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Bates College is a small New England liberal arts school with a tight-knit student body. Its 1,800 undergrads, almost all of them living, eating, and hanging out together on campus, are famously friendly to each other and to outsiders. Academics at Bates are challenging without being overwhelming; the school offers three dozen majors. In a typical day, students might go from classes to sports or a cappella practice, and then gather in the Commons to refuel with brick-oven pizza before studying. Seniors spend a good portion of their final year putting together a thesis to cap off four years of major studies. On the weekends, Batesies find entertainment at school-sponsored events or parties in the student houses on Frye Street. Outdoorsy types can enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and other adventurous pursuits. Without much else for a college kid to do around town (not to mention a strained relationship with Lewiston townies), the activities and amenities of campus explain why many students rarely venture beyond the so-called Bates Bubble. Bates has a graduation rate of 89%, according to Money's calculations. That's about 8% better than expected based on students with similar test scores and economic backgrounds.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
FALL 2020 PLAN: Bates College is offering mostly in-person courses, but it adjusted its academic calendar so that the final week of the semester (and exams) are remote.
costs
Est. Full Price 2020-2021
$72,800
% of students who get any grants
44%
Est. price for students who receive aid
$26,200
Average price for low-income students
$8,100
admissions
Acceptance rate
18%
Median SAT/ACT Score
NA/NA
SAT/ACT Required for Fall 2021?
no
Enrollment
1,830
Financial Aid
% of students with need who get grants
100%
% of need met
100%
% of students who get merit* grants
N/A
Average merit grant
N/A
student success
Graduation rate
89%
Average time to a degree
4 years
Average student debt
$12,730
Average salary within 5 years
$54,400
% earning more than $28,000
86%
key deadlines
Early decision application
Nov 15
Regular application
Jan 1
coronavirus update
FALL 2020 PLAN: Bates College is offering mostly in-person courses, but it adjusted its academic calendar so that the final week of the semester (and exams) are remote.
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