At a glance

Bates College is a private, highly selective, residential college devoted to undergraduate study in the traditional disciplines of the liberal arts and sciences as well as in emerging interdisciplinary programs.

Founded in 1855 by abolitionists who believed strongly in freedom, civil rights and the importance of a higher education for all who could benefit from it, the College has always admitted students without regard to race, religion, national origin or gender and was the first co-educational college in New England.

Today Bates is still recognized for its inclusive social character; there are no fraternities or sororities, and a wide variety of student organizations are open to all. In the 21st century, the College values a diverse student body more than ever and understands that a broad range of experience and ideas is a key resource for achieving excellence in the life of the mind.

Located in Lewiston, Maine, Bates offers the B.A. or B.S. to an enrollment of approximately 1,700 students, currently coming from 46 states, districts and territories and from 65 other countries. With a student-faculty ratio of 10-to-1 and a commitment to supporting scholar-teachers of highest distinction, the educational community challenges and supports students as they reach toward their full intellectual potential.

Students develop an array of analytical and communication skills by pursuing one of 32 majors and completing a thesis or capstone experience. Starting with the Class of 2011, all students must also complete new requirements in writing, scientific and quantitative literacy as well two General Education concentrations on topics designed by groups of faculty within or across disciplines.

About 95 percent of students live on campus and residential life is an important part of the complete academic experience; roughly two-thirds also participate in study-abroad programs during their years at Bates. Opportunities for active engagement in the broader community are made possible through the Harward Center for Community Partnerships, which connects civic and community work across the curriculum and coordinates community service work.

Bates is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference, and the majority of students take part in varsity, club and/or intramural athletics. The Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, situated on the coast of Maine, offers a 600-acre environmental reservation that hosts research projects on ecology, geology, and community history. The Bates College Museum of Art receives more than 22,000 visitors a year, and each summer Bates hosts the Bates Dance Festival as well as other programs and institutes.

Founded

1855

Type

Coeducational, four-year independent liberal arts and sciences college; no fraternities or sororities.

Location

Lewiston-Auburn, Maine; small twin cities (county population, about 107,500). 35 miles north of Portland, 140 miles north of Boston, 340 miles north of New York City.

Campus

109 acres on the edge of a Lewiston residential neighborhood. 600 additional acres, including the Bates–Morse Mountain Conservation Area, located on the coast 40 miles to the northeast.

School year calendar

4-4-1; two semesters followed by a five-week spring Short Term.

Degrees offered

B.A. and B.S.

Admissions

Highly selective.

Interview: strongly recommended.

Campus visits: student-guided tours available throughout the year.

Majors

African American Studies, American Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Art and Visual Culture, Biological Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, Classical and Medieval Studies, East Asian Studies, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, French, Geology, German, History, Japanese, Mathematics, Music, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religion, Rhetoric, Russian, Sociology, Spanish, Theater, and Women and Gender Studies. Dual degree program in engineering and liberal arts and sciences.

Faculty

215 faculty members; 100 percent of tenured/tenure-track faculty hold the doctorate or appropriate terminal degree. Student/faculty ratio: 10:1.

Average class size: 20 students, excluding one-on-one classes. 97 percent of Bates students have at least one individual class with faculty as they write a thesis, conduct independent study, or are involved in faculty-student research.

Student body

1,752 on campus. 46 states and districts and 65 countries represented. 14 percent U.S. underrepresented minorities. 6 percent international students. 92 percent of students live on campus. Housing guaranteed for four years. 96 percent of first-year students returned for their sophomore year.

Cost

$51,300 tuition, mandatory fees, room & board.

Estimated expenses

$2,050 for travel, books, supplies, laundry, incidentals.

Financial aid

Available to all students with demonstrated need. Average need-based grants and scholarships, Class of 2012: $31,175.

Average financial-aid package: $32,872.