Bowdoin College's published cost of attendance reaches $80,390 per year, including $64,910 in tuition, $17,690 for room and board, and $840 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $20,786 representing a financial aid savings of $59,604 annually.
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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) | $85,100 |
| Tuition and Fees | $67,832 |
| Room and Board | $18,488 |
| Books and Supplies | $840 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$70,702 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,398 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $3,145 |
| $30–48k | $2,800 |
| $48–75k | $9,007 |
| $75–110k | $13,801 |
| $110k+ | $35,196 |
Bowdoin College's published cost of attendance reaches $80,390 per year, including $64,910 in tuition, $17,690 for room and board, and $840 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $20,786 representing a financial aid savings of $59,604 annually. This substantial aid reduces the effective cost by 74% from the sticker price, making the institution more accessible than the published figures suggest.
Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $21,812, Bowdoin's net cost runs $1,026 below the peer average, indicating competitive pricing within its selectivity tier. The net price varies dramatically by family income, ranging from $3,275 for the lowest-income families to $42,867 for the highest-income families, demonstrating the college's commitment to income-based financial aid. This pricing structure reflects Bowdoin's strategy of using substantial endowment resources to reduce costs for families across income levels while maintaining the revenue needed to support its academic programs and campus operations.
Bowdoin College demonstrates strong financial aid performance through substantial cost reductions and targeted support for lower-income students. The institution provides $59,604 in average financial aid savings, reducing the effective cost by nearly three-quarters from the published price.
With 16.1% of students receiving Pell grants, Bowdoin enrolls fewer lower-income students than typical institutions but provides exceptional aid to those it does admit. The progressive net price structure, ranging from $3,275 for lowest-income families to $42,867 for highest-income families, indicates sophisticated income-based aid policies that target support where needed most.
This aid strategy reflects the college's substantial endowment resources and commitment to socioeconomic diversity, enabling access for talented students regardless of family financial circumstances while maintaining the revenue needed for institutional operations.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at Bowdoin College remain well-controlled relative to both peer institutions and graduate earning potential. Median debt reaches $18,500, ranking at the 77th percentile nationally and sitting $6,500 below the peer median of $25,000.
Debt distribution spans from $8,454 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with manageable borrowing levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates that typical graduates' debt represents roughly 22% of their first-year post-graduation income, a sustainable level for loan repayment.
Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $37,572 with monthly payments of $495, reflecting additional family borrowing beyond direct student loans. The controlled debt levels, combined with strong earnings outcomes, create favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability and loan repayment success.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Bowdoin College delivers exceptional value through the combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled educational costs. Graduates earn $13,952 beyond expectations, ranking at the 90.1st percentile for value creation and demonstrating significant return on educational investment.
With median earnings of $82,735 compared to peer median earnings of $50,412, graduates earn $32,323 more annually than typical outcomes from similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates sustainable borrowing levels relative to earning potential, while median debt of $18,500 falls $6,500 below peer averages.
The institution's return index percentile of 97.2nd places it among the highest we track for overall return on investment, reflecting the successful combination of strong outcomes and controlled costs. This investment profile makes Bowdoin particularly attractive for students seeking both academic prestige and economic security, as the college demonstrates proven ability to translate educational quality into measurable economic advantage for graduates.
