Published cost of attendance is $83,532. After need-based aid, low-income families pay approximately $2,397, middle-income families pay around $11,336, higher-income families pay approximately $45,886.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $83,532 |
| Tuition and Fees | $66,590 |
| Room and Board | $18,780 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$54,181 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $29,351 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $2,397 |
| $30–48k | $8,958 |
| $48–75k | $11,336 |
| $75–110k | $19,468 |
| $110k+ | $45,886 |
Published cost of attendance is $83,532. After need-based aid, low-income families pay approximately $2,397, middle-income families pay around $11,336, higher-income families pay approximately $45,886. Azimuth ranks Bates College #1108 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions, in the 22.3 percentile. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $14,275; families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $70,222. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $70,028, median federal debt projects to a monthly payment of about $161 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios, use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Bates College earn median 4-year earnings of $70,028, placing Bates College in the 72.8 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Bates College #210 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That performance reflects both the institution's liberal arts foundation and its ability to position graduates into stable, well-compensated career pathways across multiple fields. The earnings pattern spans the social sciences and humanities. Economics is the largest program by aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with solid mid-career pay. The Research Psychology program graduates 83 students annually and anchors the institution's degree output. The Economics program graduates 68 students with median 4-year earnings of $110,880, earning 1.3x the national benchmark for the field. The Political Science program graduates 57 students with median 4-year earnings of $80,714, at 1.3x the benchmark. Natural Resources Conservation and Research and Biology, General round out the top five by enrollment, each supporting graduates into careers aligned with liberal arts preparation and regional labor-market demand in ME.
