Lewiston, ME · Private University
Is Bates College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$69,498
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$63,478
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,478
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$253,912
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.09x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
90.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$14,275
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$30,703
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Bates College graduates earn $24,498 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Bates College ranked by graduate earnings
29 graduates
46 graduates
16 graduates
18 graduates
20 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Bates College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Bates College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Economics: $90,762) and the lowest (Biology, General: $30,613) is $60,149/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| EconomicsBest ROI | $90,762 | 1.4x |
| Political Science and Government | $62,940 | 1.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $58,988 | 0.9x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology(1yr data) | $47,376 | 0.8x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $47,210 | 0.7x |
| Sociology(1yr data) | $42,170 | 0.7x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics(1yr data) | $40,395 | 0.6x |
| Biology, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $30,613 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bates College | 1.09x | $69,498 | Average ROI |
| Rhode Island School of Design | 1.14x | $68,140 | Average ROI |
| Middlebury College | 1.17x | $76,310 | Average ROI |
| Hamilton College | 1.19x | $78,411 | Average ROI |
| Smith College | 1.04x | $64,027 | Average ROI |
| Colby College | 1.21x | $80,490 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Bates College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $69,498 10 years after starting — $24,498 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.4 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.