Bates College vs St. Mary's College of Maryland

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences in academic focus between Bates College and St. Mary's College of Maryland?

  Bates College, as a liberal arts college, offers a broad range of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent research. St. Mary's College of Maryland, also a liberal arts institution, distinguishes itself with a public honors college model, providing a rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and a commitment to public service. While both offer a strong liberal arts foundation, St. Mary's has a more pronounced focus on public service and honors-level academics within a public institution framework.

• How do the campus environments and locations compare?

  Bates College is located in Lewiston, Maine, a small city offering a blend of urban and natural environments. The campus is self-contained and fosters a close-knit community. St. Mary's College of Maryland is situated in St. Mary's City, Maryland, a historic waterfront town. Its location provides access to the Chesapeake Bay and a more rural, historically rich setting. Bates offers a more traditional New England college town experience, while St. Mary's provides a unique coastal and historical atmosphere.

• What are the differences in student body size and demographics?

  Bates College has a smaller student body, typically around 2,000 students, fostering a more intimate learning environment. St. Mary's College of Maryland has a similar size, with around 1,600 students. Both institutions attract students from across the United States and internationally. Bates tends to have a slightly higher percentage of students from the Northeast, while St. Mary's draws a larger proportion of students from the Mid-Atlantic region. Both colleges are committed to diversity and inclusion.

• How do the costs of attendance compare, and what financial aid options are available?

  Bates College, as a private institution, generally has a higher sticker price than St. Mary's College of Maryland, which is a public honors college. However, both institutions offer robust financial aid programs, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. The actual cost of attendance will vary significantly depending on individual financial circumstances. It's crucial to use the net price calculators on each college's website to estimate your personalized cost.

• What are the notable academic programs or areas of strength at each college?

  Bates College is known for its strong programs in environmental studies, economics, politics, and rhetoric, film, and screen studies. It also has a distinctive Short Term program allowing for focused study. St. Mary's College of Maryland excels in history (particularly maritime history), political science, English, and natural sciences. Its honors college designation emphasizes rigorous academic standards across all disciplines. Both colleges offer strong programs in the liberal arts, but their specific areas of emphasis differ slightly.

• What are the athletic opportunities available at Bates and St. Mary's?

  Bates College competes in NCAA Division III athletics as part of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), known for its strong academic and athletic balance. Bates offers a wide range of varsity sports, as well as club and intramural options. St. Mary's College of Maryland also competes in NCAA Division III athletics, primarily within the United East Conference. It offers a variety of varsity sports, including sailing, which is particularly strong given its waterfront location. Both colleges provide ample opportunities for students to participate in athletics at various levels.

• What are the career services and post-graduation outcomes like for students of Bates and St. Mary's?

  Both Bates College and St. Mary's College of Maryland offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, internship support, resume workshops, and networking opportunities. Graduates from both institutions pursue a wide range of career paths in fields such as business, education, government, non-profit organizations, and the arts. Bates graduates often find employment in the Northeast, while St. Mary's graduates are more likely to find opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Both colleges have strong alumni networks that support graduates in their career endeavors.

• How do the social and extracurricular activities differ between the two colleges?

  Bates College has a vibrant campus life with numerous student-run clubs and organizations, a strong emphasis on community engagement, and a tradition of student activism. St. Mary's College of Maryland also offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including student government, performing arts groups, and service organizations. Its location near the Chesapeake Bay provides unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and maritime-related activities. Both colleges foster a strong sense of community, but their specific social and extracurricular offerings reflect their distinct locations and institutional cultures.

• What is the general campus culture like at Bates versus St. Mary's?

  Bates College is known for its progressive and intellectually curious student body, its emphasis on social justice, and its strong sense of community. The campus culture is generally collaborative and supportive. St. Mary's College of Maryland fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on academic rigor, public service, and civic engagement. The campus culture is characterized by a commitment to intellectual exploration and a dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Both colleges offer welcoming and inclusive environments, but their specific values and priorities may resonate differently with individual students.

• Are there any unique programs or opportunities offered at one college but not the other?

  Bates College's Short Term program, a concentrated period of study in May, is a distinctive feature. St. Mary's College of Maryland's public honors college designation and its focus on undergraduate research, particularly in areas related to the Chesapeake Bay, are unique aspects of its academic offerings. Additionally, St. Mary's offers distinctive opportunities related to its historical location and maritime heritage, such as archaeological field schools and programs focused on the history of the Chesapeake region.