Bates College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Even at test-optional Bates, the students who submit scores tend to be very strong: the middle SAT range is 1410 to 1490. If you choose to test, aim near the top of that range, or around a 33 ACT, so your score adds clear strength in a 13.3% admit pool.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Bates College facts and stats
Bates College enrolls about 1,760 undergraduates in a small-town setting. Bates has a 91% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 97% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
Lewiston, ME
How do your scores compare at Bates?
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Key Bates College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 10
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 15
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 10
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to Bates, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes that could improve your superscore. For the November 15 Early Decision deadline, an October retake is typically the last sitting whose scores can arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Bates is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $66,590, and 43% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the January 10 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Bates College’s total listed cost for tuition, fees, room, and board is $85,370. About 43% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $64,249, which can substantially reduce the amount families pay. For context, students graduate with an average debt of $27,121.
Student life at Bates College
92% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Beal University
Bangor, MEAcceptance rate: 100%
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, MEAcceptance rate: 7.1%
SAT: 1470–1540
ACT: 33–35
Maine College of Health Professions
Lewiston, MEAcceptance rate: 71.4%
Central Maine Community College
Auburn, MEAcceptance rate: 98.8%
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