Bowdoin College

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

Bowdoin College has a 7.7% acceptance rate. Bowdoin College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Brunswick, ME, with a median SAT of 1520 and a median ACT of 34. The average net price is $14,398 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

7.7%

10,966 applicants

SAT Median

1520

Combined score

ACT Median

34

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$14,398

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Bowdoin College

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

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)143015201550
ACT (composite, 1–36)323434

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

95.4%

Retention Rate

96.8%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$82,735

Student Body

1,873

Net Price by Family Income

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

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$3,145
$30,001 – $48,000$2,800
$48,001 – $75,000$9,007
$75,001 – $110,000$13,801
$110,000+$35,196

Top Majors at Bowdoin College

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences151
Biological & Biomedical Sciences93
Physical Sciences42
Computer & Information Sciences33
Area, Ethnic & Gender Studies31
Mathematics & Statistics26
English Language & Literature23
History21
Psychology20
Visual & Performing Arts20

Financial Aid at Bowdoin College

About Bowdoin College

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

Admissions: https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About Bowdoin College

What is the acceptance rate at Bowdoin College?

Bowdoin College has an acceptance rate of 8%. it received about 10,966 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1520; the average net price is $14,398 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Bowdoin College for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Bowdoin College?

Getting into Bowdoin College is highly competitive — it admits 8% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1520. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Bowdoin College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

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

Admitted students at Bowdoin College typically have a median SAT around 1520 and a median ACT around 34. With a 8% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, 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 Bowdoin College?

The average net price at Bowdoin College is $14,398 per year after grants and scholarships. about 52% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $58,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Bowdoin College?

Bowdoin College has a graduation rate of 95%. its first-year retention rate is 97%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $82,735. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Bowdoin College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Bowdoin College test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Bowdoin 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 1520. With a 8% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Bowdoin College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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