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College of the Atlantic vs Bates College

College of the Atlantic is a private college in Bar Harbor, ME, and Bates College is a private college in Lewiston, ME. Bates College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 70% at College of the Atlantic. College of the Atlantic is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,184 a year against $29,351 at Bates College. About 90% of students graduate at Bates College, compared with 69% at College of the Atlantic. Ten years after enrolling, Bates College alumni earn a median of about $69,498, against $40,264 for College of the Atlantic.

College of the Atlantic

Bar Harbor, ME · Private

Bates College

Lewiston, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bar Harbor, ME
Lewiston, ME
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
353
1,760
Acceptance rate
70%
13%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
1420–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$29,351
Full cost / yr
$58,266
$83,532
In-state tuition
$47,997
$66,590
Out-of-state tuition
$47,997
$66,590
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,415
$2,397
$30k - $48k
$13,942
$8,958
$48k - $75k
$16,650
$11,336
$75k - $110k
$26,266
$19,468
Over $110k
$34,684
$45,886
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
90%
Freshman retention
85%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
Not reported
$59,202
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,264
$69,498
Median debt at graduation
$25,050
$14,275
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
12%
First-generation students
Not reported
15%
International students
22%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 10

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 College of the Atlantic or Bates College harder to get into?
Bates College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 70% at College of the Atlantic. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, College of the Atlantic or Bates College?
College of the Atlantic is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,184 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 College of the Atlantic and Bates College?
Before aid, College of the Atlantic costs about $58,266 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, College of the Atlantic or Bates College?
Bates College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,397 there, against about $20,415 at College of the Atlantic. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, College of the Atlantic or Bates College?
Bates College is the larger of the two, with about 1,760 undergraduates against 353 at College of the Atlantic.
Does College of the Atlantic or Bates College have a better graduation rate?
Bates College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 69% at College of the Atlantic.
Do graduates of College of the Atlantic or Bates College earn more?
Bates College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,498 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,264 for College of the Atlantic. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of the Atlantic and Bates College require SAT or ACT scores?
College of the Atlantic is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Bates College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do College of the Atlantic and Bates College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at College of the Atlantic and 1420–1530 at Bates College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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