Bates College's published cost of attendance is $83,532. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $2,397, families in the lower-middle range pay around $8,958, middle-income families pay about $11,336, families in the upper-middle range pay approximately $19,468, and higher-income families pay around $45,886.
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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 |
Bates College's published cost of attendance is $83,532. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $2,397, families in the lower-middle range pay around $8,958, middle-income families pay about $11,336, families in the upper-middle range pay approximately $19,468, and higher-income families pay around $45,886. Azimuth ranks Bates College #1108 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary based on demonstrated need, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Bates College meets demonstrated financial need in full for admitted students under its current financial aid policy. The aid structure combines need-based grants, work-study, and loans as part of the aid package. Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile to determine eligibility for need-based aid. The gap between published cost and net price reflects the institution's commitment to making enrollment affordable across income levels, though families should verify their individual aid award once admitted. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $14,275, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $70,222; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $70,028, median federal debt of $14,275 projects to a monthly payment of about $161 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
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.
