Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 91.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 90.6%
- Retention Rate
- 94.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $69,498
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,275
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $151/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $13,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $51,273 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $11,532 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,600 | $13,442 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $9,614 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $22,192 |
Outcomes Overview
Bates graduates earn a median of $69,498 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 21% with typical debt of $14,275. Monthly loan payments of $151 represent only 2.6% of post-graduation income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's strong liberal arts foundation sends graduates into consulting, finance, education, and nonprofit work, with many following paths similar to notable alumni like former Labor Secretary Robert Reich. A 96% employment rate reflects the value employers place on Bates' rigorous academic training and test-optional approach that emphasizes well-rounded student development. This represents a strong return on investment for families seeking strong liberal arts education.