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Colleges / ME / Brunswick
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Bowdoin College

Private nonprofit Brunswick, ME · Town · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
95%
Graduation Rate
$82,735
Earnings (10yr)
$14,398
Net Price
7%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Bowdoin College is an excellent fit for students who are academically driven and ready to engage in a tight-knit community. With a total enrollment of 1,873, this private nonprofit institution in Brunswick, Maine, stands out for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts. Students here often delve into social sciences, biology, physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics, allowing them to develop a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths.

When it comes to life after graduation, Bowdoin graduates see solid earnings, with a 10-year median income of $82,735. This financial stability highlights the value of a Bowdoin degree in the job market. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need, the college’s overall affordability makes it a viable option for many families looking for a meaningful investment in education.

Looking at the numbers, the net price after aid is $14,398, and the median debt for graduates is $18,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook. Bowdoin tends to attract students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment and are eager to contribute to their communities, both on campus and beyond.

Rankings

How Bowdoin Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation95%Earnings 10yr$83KNet Price$14KRetention97%Median Debt$19KPell Grant Rate17%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$3K$0-30K$3K$30-48K$9K$48-75K$35K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%263.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%4153.2%MOBILITY109.47%

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,832
In-State Tuition
$67,832
Out-of-State
$14,398
Avg Net Price
$18,500
Median Debt
17%
Pell Grant Rate
8%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$3,145
Family Income $0–$30K
$2,800
Family Income $30K–$48K
$9,007
Family Income $48K–$75K
$35,196
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$61,692
6 Years After Entry
$79,520
8 Years
$82,735
10 Years
0.22x
Debt-to-Earnings
80%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$61,692 6yr $79,520 8yr $82,735 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

109.47%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
4153.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
263.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$177,600
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.81
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
10.4%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

1.144%
Inventor Rate
41
Total Patents
52
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 7%
Retention Rate 97%
SAT Average 1520
SAT Range 1470–1550
ACT Range 33–35
Full-Time Faculty 89%
Faculty Salary (mo) $14,216
Diversity Index 0.67
First-Gen Students 19%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 31%
Biology & Biomedical 19%
Physical Sciences 9%
Computer Science & IT 7%
Mathematics & Statistics 5%
English & Literature 5%
Psychology 4%
Visual & Performing Arts 4%