Bowdoin College

At a glance

Admission rate

7.1%

Total (middle 50%)

1470–1550

Undergraduates

1,873

Setting

Town: Fringe

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Test policy

Test optional Applicants may choose whether to send a score.

Bowdoin has been test optional since 1969 and lets applicants decide whether to submit SAT or ACT results; the page names no specific entry term. The international students page states no SAT/ACT requirement for internationals and makes English proficiency scores optional. (Verified on the official admissions website on 2026-11-06.)

Policy source: bowdoin.edu

SAT scores

Total (middle 50%)

1470–1550

Reading and Writing

730–770

Math

740–780

Average total

1520

ACT composite (middle 50%)

33–35

The middle 50%: a quarter of admitted students who sent scores scored below the first number, a quarter above the second. The total adds up the two sections' ranges, so it's approximate.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Admissions

Accepts

Common App, Coalition with Scoir, QuestBridge$70 fee, automatically waived for financial aid applicants and first-generation students (also veterans, Explore Bowdoin and hardship).

Application fee

$70

Phone

(207) 725-3000

Admissions email

admissions@bowdoin.edu

Source: School's page (bowdoin.edu), checked November 6, 2026

Cost

Tuition

$71,740per year

Average net price

$15,595What students who get federal aid pay on average after grants and scholarships, per year.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Outcomes

Graduation rate

93%

First-year retention

97%

Median earnings 10 years after entry

$90,153

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Degrees and programs

Degree levels: bachelor

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Data by Field of Study