Bates College: 13.7% Acceptance Rate

13.7%Acceptance

$63,478Tuition

1,753Students

91%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$69,498Earnings

#6 in MainePrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Bates College

Bates College pioneered test-optional admissions in 1984, decades before most top schools followed suit. The 1,753 students at this Maine liberal arts college learn from professors who value intellectual curiosity over standardized test scores. Notable graduates include former U.S. Secretary of State Edmund Muskie and television journalist Bryant Gumbel. The small city setting in Lewiston provides an intimate academic environment with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio.

The sticker price hits $82,282, but most families pay far less after generous aid packages. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,263 annually. Even middle-class families earning $75,000-$110,000 pay around $22,744. Graduates earn a median of $69,498 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $14,275 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $151.

Bates competes fiercely with Bowdoin and Colby in the NESCAC, fielding 27 varsity sports teams. About 700 students participate in Division III athletics as Bobcats. The college maintains a 94% retention rate, suggesting students find what they're looking for here. With 91% of students graduating in four years, Bates delivers on its promise of rigorous liberal arts education without the pressure of standardized testing.

Academics & Faculty

Bates pioneered test-optional admissions in 1984, becoming the first top liberal arts college to stop requiring standardized tests. This reflects the school's commitment to evaluating students well-roundedally rather than relying on test scores. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in small seminar-style classes typical of liberal arts education. Students explore diverse disciplines before declaring a major, with particularly strong programs in politics, economics, and environmental studies. The 91.56% four-year graduation rate demonstrates how well this personalized approach works. Bates emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities and senior capstone projects. The college's "Short Term" in May allows students to pursue intensive study abroad programs or independent research projects.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 95.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 91.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 90.6%
Retention Rate: 94.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $69,498
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Economics.	Bachelor	$69,338
History.	Bachelor	$51,273
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$38,289
Sociology.	Bachelor	$35,600
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$30,771
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Bachelor	$26,353
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$25,194
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.	Bachelor	$22,192

View all 33 programs →

Campus Life

Pack a heavy winter coat for Maine winters, where snow blankets the campus from December through March. Housing capacity accommodates 1,737 students while enrollment sits at 1,753, meaning virtually everyone lives on campus in Gothic Revival buildings scattered across 133 acres. Lewiston offers pizza shops and coffee houses within walking distance, though Portland lies an hour south for weekend city trips.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates small seminars where professors know your name and academic interests. Students gather in Commons dining hall, debating everything from thesis topics to intramural games. With 700 athletes competing across 27 varsity sports, Bobcats games draw crowds despite the Division III level. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a short January term for internships or quirky courses like "Zombie Literature." Weekend activities revolve around outdoor adventures in nearby mountains, campus parties in residential houses, and study groups that often turn into late-night philosophical discussions. The 94.02% retention rate suggests students find their groove quickly.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,737 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1855

Campus Safety (2023)

38 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Rape	6	5	0
Fondling	6	4	0
Burglary	3	3	0
Dating Violence	3	3	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	1
Stalking	2	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–27°F
July Avg: 60°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.1"
Annual Snowfall: 65.6"

Student Demographics

Bates draws ambitious students from across the country, with 90% coming from outside Maine. The college's pioneering test-optional policy since 1984 attracts intellectually curious students who may not shine on standardized tests but excel in other ways. Only 10% receive Pell Grants, reflecting a predominantly affluent student body despite generous need-based aid that covers most costs for lower-income families. The nearly even gender split mirrors the liberal arts tradition of preparing well-rounded graduates. Students here value academic risk-taking and authentic self-expression over conventional measures of achievement.

Men: 49.3%
Women: 50.7%
White: 61.4%
Black: 4.5%
Hispanic: 8.8%
Asian: 6.6%
In-State Students: 9.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 10.2%

Location

Bates sits in Lewiston, Maine, about 35 miles north of Portland. The city houses around 36,000 residents and serves as a former mill town along the Androscoggin River. Lewiston has undergone significant revitalization in recent decades, transforming from its industrial past into a more diverse community. The area offers access to Maine's outdoor recreation, with ski slopes and hiking trails within an hour's drive. Students find themselves in a genuine small city rather than a traditional college town, though the campus creates its own tight-knit community atmosphere. Only 9.6% of students come from Maine, drawing the rest from across New England and beyond. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare Bates with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lewiston, Maine 04240

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $69,498
Median Earnings (5 years): $73,010
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $46,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 87.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $151/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,275

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bates College?

Bates College accepts just 13.74% of applicants, making it highly selective among liberal arts colleges. The school pioneered test-optional admissions in 1984, decades before it became mainstream. Students typically score around 1470 on the SAT when submitted.

How much does Bates College cost after financial aid?

The total cost of attendance reaches $82,282, but the average net price drops to $30,703 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,263 on average. Graduates leave with a median debt of only $14,275, well below national averages.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bates College?

Classes are small with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio across the 1,753-student campus. The college operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes an intensive January term. Students enjoy close mentorship in Bates' rigorous liberal arts curriculum.

What do Bates College graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $69,498 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The employment rate reaches 96% for recent graduates. Notable alumni include former Secretary of State Edmund Muskie and TV journalist Bryant Gumbel.

Where is Bates College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Lewiston, Maine, housing 1,737 students in residence halls. About 700 students compete in 27 varsity sports as Division III Bobcats. The retention rate of 94.02% suggests students love the tight-knit community atmosphere.

Does Bates College require standardized test scores for admission?

Bates was the first top liberal arts college to go test-optional in 1984, nearly 40 years ahead of the trend. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. This policy reflects the college's belief that standardized tests don't tell the whole story about student potential.