Making a high-quality education accessible

Bates is committed to making an excellent education accessible and affordable to all admitted students, regardless of family financial circumstances.

For the class entering in 2009, the comprehensive fee for attending Bates is $51,300, which includes tuition, room, board and fees. Costs for books, personal expenses and transportation (usually figured as two round trips home) are added to a student’s budget for the purpose of calculating financial need and awarding aid.

On average, the College's average grant per student in the fall of 2008 was $31,175 and the financial aid package (grant, loan and work) totaled $32,872. All financial aid at Bates is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need.

Eligibility for aid is based on the philosophy that paying for college is, first and foremost, a family endeavor. Bates offers financial aid when we recognize that the contribution a family is able to make is less than the total cost of attendance. To determine eligibility, Bates uses guidelines established by the College Scholarship Service.

Our commitment is a direct extension of the ethical vision that inspired the College’s founders: An education that is open to all will ensure that future leaders and problem-solvers emerge from every walk of life and are able to collaborate with people representing diverse cultures and viewpoints.

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