Bates College
Bates
Lewiston, Maine 04240
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Highly selective — strong graduate outcomes
Bates College is a private institution in Lewiston with particular strength in biology and psychology. With an average SAT of 1446, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.8K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
91% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $69,498 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $30,703.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •In 1836, Cheney enrolled in Dartmouth College, due to the school's significant support of the abolitionist cause against slavery.
- •Parsonsfield mysteriously burned down in 1854, allegedly due to arson by opponents of abolition.
- •Soon after establishment several donors stepped forward to finance portions of the school, such as Seth Hathorn, who donated the first library and academic building, which was renamed Hathorn Hall.
- •The Cobb Divinity School became affiliated with the college in 1866.
- •Four years later in 1870, Bates sponsored a college preparatory school, called the Nichols Latin School.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Edmund Muskie '36
U.S. Secretary of State and Senator
Bryant Gumbel '70
Broadcast journalist and sportscaster
Robert F. Kennedy (honorary)
U.S. Attorney General and Senator (attended)
Benjamin Mays 1920
Civil rights leader and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr.
Jared Golden '11
U.S. Congressman from Maine
Mindy Thompson Fullilove '71
Psychiatrist and social psychiatrist
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1446
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by Mid-December
Aid deadline: November 15
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 3
Decision by Mid-February
Regular Decision
January 3
Decision by Late March
Reply by May 1
Bates is permanently test-optional, pioneering this approach since 1984
Bates requires supplemental essays exploring why Bates and personal perspectives
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Bates eliminated loans from all financial aid packages
Bates is need-blind for all applicants, including international students
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
85.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,442
Academics
Bates has three General Education Concentrations (scientific reasoning, quantitative literacy, and laboratory experience) plus writing-attentive courses and a first-year seminar
Research: Extensive research opportunities including competitive summer research fellowships
Thesis: All students complete a senior thesis or capstone project
Programs (33)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
94%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
13
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from ME state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Compact, highly walkable campus in small city setting
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Lewiston-Auburnwalkable
Twin cities with dining and cultural venues
Bates College Museum of Artwalkable
Campus art museum
Mount Davidwalkable
Campus summit with panoramic views
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary
310-acre nature preserve
Lost Valley Ski Area
Nearby ski resort