Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at Bates College
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$67K
+
Room
$19K
+
Books
$900
=
Sticker Price
$83,532
$67K+$19K+$900=$83,532
Your Family Income
Sticker
$83,532
−
Your Aid
$72,196
=
Net Price
$11,336
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
Bates College Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
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
Bates College Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$2,397
$30–48k
$8,958
$48–75k
$11,336
$75–110k
$19,468
$110k+
$45,886
Understanding Your Aid Package
Bates College has a sticker price of $83,532 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $83,532/year
Average aid: $54,181 in grants & scholarships
$48–75K families pay: ~$11,336/year
Low-income families: Pay ~$2,397/year
12% of students receive Pell Grants
Financial Aid Profile
💰
12%
Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students receiving federal aid
🎓
15%
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
Get personalized cost estimates and assess whether borrowing makes sense.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$14,275
Range (25th–75th)$7,500 – $21,354
Median Parent PLUS Loans$70,222
Debt Manageability
0.20x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.0%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$69,498
Earnings Growth
+17%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$50,952
25th %ile
$104,523
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about Bates College Cost & Financial Aid
Bates College's published tuition is $83,532 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $11,336—a difference of $72,196.
Bates College is nearly free for low-income families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $2,397 per year.
Bates College offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for Bates College graduates is $14,275, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $151 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $45,886 at Bates College—still $37,646 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
