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Bowdoin College vs University of Southern Maine

Bowdoin College is a private college in Brunswick, ME, and University of Southern Maine is a public university in Portland, ME. Bowdoin College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 7% of applicants against 79% at University of Southern Maine. University of Southern Maine is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,596 a year against $14,398 at Bowdoin College. About 95% of students graduate at Bowdoin College, compared with 43% at University of Southern Maine. Ten years after enrolling, Bowdoin College alumni earn a median of about $82,735, against $49,958 for University of Southern Maine.

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Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Brunswick, ME
Portland, ME
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,873
4,222
Acceptance rate
7%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1550
990–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
24–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,398
$13,596
Full cost / yr
$85,100
$23,717
In-state tuition
$67,832
$11,284
Out-of-state tuition
$67,832
$27,944
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,145
$9,999
$30k - $48k
$2,800
$10,847
$48k - $75k
$9,007
$12,550
$75k - $110k
$13,801
$16,750
Over $110k
$35,196
$19,180
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
43%
Freshman retention
97%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,692
$47,107
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,735
$49,958
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
$19,060
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
28%
First-generation students
19%
33%
International students
7%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 Bowdoin College or University of Southern Maine harder to get into?
Bowdoin College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% 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, Bowdoin 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 $14,398 at Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin College and University of Southern Maine?
Before aid, University of Southern Maine costs about $23,717 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 University of Southern Maine?
Bowdoin College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,145 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, Bowdoin College or University of Southern Maine?
University of Southern Maine is the larger of the two, with about 4,222 undergraduates against 1,873 at Bowdoin College.
Does Bowdoin College or University of Southern Maine have a better graduation rate?
Bowdoin College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 43% at University of Southern Maine.
Do graduates of Bowdoin College or University of Southern Maine earn more?
Bowdoin College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,735 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,958 for University of Southern Maine. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bowdoin College and University of Southern Maine require SAT or ACT scores?
Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin College and University of Southern Maine look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470–1550 at Bowdoin 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