Bowdoin College Overview

Bowdoin College is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Brunswick, ME. It has an enrollment of 1,948 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 8.82%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $16,925. Tuition is $58,322.00 without financial aid.

Bowdoin College is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Bowdoin College, 97.19% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Bowdoin College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1.

Bowdoin College Website

Bowdoin College Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 8.82%.

SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

• The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

Bowdoin College Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $16,925.

The average tuition is:

• $4,531, when family income is less than $30,000

• $5,803, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $10,270, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $19,496, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $43,454, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 10.75% of students received a federal student loan and 17.33% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $58,322.00 without financial aid.

Bowdoin College Net Price Calculator

Bowdoin College Majors/Salaries

Bowdoin College has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Bowdoin College here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,123
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $104,192
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,771
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,101
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,971
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,015
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,231
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771

Bowdoin College Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Bowdoin College

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.21%
• Asian: 8.93%
• Black: 5.90%
• Hispanic: 11.14%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.10%
• Non-resident alien: 7.03%
• Two or more races: 8.83%
• Unknown: 0.41%
• White: 57.44%

At Bowdoin College, 0.21% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Bowdoin College Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Bowdoin College?

School spirit at Bowdoin College is generally pretty high. The small, tight-knit community fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie among students. Athletics are particularly important at Bowdoin, with many students actively participating in sports teams or supporting their classmates at games. The college also hosts a number of events throughout the year that bring the community together, including Homecoming and Ivies Weekend. Overall, you can expect a strong sense of school spirit at Bowdoin College.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Bowdoin College?

Bowdoin College offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to its students. Some popular extracurricular activities include: 1. Student Government Association (SGA): SGA is a student-run organization that focuses on campus improvements, student engagement, and event planning. 2. Varsity and Club Sports: Bowdoin College has a strong athletics program that includes varsity and club sports like football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, and many others. 3. Arts and Theater: Bowdoin College has a vibrant arts community that includes theater productions, music ensembles, and visual arts. 4. Student Publications: Bowdoin is home to several student-run publications, including The Bowdoin Orient (newspaper), The Quill (literary magazine), and The Peucinian (academic journal). 5. Community Service: Bowdoin College has several opportunities for students to participate in community service, including through the McKeen Center for the Common Good. 6. Political and Social Justice Organizations: Bowdoin College has several student-run groups that focus on political and social justice issues, including Bowdoin Climate Action, Bowdoin Republicans, and Bowdoin Democrats.

How are the food choices at Bowdoin College?

Bowdoin College offers a variety of food choices to its students. The dining halls provide a range of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Bowdoin has a farm-to-table program, which means that they source their food locally from small farms and make everything from scratch. Additionally, they have a student-run cafe and a food truck on campus that offer different dining options. Overall, Bowdoin College prioritizes providing nutritious and tasty meals for their students.

Is there Greek life at Bowdoin College?

No, Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine does not have any sororities or fraternities as they abolished Greek life in 1997.

What is Bowdoin College known for?

Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine. It is known for its rigorous academic program, which fosters intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to the common good. Bowdoin is highly ranked among liberal arts colleges, and is known for its strong programs in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary studies. It also has a distinctive commitment to the arts, with a thriving visual and performing arts program. Additionally, Bowdoin has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement, which are reflected in its curriculum and campus culture.

What are the most popular school clubs at Bowdoin College?

Bowdoin College has over 100 student-led clubs and organizations, catering to a wide range of interests. Some of the most popular clubs at Bowdoin College include: 1. Outing Club: This club is one of the oldest and most popular student clubs at Bowdoin College. The club organizes outdoor trips and activities like camping, hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. 2. Student Government Association (SGA): The SGA serves as a liaison between the student body and the college administration and is responsible for organizing events, managing the budget, and advocating for students. 3. The Bowdoin Orient: The Bowdoin Orient is the student-run newspaper at Bowdoin. Students are encouraged to join the staff of this prestigious newspaper to provide news and information to their fellow students. 4. Athletics: Bowdoin College has a strong athletic program and offers a variety of sports teams for both men and women. Many students get involved in athletics as part of their overall college experience. 5. Dance and Music clubs: Bowdoin has several clubs dedicated to dance and music, ranging from the Bowdoin College Orchestra to the Bowdoin College Dance group. These clubs provide students with the opportunity to continue pursuing their interests in music and dance outside of the classroom.

Is the campus at Bowdoin College safe?

Yes, the campus at Bowdoin College is generally considered safe. The college has its own security force that patrols the campus 24/7, and they also provide safety escorts for students who may feel uncomfortable walking across campus alone at night. Additionally, the college has a number of safety measures in place, such as emergency phones throughout campus and a campus-wide emergency notification system. Of course, no campus can be completely free of crime, but Bowdoin College takes the safety of its students very seriously and works hard to maintain a safe environment.