data for Bowdoin College.
Current students may use the Bowdoin College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024