Understanding Bates College tuition costs

Hi all, I'm looking into Bates College as a possible fit for me because I've heard great things about their community and academics. However, I'm a bit concerned about the cost. Does anyone have information on what the tuition is at Bates College? Also, do they tend to offer good financial aid packages? Coming from a middle-income family, I'm hoping to find schools that are financially realistic, so any tips on affordability would be awesome.

Sure, I can certainly help with that. Bates College, like most private liberal arts colleges, does have a high sticker price. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the total cost (including tuition, room, board, and fees) is around $85,000. However, don’t let this number intimidate you.

Many students don't pay the full sticker price due to financial aid and scholarships. In fact, Bates College is known for being a generous school when it comes to financial aid. About half of Bates students receive financial aid, with the average aid package being around $43,000. Bates also follows a need-blind admission policy, which means your ability to pay doesn’t affect your admission decision.

For middle-income families like yours, Bates does provide considerable aid. How much you will receive exactly depends on your family's specific financial situation, including income, assets, the number of people in your household, and other factors. As with all colleges, you should use Bates' Net Price Calculator (https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/bates) to get an estimate of what you might be expected to pay.

Remember, applying for financial aid can be a complex process, so make sure to begin early, meet all the deadlines, and stay organized. Best of luck as you explore your options!