Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid at Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin is 002038 and the CSS Profile Code is 3089.

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:

• How to Complete the FAFSA
• How to Complete the CSS Profile

Bowdoin College QuestBridge Scholarships

Bowdoin is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Bowdoin College through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.

Bowdoin College’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee

Bowdoin meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.

No Loan Policy at Bowdoin

Bowdoin is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Bowdoin's website for details on their No-Loan policy.

National Merit Scholarships

If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at Bowdoin College? Bowdoin offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Bowdoin's website for more information!

Pell Grants at Bowdoin College

17% of students at Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin. 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:

• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Top scholarships for college students
• Scholarship database

Bowdoin College Financial Aid Resources

For more information about financial aid at Bowdoin, 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:

• Website: https://www.bowdoin.edu/student-aid/
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 207-725-3144

Coalition Colleges

Bowdoin is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Bowdoin via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.

Does Bowdoin have a supplemental essay?

Yes, Bowdoin College includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Bowdoin's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.

Is Bowdoin test-optional?

Bowdoin 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.

Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Bowdoin?

Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Bowdoin College. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.

What is the application deadline at Bowdoin?

Students must apply by January 5 to enroll at Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin 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 5.

Is Bowdoin College need-blind?

Yes, Bowdoin College has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.

What is the graduation rate at Bowdoin College?

96% of students who start at Bowdoin College finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 38% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

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

The median income of students 10 years after starting at Bowdoin College is $82,735. This is $32,344 more than the national median.

This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin take out in loans?

Graduates of Bowdoin take out a median of $18,500 in federal student loans. This is $5,000 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.