Bates College
Lewiston, Maine · Private
Bates College admitted 15% of 9,660 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1325–1510 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 91% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Bates College
Enter a score to see whether Bates College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It admits 15% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 34% (318 of 949), compared with 15% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
2,103 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 795 took it, and 39 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Bates College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
Important
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Showing interest
Considered
- Test scores
- Interview
- Legacy
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Religion
What it costs
Full price with housing is $83,532 a year. After grants, students paid $26,658 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
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