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Bates College vs University of Southern Maine

Bates College is a private college in Lewiston, ME. University of Southern Maine is a public university in Portland, ME. Bates College admits about 13% of applicants and University of Southern Maine about 79%, making Bates College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,596 a year at University of Southern Maine after aid, and about $29,351 at Bates College. About 90% of students graduate at Bates College, compared with 43% at University of Southern Maine. Ten years after enrolling, Bates College alumni earn a median of about $69,498, against $49,958 for University of Southern Maine.

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Bates College

Lewiston, ME · Private

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lewiston, ME
Portland, ME
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,760
4,222
Acceptance rate
13%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1420–1530
990–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
24–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,351
$13,596
Full cost / yr
$83,532
$23,717
In-state tuition
$66,590
$11,284
Out-of-state tuition
$66,590
$27,944
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,397
$9,999
$30k - $48k
$8,958
$10,847
$48k - $75k
$11,336
$12,550
$75k - $110k
$19,468
$16,750
Over $110k
$45,886
$19,180
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
43%
Freshman retention
91%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,202
$47,107
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,498
$49,958
Median debt at graduation
$14,275
$19,060
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
28%
First-generation students
15%
33%
International students
10%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bates College or University of Southern Maine harder to get into?
Bates College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 79% at University of Southern Maine. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bates College or University of Southern Maine?
University of Southern Maine is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,596 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,351 at Bates College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bates College and University of Southern Maine?
Before aid, University of Southern Maine costs about $23,717 a year and Bates College about $83,532. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bates College or University of Southern Maine?
Bates College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,397 there, against about $9,999 at University of Southern Maine. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bates College or University of Southern Maine?
University of Southern Maine is the larger of the two, with about 4,222 undergraduates against 1,760 at Bates College.
Does Bates College or University of Southern Maine have a better graduation rate?
Bates College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 43% at University of Southern Maine.
Do graduates of Bates College or University of Southern Maine earn more?
Bates College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,498 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,958 for University of Southern Maine. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bates College and University of Southern Maine require SAT or ACT scores?
Bates College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Southern Maine is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bates College and University of Southern Maine look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1420–1530 at Bates College and 990–1250 at University of Southern Maine. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school