Get matched with vetted scholarships and enter our
Please select whichever best describes you for the 2025 - 2026 academic year.
Apply as student Sign up as parent/guardian Sign up as counselor/educator
100% Free. No Spam.
    Start typing in the text field above

    JUST PUBLISHED: $200,000 in exclusive scholarships from the Skechers Foundation! Apply Now

    B

    Bates College

    bates.edu Black Arrow Icon
    Claim this profile
    Advertiser disclosure

    Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

    Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

    Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.

    Overview

    Bates College was the first coeducational school in New England, accepting all students regardless of gender from its inception. With traditions like Puddle Jump and academic programs like Short Term, Bates offers a one-of-a-kind experience for students across the country.

    There are currently 1,753 undergraduates at Bates and the school’s acceptance rate is 13%. The tuition at Bates is $63,478.

    Bates College
    Liberal Arts Liberal Arts
    A liberal arts college offers a well-rounded education with a strong focus on critical thinking, writing, and discussion-based learning. Students can expect small class sizes, close relationships with professors, and a broad curriculum that encourages exploration across disciplines. These schools are great for students who enjoy interdisciplinary studies or haven’t decided on their major yet.
    11 City
    Colleges in cities offer easy access to jobs, internships, and entertainment. These colleges provide plenty of opportunities but may include higher living costs and a busier environment than other campuses. Some urban schools have traditional campuses, while others blend into the city.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $83,532

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $52,829

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $30,703

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition & Fees
    $63,478
    Books & Supplies
    $900
    Room & Board
    $17,904
    Other
    $1,250

    Estimated Cost:

    $83,532

    The sticker price at Bates is $83,532. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Bates would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Bates College Financial Aid

    To apply for financial aid at Bates you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.


    The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.


    The FAFSA code for Bates is 002036 and the CSS Profile Code is 3076.


    The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:


    Pell Grants at Bates College

    11% of students at Bates College receive Pell Grants.


    The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Bates. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:


    Bates College Financial Aid Resources

    For more information about financial aid at Bates, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!


    Here’s how you can get in touch:


    Admissions

    13%

    Admission Rate

    Is Bates test-optional?

    Bates College is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.

    November
    15

    Early Decision I

    January
    10

    Early Decision II

    January
    10

    Regular Decision

    What is the application deadline at Bates?

    Students must apply by January 10 to enroll at Bates during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.


    At Bates students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 15.


    You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 10.

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 91%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Social Sciences

    31%

    31% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    18%

    18% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    10%

    10% of graduates

    Psychology

    10%

    10% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    7%

    7% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Mathematics

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Philosophy & Religious Studies

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies

    3%

    3% of graduates

    History

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Languages & Literatures

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 1,753

    Pell Grant 10%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 0%

    Percent Male / Female 49% / 51%

    Ethnic Diversity at Bates

    61% White

    10% International / Non-Citizen

    9% Hispanic

    8% Multiracial

    7% Asian / Pacific Islander

    4% Black

    1% Unknown

    Student Outcomes


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $69,498

    Median Debt $14,275

    Debt 10 years after graduation $151

    Graduation Rate 91%

    What is the graduation rate at Bates College?

    91% of students who start at Bates College finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 33% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Bates College go on to earn?

    The median income of students 10 years after starting at Bates College is $69,498. This is $19,107 more than the national median.


    This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Bates College who received federal financial aid.


    Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at Bates take out in loans?

    Graduates of Bates take out a median of $14,275 in federal student loans. This is $775 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

    If you represent Bates College and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.

    Get Started

    Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.

    3 reasons to join scholarships360

    • Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
    • Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
    • Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

    By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

    Join For Free