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Bowdoin College vs Maine College of Art & Design

Bowdoin College is a private college in Brunswick, ME. Maine College of Art & Design is a private college in Portland, ME. Bowdoin College admits about 7% of applicants and Maine College of Art & Design about 76%, making Bowdoin College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,398 a year at Bowdoin College after aid, and about $38,338 at Maine College of Art & Design. About 95% of students graduate at Bowdoin College, compared with 50% at Maine College of Art & Design. Ten years after enrolling, Bowdoin College alumni earn a median of about $82,735, against $40,778 for Maine College of Art & Design.

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private

Maine College of Art & Design

Portland, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Brunswick, ME
Portland, ME
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,873
415
Acceptance rate
7%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1550
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
17–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,398
$38,338
Full cost / yr
$85,100
$60,128
In-state tuition
$67,832
$42,942
Out-of-state tuition
$67,832
$42,942
Application fee
$65
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,145
$31,589
$30k - $48k
$2,800
$33,075
$48k - $75k
$9,007
$35,283
$75k - $110k
$13,801
$40,992
Over $110k
$35,196
$42,001
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
50%
Freshman retention
97%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,692
$24,333
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,735
$40,778
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
29%
First-generation students
19%
24%
International students
7%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
Mar 1

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 Bowdoin College or Maine College of Art & Design harder to get into?
Bowdoin College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 76% at Maine College of Art & Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bowdoin College or Maine College of Art & Design?
Bowdoin College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,398 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,338 at Maine College of Art & Design. 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 Bowdoin College and Maine College of Art & Design?
Before aid, Maine College of Art & Design costs about $60,128 a year and Bowdoin College about $85,100. 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, Bowdoin College or Maine College of Art & Design?
Bowdoin College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,145 there, against about $31,589 at Maine College of Art & Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bowdoin College or Maine College of Art & Design?
Bowdoin College is the larger of the two, with about 1,873 undergraduates against 415 at Maine College of Art & Design.
Does Bowdoin College or Maine College of Art & Design have a better graduation rate?
Bowdoin College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 50% at Maine College of Art & Design.
Do graduates of Bowdoin College or Maine College of Art & Design earn more?
Bowdoin College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,735 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,778 for Maine College of Art & Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bowdoin College and Maine College of Art & Design require SAT or ACT scores?
Bowdoin College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Maine College of Art & Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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