Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Bowdoin's 8% acceptance rate, most applicants—even highly qualified ones—will need strong backup options. The alternatives below deliver comparable career outcomes with more accessible admission or different advantages.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar liberal arts outcomes with better admission odds, consider Binghamton University (38% acceptance, $80,596 median earnings) in New York or University of Maryland-College Park (45% acceptance, $82,860 median earnings). Maine Maritime Academy offers 61% acceptance with higher earnings of $89,964, though with a more specialized technical focus rather than liberal arts.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to stay in Maine should consider Colby College (7% acceptance, $80,490 earnings) just 48 miles away, offering nearly identical outcomes with similar selectivity. Bates College (13% acceptance, $69,498 earnings) is only 18 miles away with somewhat higher acceptance rates, though earnings are 16% lower.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier in Northeast (#188 ranked)
