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Bowdoin College vs Washington and Lee University

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

21
Bowdoin Wins
9
Tied / N/A
12
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Town
New England
Region
Southeast
1,873
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1520
SAT Average
1498
N/A
ACT Midpoint
34
1470-1550
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,832
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$67,832
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$14,398
Average Net Price
$23,781
$3,145
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$2,800
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$9,007
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$35,196
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
17%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
8%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

95%
Graduation Rate
94%
97%
Retention Rate
97%
89%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$14,216
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
19%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

51%
Female
44%
53%
White
68%
15%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
5%
11%
Asian
5%
0.67
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$61,692
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$79,520
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$82,735
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$18,500
Median Debt
$19,500
0.22x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
80%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

109.47%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
4153.2%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
263.6%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$177,600
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.81
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
10.4%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

The Overviews

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 95% grad $82,735 earnings $14,398 net

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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