Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Bates College vs Bowdoin College

Lewiston, ME · Brunswick, ME · Source: IPEDS federal database

Bates CollegeBowdoin College
Acceptance Rate13.0%8.0%
In-State Tuition$63,478$64,910
Out-of-State Tuition$63,478$64,910
Average Net Price$11,288$9,682
Graduation Rate91.0%96.0%

GradFax Analysis

Bates College accepts 13.0% of applicants. Bowdoin College accepts 8.0%. Tuition is close: $63,478 at Bates College, $64,910 at Bowdoin College. Bates College graduates 91% of students in 6 years. Bowdoin College graduates 96%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Bates College profileBowdoin College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Bates College or Bowdoin College?

Bowdoin College. It accepts 8.0% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Bates College or Bowdoin College more affordable?

Bates College has lower published tuition: $63,478 versus $64,910. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Bowdoin College: 96% of students finish in 6 years. Bates College is at 91%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Bates College vs Bowdoin College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax