Overview
Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts school established in 1794. As of fall 2023, it has 1,850 undergraduate students, a suburban campus spanning 207 acres, and follows a semester-based academic schedule. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, Bowdoin holds the #5 spot among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Tuition and fees are $67,832.
Bowdoin College Rankings
To get a fuller sense of what Bowdoin offers, check out its standings in various categories:
- #5 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie)
- #7 in Best Value Schools
- #65 in Economics (tie)
- #36 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects (tie)
- #15 in First-Year Experiences
- #6 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
- #30 in Most Innovative Schools (tie)
- #48 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
Out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges, Bowdoin ranks #5. These rankings are based on widely accepted measures of academic excellence.
Bowdoin College Admissions
Bowdoin has an 8% acceptance rate. For admitted students who submitted test scores:
- Half scored between 1480–1550 on the SAT or 33–35 on the ACT.
- A quarter scored above these ranges, while another quarter scored below.
Bowdoin College Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition and fees at Bowdoin total **67,832∗∗—higherthanthenationalaverageof67,832∗∗—higherthanthenationalaverageof51,147. The total cost (including housing, meals, books, etc.) is 85,100∗∗.However,afterfinancialaid,the∗∗averagenetprice∗∗dropsto∗∗85,100∗∗.However,afterfinancialaid,the∗∗averagenetprice∗∗dropsto∗∗21,044 for students receiving need-based assistance.
Net Price by Family Income (2021–2022)
- 0–0–30,000: $2,706
- 30,001–30,001–48,000: $5,760
- 48,001–48,001–75,000: $10,068
- 75,001–75,001–110,000: $19,525
- **110,001+:∗∗110,001+:∗∗38,863
Food and housing costs for 2024–25 are $18,488.
Bowdoin College Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 9:1
- 62.5% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
- Most popular majors (2023 graduates):
- Econometrics & Quantitative Economics (17%)
- Political Science & Government (16%)
- Biology/Biological Sciences (10%)
- Mathematics (9%)
- English Language & Literature (8%)
- Freshman retention rate (student satisfaction indicator): 94%
Bowdoin College Student Life
- Undergraduate enrollment (fall 2023): 1,850
- Gender distribution: 48% male, 52% female
- Housing: 94% live on campus (college-owned or affiliated), 6% live off campus.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III.
Bowdoin College Campus
Student services include:
- Tutoring, women’s center, career placement, daycare, health services, and health insurance.
Safety measures include: - 24/7 foot and vehicle patrols, late-night transport/escort service, emergency phones, well-lit pathways, and secure dorm access (key or security card).
- Alcohol is allowed for students of legal age.