Bowdoin College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Bowdoin College
Two American literary giants found their voice here. Bowdoin in Brunswick is known for a rigorous liberal arts education that blends close faculty attention with lively inquiry across the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Campus life is anchored by light filled libraries, well equipped labs and studios, an on campus Arctic museum, and spaces built for collaboration. Students count on advising, tutoring, and wellness support, and the Common Good ethos quietly shapes daily life.
Student life feels close knit and curious. A cappella and student media mix with outdoor trips, coastal kayaking, and snow season fun. The Polar Bear spirit shows up in varsity and club play, plus casual intramurals. Career preparation emphasizes research, internships, and alumni mentoring that open doors in Portland and larger cities. Brunswick adds a walkable downtown with cafes and galleries. Notable alumni include Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Joshua Chamberlain.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Bowdoin College offers 40 degree programs across 15 major academic fields, graduating approximately 666 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Social Sciences (4 programs, 180 graduates), Biological Sciences (3 programs, 101 graduates), Cultural Studies (7 programs, 55 graduates), Physical Sciences (4 programs, 53 graduates) and Mathematics (1 programs, 51 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Social Sciences (4 programs, 180 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 75 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0603 |
| Political Science and Government | 73 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Anthropology | 14 |
|
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 | 43 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Neuroscience | 37 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1501 |
| Biochemistry | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Cultural Studies (7 programs, 55 graduates)
Cultural Anthropology, Ethnic Studies and Social Group Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Studies | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0103 |
| French Studies | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0124 |
| Latin American Studies | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0107 |
| Spanish and Iberian Studies | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0130 |
| African Studies | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0101 |
| Ethnic and Cultural Studies | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0299 |
| Italian Studies | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0126 |
Physical Sciences (4 programs, 53 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0801 |
| Geology and Earth Science | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0601 |
| Chemistry | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0501 |
| Chemical Physics | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0508 |
Mathematics (1 programs, 51 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 51 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0101 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 40 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
Arts (6 programs, 29 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Arts, General | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Art History and Conservation | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0101 |
| Music | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Theatre Literature and Criticism | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0505 |
| Fine Arts and Art Studies | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0799 |
English (1 programs, 28 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
History (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
|
54.0101 |
Natural Resources (1 programs, 25 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
03.0103 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin College
How much does it cost to attend Bowdoin College?
The annual tuition at Bowdoin College is $64,910 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $85,100 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,690 (on-campus) and books and supplies $840.
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 Bowdoin College offer?
Bowdoin College offers 40 academic programs across 15 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)
- Cultural Anthropology, Ethnic Studies and Social Group Research (7 programs)
- Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research (4 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 Bowdoin College?
Bowdoin College has an 8% acceptance rate and a 57.3% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 10,966
- Students admitted: 879
- Students enrolled: 504
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 Bowdoin College?
Bowdoin College provides financial aid to 27% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $57,280 and average loans of $14,218.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,372
- State/Local grants: $2,500
- Institutional grants: $54,801
- Federal loans: $5,098
The university supports 263 students with grants and 54 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 Bowdoin College graduates?
Bowdoin College graduates earn a median salary of $61,692 after 6 years and $82,735 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $50,534 (25th percentile) to $126,498 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $135,100 (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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