Bates College

Lewiston, ME · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Bates College has a 12.0% acceptance rate. Bates College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Lewiston, ME, with a median SAT of 1465 and a median ACT of 33. The average net price is $29,351 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

12.0%

8,690 applicants

SAT Median

1465

Combined score

ACT Median

33

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$29,351

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Bates College

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Bates College (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)142014651530
ACT (composite, 1–36)323334

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

90.1%

Retention Rate

91.3%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$69,498

Student Body

1,760

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Bates College:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$2,397
$30,001 – $48,000$8,958
$48,001 – $75,000$11,336
$75,001 – $110,000$19,468
$110,000+$45,886

Top Majors at Bates College

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences124
Biological & Biomedical Sciences92
Psychology46
Natural Resources & Conservation37
Physical Sciences25
English Language & Literature21
Mathematics & Statistics19
History17
Philosophy & Religious Studies16
Visual & Performing Arts15

Financial Aid at Bates College

About Bates College

Official website: https://www.bates.edu/

Admissions: https://www.bates.edu/admission/

Frequently Asked Questions About Bates College

What is the acceptance rate at Bates College?

Bates College has an acceptance rate of 12%. it received about 8,690 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1465; the average net price is $29,351 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Bates College for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Bates College?

Getting into Bates College is highly competitive — it admits 12% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1465. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Bates College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Bates College?

Admitted students at Bates College typically have a median SAT around 1465 and a median ACT around 33. With a 12% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Bates College is located in Lewiston, ME. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Bates College?

The average net price at Bates College is $29,351 per year after grants and scholarships. about 45% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $61,388 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Bates College?

Bates College has a graduation rate of 90%. its first-year retention rate is 91%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $69,498. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Bates College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Bates College test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Bates College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1465. With a 12% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Bates College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

Similar Colleges

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · 7% acceptance

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · 12% acceptance

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · 11% acceptance

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT · 16% acceptance

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · 14% acceptance

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · 18% acceptance

More Colleges in ME

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · 8% acceptance

Colby College

Waterville, ME · 8% acceptance

Maine Maritime Academy

Castine, ME · 61% acceptance

Maine College of Health Professions

Lewiston, ME · 33% acceptance

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · 79% acceptance

Husson University

Bangor, ME · 86% acceptance

Explore More

All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools

Check Your Admission Chances at Bates College — Free