Bowdoin College

Non-profit

Private

Regional

Founded in 1794, Bowdoin College is the oldest institution of higher education in Maine and one of the best colleges in the state. Bowdoin was also the first college in the country to adopt a test-optional admission policy, which means prospective students are evaluated by their academic performance and community service activities instead of ACT or SAT scores. The college exclusively offers bachelor's degrees, with programs of study available in fields such as anthropology, digital and computational studies, neuroscience, and theater and dance. Bowdoin's curriculum emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts education, and all students take foundational courses in math, statistics, and exploring social difference. Currently, Bowdoin does not offer any online programs. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Bowdoin waives its application fee for first-generation college students. In addition, the college has replaced all student loans in its financial aid packages with grants, making it easier for low- and middle-income families to afford a college education.

Visit Site

Admissions Breakdown

Acceptance Rate Insight

9% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.

Retention Rate Insight

86% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.

Graduation Rate Insight

95% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.

Application Considerations

Test scores:
Not required or recommended
High school transcript:
Required
High school rank:
Recommended
Letter of recommendation:
Required
High school GPA:
Recommended
Open admission:
No
Completion of college prep program:
Required
Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL):
Required

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment: Implied no

Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes

Credit for qualified life experience*: Implied no

*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

Learning Environment

Students enrolledInformation not availableOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

8:1

Student to faculty ratio

Degrees Awarded by Program

Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Programs

Doc

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies

Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services

Education

English Language And Literature/Letters

Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics

History

Mathematics And Statistics

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Natural Resources And Conservation

Philosophy And Religious Studies

Physical Sciences

Psychology

Social Sciences

Visual And Performing Arts