Private nonprofit Institution

Bates College — Lewiston, Maine

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Annual Tuition $63,478

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 13%

Most Selective

Enrollment 1,753

Active Students

Avg. Salary $69,498

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Lewiston, Maine
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Bates College stands as a pillar of higher education in Lewiston, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,753 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Bates College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Bates College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences
31.2%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
18%

Enrollment Share

Natural Resources
10.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
9.6%

Enrollment Share

English
6.6%

Enrollment Share

Physical Sciences
5.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Bates College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Bates College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Natural Resources College

The Natural Resources program at Bates College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best English College

The English program at Bates College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Physical Sciences College

The Physical Sciences program at Bates College provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Bates College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 13%
Difficulty Extremely High

Bates College maintains an acceptance rate of 13%, reflecting its status as a most selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 49.3%
Women Enrollment 50.7%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 700 - 740
SAT Mathematics 700 - 770
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Bates College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $63,478
Out-of-State Tuition $63,478

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 10.2%
Median Student Debt $14,275

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $63,478, graduates see a median starting salary of $69,498, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Maine.

What salary can Bates College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $69,498

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 90.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $30,703
Median Salary (6yr) $59,202
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Bates College in Lewiston?

1,753 Students

Gender Comparison

49.3% Men
50.7% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

94%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.2%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
6.6%
Black
4.5%
White
61.4%
Unknown
0.6%
Hispanic
8.8%
Two or More Races
8.4%
International
9.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 19
🎓
First-Generation 15.1%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 38.5%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $77,753
Average Family Income $123,832
Median Family Income $86,734

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

42.9%
57.1%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Lewiston Campus Environment

Located at 2 Andrews Road, Bates College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Maine. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Bates College

Is Bates College a good college in Lewiston, Maine?
Bates College is a recognized institution in Lewiston with an enrollment of 1,753 students. It is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education and offers a robust ROI for students in Maine based on Department of Education data.
Is Bates College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Bates College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $69,498. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Bates College cost for Maine residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Bates College is approximately $63,478. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $63,478. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Bates College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Bates College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 38.5% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Bates College good for Social Sciences and Biological Sciences programs?
Bates College is highly regarded for its Social Sciences and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Bates College?
Graduates of Bates College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $69,498, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Bates College?
Bates College operates with a Most Selective policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Bates College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Bates College follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Bates College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Bates College earn a median salary of $69,498 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Bates College a good investment compared to other ME colleges?
Bates College stands out as a high-value investment in Maine. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Bates College located and what is the campus like?
Bates College is located at 2 Andrews Road in Lewiston, ME. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,753 learners.
Who typically attends Bates College in Lewiston, ME?
The student body at Bates College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 15.1% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Maine

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Bates College with other leading institutions in Maine across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
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B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
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P
Psychology
E
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C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
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F
Fire Protection
I
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I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
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