Bates College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Bates College
Yes, students really jump into the campus pond in winter, a quirky ritual that fits Bates' vibe: serious about ideas, light on pretense. The college is known for discussion-heavy learning, close faculty mentorship, and a balanced mix of humanities, social sciences, and the sciences. Labs and studios sit beside a bright library, performance spaces, and athletics and wellness facilities. Support runs deep with advising, counseling, writing help, tutoring, and a career center that starts early.
Life here leans active and outdoorsy, with music, theater, club sports, and an Outing Club that treats Maine as its backyard. Lewiston's close-knit community offers projects in schools, clinics, arts groups, and local businesses. Career prep has a reputation for internships and alumni mentoring. The culture is collaborative and equity-minded. Distinctive hallmarks include Short Term, a senior thesis tradition, and the Puddle Jump. Notable alumni include Edmund Muskie and Benjamin Mays.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Bates College offers 34 degree programs across 14 major academic fields, graduating approximately 516 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Social Sciences (4 programs, 146 graduates), Biological Sciences (3 programs, 101 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 50 graduates), Natural Resources (1 programs, 40 graduates) and Mathematics (1 programs, 31 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Social Sciences (4 programs, 146 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 71 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0603 |
| Political Science and Government | 54 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Anthropology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 101 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 39 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
| Neuroscience | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1501 |
Psychology (1 programs, 50 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Psychology | 50 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2799 |
Natural Resources (1 programs, 40 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
|
03.0103 |
Mathematics (1 programs, 31 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0101 |
Physical Sciences (3 programs, 27 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0801 |
| Geology and Earth Science | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0601 |
| Chemistry | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0501 |
English (2 programs, 24 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
| Rhetoric and Composition | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.1304 |
Arts (4 programs, 22 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Theatre Arts | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Music | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Dance | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0301 |
History (1 programs, 22 graduates)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
54.0101 |
Cultural Studies (6 programs, 20 graduates)
Cultural Anthropology, Ethnic Studies and Social Group Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Studies | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0207 |
| American Studies | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0102 |
| African American Studies | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0201 |
| East Asian Studies | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0104 |
| European Studies and Civilization | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0106 |
| Latin American Studies | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0107 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Bates College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Bates College
How much does it cost to attend Bates College?
The annual tuition at Bates College is $63,478 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $83,532 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,904 (on-campus) and books and supplies $900.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Bates College offer?
Bates College offers 34 academic programs across 14 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (4 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management (1 programs)
- Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Bates College?
Bates College has an 13% acceptance rate and a 43.4% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 8,937
- Students admitted: 1,164
- Students enrolled: 505
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Bates College?
Bates College provides financial aid to 29% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $53,782 and average loans of $10,278.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,459
- State/Local grants: $2,500
- Institutional grants: $52,664
- Federal loans: $4,567
The university supports 229 students with grants and 93 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Bates College graduates?
Bates College graduates earn a median salary of $59,202 after 6 years and $69,498 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $50,952 (25th percentile) to $104,523 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $114,000 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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