Bates vs Colby

Ready to start your journey?

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Bates vs Colby College Introduction

When selecting a college, many factors are taken into consideration, such as cost, tuition, academics, and campus life. In this comparison, we’ll be looking at two reputable liberal arts colleges: Bates and Colby College. These institutions are often compared due to their similarities in location, size, and offerings. By examining various aspects of each school, we hope to provide valuable insights for prospective students.

Bates Overview

Bates College, located in Lewiston, Maine, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1855. It is known for its strong commitment to social justice and inclusivity. Bates offers over 30 majors and 25 minors, with a focus on interdisciplinary studies. The campus spans across 133 acres, providing a picturesque setting for students to learn and grow.

Bates Costs & Tuition

The cost of attendance at Bates for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $74,300, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with 42% of the student body receiving need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $48,200.

Bates Admissions

Bates College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 12% for the fall 2021 class. The middle 50% of students’ SAT scores range from 1310 to 1450, while ACT scores range from 29 to 33. Bates is a test-optional institution, meaning standardized test scores are not required for admission.

Bates Degrees Offered

Bates offers a variety of degrees in areas such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. Popular majors at Bates include economics, psychology, and politics, among others. The college also offers opportunities for independent study and senior thesis projects.

Bates Academics

With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, Bates provides a personalized and engaging learning environment. The college uses a 4-4-1 schedule, which includes two traditional semesters and a unique “Short Term” in the spring. During this five-week term, students focus on one intensive course, often incorporating experiential learning opportunities.

Bates Diversity

Bates is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 29% of students identify as people of color, and the college actively seeks to increase representation from various backgrounds. The Office of Equity and Inclusion offers resources and support to students from underrepresented communities.

Bates Students

There are approximately 1,800 undergraduate students enrolled at Bates. Student life is active on campus, with over 100 student clubs and organizations available for participation. Additionally, the college boasts a strong athletic program, with 31 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division III.

Bates Campus

Bates’ beautiful 133-acre campus offers a range of facilities and resources for students, including state-of-the-art academic buildings, residence halls, and athletic facilities. The campus is also home to the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.

Bates Alumni

Notable Bates alumni include several prominent figures in various fields, such as author Elizabeth Strout, actor Benjamin Walker, and former U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie, among others.

Bates Rankings

Bates is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Bates is ranked #21 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #33 in Best Value Schools.

Bates Outcomes

Bates graduates have a strong record of success, with a six-month post-graduation employment rate of 94%. The college also boasts a 95% medical school acceptance rate for students who apply within five years of graduation.

Colby College Overview

Colby College, located in Waterville, Maine, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1813. Known for its rigorous academic programs and close-knit community, Colby offers over 50 majors and minors across various disciplines. The campus covers 714 acres, providing a scenic environment for students’ academic pursuits.

Colby College Costs & Tuition

The total cost of attending Colby College for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $74,500, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, with 42% of the student body receiving need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $53,800.

Colby College Admissions

Colby College has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 13% for the fall 2021 class. The middle 50% of students’ SAT scores range from 1350 to 1510, while ACT scores range from 31 to 34. Colby is also a test-optional institution, allowing students to apply without submitting standardized test scores.

Colby College Degrees Offered

Colby offers a wide range of degrees in various fields, including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. Popular majors at Colby include economics, government, and environmental science, among others. In addition, the college provides opportunities for independent study, senior thesis projects, and research.

Colby College Academics

With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, Colby fosters a personalized learning experience for students. The college follows a 4-1-4 schedule, which includes two traditional semesters and a unique “Jan Plan” term in January. During this four-week term, students focus on a single course, often with a hands-on or experiential learning component.

Colby College Diversity

Colby College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 32% of students identify as people of color, and the college actively works to increase representation from various backgrounds. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides resources and support for underrepresented students.

Colby College Students

There are approximately 2,000 undergraduate students enrolled at Colby College. The campus offers a vibrant student life, with over 100 clubs and organizations available for students to join. In addition, Colby is home to 32 varsity sports teams that compete in NCAA Division III.

Colby College Campus

Colby’s picturesque 714-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, residential halls, and athletic facilities. The college also owns and operates the 1,800-acre Perkins Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary, providing students with opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental research.

Colby College Alumni

Notable Colby alumni include several influential figures, such as author Jennifer Finney Boylan, former U.S. Senator Susan Collins, and former Maine Governor Paul LePage, among others.

Colby College Rankings

Colby College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Colby is ranked #18 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #32 in Best Value Schools.

Colby College Outcome

Colby graduates enjoy a high level of success, with a six-month post-graduation employment rate of 96%. The college also reports a 90% acceptance rate for graduates applying to medical school within five years of graduation.


Bates vs Colby College Cost Comparison

Bates and Colby College have similar costs of attendance, with Bates at approximately $74,300 and Colby at approximately $74,500 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Both schools provide financial aid to eligible students, with Bates offering an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $48,200 and Colby offering $53,800.

Bates vs Colby College Admissions Difficulty

Both Bates and Colby College have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 12% and 13%, respectively, for the fall 2021 class. The middle 50% range of SAT and ACT scores are similar, with Bates students scoring between 1310-1450 on the SAT and 29-33 on the ACT. In comparison, Colby students score between 1350-1510 on the SAT and 31-34 on the ACT.

Bates vs Colby College Academic Difficulty

Bates and Colby College both offer rigorous academic programs and personalized learning experiences, with student-faculty ratios of 10:1 at Bates and 9:1 at Colby. Both colleges have unique academic schedules, with Bates offering a 4-4-1 format and Colby following a 4-1-4 schedule.

Bates vs Colby College Outcome Comparison

Both Bates and Colby College graduates enjoy high post-graduation employment rates, with Bates at 94% and Colby at 96%. Medical school acceptance rates are also impressive, with Bates reporting a 95% acceptance rate and Colby a 90% acceptance rate for students applying within five years of graduation.