Bates College campus
Bates College logo

Bates College

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Small
Degrees offered Undergraduate
Calendar system 4-1-4
Student body size Small
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 1,816
Student to faculty ratio 10 to 1
Acceptance rate 17%
Students retention rate 92%
On-time graduation rate 92%

Located in Lewiston, Maine, Bates College is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate degrees. The university operates on a 4-1-4 calendar system, allowing students to engage in intensive study during the two shorter terms. This unique academic structure provides students with the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest or complete internships, enhancing their overall educational experience.

The acceptance rate at Bates College is 17%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

Bates College is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1, Bates College emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Bates College boasts an impressive student retention rate of 92% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 70% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education
  • The institution provides on-campus housing
  • Freshman students are required to live on campus

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

17.3%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$59,062

Cost of attendance at Bates College in 2022 for students from Maine.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Maine's average $10,171
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$59,062

Cost of attendance at Bates College in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Maine's average $21,798
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 36 of freshman students at Bates College received on average $50,509 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$50,509
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 39 8% $5,369 $209,400
Other Federal Grant 124 26% $3,177 $393,973
State Grant/Scholarships 4 1% $1,500 $6,000
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 174 36% $48,211 $8,388,676
Total Grant & Scholarships 174 36% $50,509 $8,788,649

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Bates College students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Bates College students is 91.7%. Female students graduated at a rate of 92.4%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 90.9%.

91.7%

  • asian 94.4% 17 students
  • African American 75.0% 21 students
  • white 94.2% 341 students
  • hispanic 86.4% 38 students
  • International Students 87.5% 35 students
  • Mixed Race 86.4% 19 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football New England Small College Athletic Conference
  • Baseball New England Small College Athletic Conference
  • Basketball New England Small College Athletic Conference
  • Track and Cross Country New England Small College Athletic Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Bates College provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Bates College offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification

Veteran Services

  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)