Bates College

Bates College, a private liberal arts institution in Lewiston, Maine, stands as a beacon of academic rigor and a trailblazer in educational inclusivity. Known for its comprehensive undergraduate instruction across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, Bates sets itself apart with a unique undergraduate thesis requirement, ensuring every graduate leaves with a profound capstone research experience. The college is celebrated for its vibrant campus life, commitment to intellectual inquiry, and a strong sense of community that thrives within its intimate setting as the smallest college in the competitive NESCAC athletic conference.

Founded in 1855 by abolitionist statesman Oren Burbank Cheney and textile magnate Benjamin Bates, the college holds a significant place in American educational history as the first coeducational college in New England and the third-oldest in Maine. From its inception, Bates rejected fraternities and sororities, fostering a more inclusive and less exclusive student environment. Its motto, "Amore Ac Studio" (With Ardor and Devotion), reflects a deep-seated commitment to passionate scholarship and dedicated learning, a tradition that continues to shape its academic and social landscape.

Academically, Bates has cultivated a robust environment, highlighted by the nationally renowned Brooks Quimby Debate Council, which was the first collegiate coeducational debate team in the U.S. and the first to compete internationally. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from an expansive 813-acre campus, including an urban core, a 600-acre nature preserve, and a coastal center. The student experience is further enriched by an active and entirely student-run Outing Club, one of the oldest and most inclusive in the country, encouraging exploration of Maine's natural beauty.

While continuously striving for greater diversity and inclusion, Bates remains dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers and lives of purpose. Its impressive list of alumni, including Fulbright and Rhodes Scholars, members of Congress, and Olympians, speaks to the caliber of education and personal development fostered within its storied halls. Bates offers a truly distinctive liberal arts journey, blending historical significance with contemporary academic excellence and a dynamic student experience.