Bates College

Bates College



Student Population: 1,792
Undergraduate Population: 1,792
Student to Faculty Ratioa: 10
Total Annual Costc: $64,590
In-State Tuitionc: $48,435
Out-of-State Tuitionc: $48,435
Percent on Financial Aidd: 47%
Average Grant Aid Received (FT/First-Time): $36,795
Percent Admittede: 22%

Founded in 1855 by abolitionists, Bates College in Lewiston, ME, was the first New England college to admit women and continues to stress diversity and inclusion. The close-knit school has a curriculum structured around 36 majors and 25 minors, with social sciences the most popular areas of study. All students are required to complete a senior thesis or capstone project. The academic calendar is divided into two traditional semesters, as well as one short term in late April, where students take a compressed course. Over 40% of students receive financial aid grants, with the average award topping $45,000. Academics aside, the school is known for its quirky traditions, including the Puddle Jump: a winter custom that began in 1975 in which Bates students cut a hole into the iced-over Lake Andrews and jump in. Bates students can participate in over 100 clubs and organizations, including six a cappella groups. One type of organization Bates doesn’t have is Greek life—the school’s mission statement vows to never allow organizations it considers exclusionary.