Bowdoin College
Liberal arts college · Brunswick, ME · 1,873 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
7.1%
Extremely selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
Average net price
$15,595
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$88,820
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
93%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Bowdoin College?
Bowdoin College accepts about 7 of every 100 applicants (7.1%), which makes it extremely selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1470 and 1550 on the SAT. A score at or above 1550 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1470, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 33–35.
The latest federal data says Bowdoin College is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Bowdoin College's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Bowdoin College cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $88,820 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $15,595 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $71,740 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$71,740
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$71,740
- Room & board$19,560
- Total cost of attendance$88,820
- Average net price after grants$15,595
Popular majors
Political Science, Economics, Biology, Mathematics.
Bowdoin College FAQ
- What is Bowdoin College's acceptance rate?
- 7.1% — extremely selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Bowdoin College?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1470–1550. Aim for 1550 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Bowdoin College?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 33–35.
- Is Bowdoin College test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Bowdoin College is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Bowdoin College's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Bowdoin College cost?
- About $88,820 a year before aid; $15,595 on average after grants.
- What is Bowdoin College's FAFSA school code?
- 002038. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Bowdoin College receives your information.
- What is Bowdoin College's graduation rate?
- 93% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Bowdoin College
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colby CollegeWaterville, ME | 7.1% | 1460–1550 | $19,835 | 87% |
| Bates CollegeLewiston, ME | 13% | 1420–1530 | $27,390 | 88% |
| Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL | 7.7% | 1510–1570 | $34,420 | 96% |
| Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD | 6.4% | 1520–1570 | $18,431 | 93% |
| Rice UniversityHouston, TX | 8% | 1510–1570 | $11,164 | 95% |
| Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN | 5.9% | 1500–1570 | $15,497 | 93% |