Overview of Bates College
Bates College, located in Lewiston, Maine, is a private liberal arts college with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1855. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community, Bates College provides a comprehensive liberal arts education. Here is an overview of key aspects of Bates College:
- Liberal Arts Tradition: Bates College follows the liberal arts tradition, emphasizing a broad and interdisciplinary education. The curriculum encourages students to explore diverse fields of study, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a well-rounded intellectual foundation.
- Academic Programs: Bates offers a range of undergraduate programs leading to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees. The curriculum includes majors across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. The college is committed to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares students for a lifetime of learning and engaged citizenship.
- Small Class Sizes and Faculty Engagement: One of Bates College’s defining features is its commitment to small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized attention, mentorship, and opportunities for collaborative learning.
- The Bates Purposeful Work Initiative: Bates College is known for its Purposeful Work initiative, which integrates career exploration and preparation into the liberal arts education. The initiative helps students connect their academic interests with real-world applications and provides resources for internships, job searches, and career development.
- Community Engagement and Service Learning: Bates College places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service learning. The college encourages students to apply their academic knowledge to address real-world challenges, fostering a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact in local and global communities.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Bates is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. The college values diversity in all its forms and actively works to create an environment where students from different backgrounds feel welcome, respected, and supported.
- Access to Research Opportunities: Bates College provides students with opportunities for research and independent study. The college’s commitment to undergraduate research allows students to collaborate with faculty members and engage in scholarly projects across various disciplines.
- Study Abroad Programs: Recognizing the importance of global perspectives, Bates College offers study abroad programs that enable students to explore different cultures, languages, and academic environments. These programs contribute to the development of a more comprehensive worldview.
- NESCAC Athletics: Bates is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and competes in NCAA Division III athletics. The college offers a variety of varsity sports, intramural activities, and recreational opportunities, emphasizing the importance of both athletic achievement and physical well-being.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Bates College has a strong commitment to sustainability. The college actively promotes environmental stewardship through initiatives such as green building practices, waste reduction, and a focus on renewable energy. Bates was one of the first colleges in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality.
- Cultural and Arts Offerings: The college’s commitment to the arts is evident in its various cultural and artistic offerings. Bates hosts events, performances, and exhibitions that contribute to the vibrant cultural life of the campus and the surrounding community.
- Historical Architecture and Campus: The Bates College campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, reflecting the college’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while embracing contemporary facilities. The campus provides a picturesque setting for academic and extracurricular activities.
Bates College stands as a distinguished liberal arts institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the holistic development of its students. Its focus on inclusivity, Purposeful Work, sustainability, and global perspectives contributes to a vibrant and dynamic educational environment that prepares students for meaningful and purposeful lives.
2 Andrews Road Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207) 786-6000
Email: admissions@bates.edu
Web site: http://www.bates.edu
Rankings: Bates College
Located in Lewiston, ME, Bates College is one of the best universities in the state of Maine. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bates College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bates College.
Bates College is a private liberal arts college located in Lewiston, Maine. It was founded in 1855 by abolitionist statesman Benjamin E. Bates and is one of the oldest continuously operating colleges in the United States. The college has consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, earning high marks for its academic excellence, faculty resources, student selectivity, and financial aid offerings. In recent years, Bates has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 20 liberal arts colleges in the country and is consistently ranked among the top 10 schools for both undergraduate teaching and research opportunities. The college also ranks highly for its commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives, with an enrollment of students from more than 50 countries around the world. Additionally, Bates offers an array of experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad programs, internships, community service projects, and research fellowships that allow students to gain real-world experience while furthering their academic goals. With its strong emphasis on experiential learning and diverse student body, Bates College provides a unique educational experience that sets it apart from other liberal arts colleges across the country.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 25 |
| Score: | 77 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 4.0 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 16 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 94.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 89.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 91% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -2 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 50 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 66.8% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 4.3% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 10:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 94.9% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 45 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1260-1430 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 53% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 88% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 29.2% |
| Financial resources rank: | 37 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 21 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 43.0% |
Essential Facts: Bates College
- Bates College is consistently ranked high and is considered a member of the eight ‘Little Ivies’.
- Bates typically ranks among the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the country and is one of the top colleges in New England.
- Bates is among the finest academic institutions in the nation with a down to earth and very friendly atmosphere. Bates is a place where you can grow.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 92% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 95% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 30% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, yearbook |