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Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

1,846
Total Students
$65K
Tuition (In-State)
$65K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
8%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Graduation Rate
6-year
98%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College: Pioneering liberal arts, rich in history and dedicated to student success.

Bowdoin College, a distinguished private liberal arts institution nestled in Brunswick, Maine, offers a vibrant and academically rigorous experience. With a motto "As an eagle towards the sky," Bowdoin challenges its students to soar, fostering intellectual curiosity and a commitment to the common good. Known for its strong sense of community, beautiful suburban campus, and a unique coastal studies center, Bowdoin provides an immersive learning environment that extends beyond traditional classrooms. Its commitment to accessibility is exemplified by its groundbreaking decision to eliminate loans for all financial aid recipients, ensuring that career choices are driven by passion, not debt.

Chartered in 1794, Bowdoin boasts a rich history intertwined with American milestones. It educated a U.S. President, Franklin Pierce, and literary giants like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The college was a hotbed of anti-slavery discussions before the Civil War, and its alumni played pivotal roles, from Civil War hero Joshua Chamberlain to influential figures who shaped national policy. Harriet Beecher Stowe even began writing Uncle Tom's Cabin while her husband taught at the college, cementing Bowdoin's legacy in significant historical movements.

Academically, Bowdoin offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum supported by a dedicated faculty and a strong network with the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin Consortium, which facilitates both academic exchange and spirited athletic rivalries. The student experience is vibrant, with over 30 varsity teams competing in NCAA Division III NESCAC, rallied by their "Polar Bears" mascot, a nod to alumnus and Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary. The college has also evolved its social scene, replacing fraternities with college-owned social houses to foster a more inclusive community.

With an undergraduate body of over 1,800 students, Bowdoin fosters a close-knit and supportive atmosphere. Beyond its main campus, the college owns a coastal studies center on Orr's Island and a scientific field station on Kent Island, offering unique opportunities for hands-on learning and research, truly reflecting its commitment to an expansive and engaging education.

Key Highlights

  • Established June 24, 1794, making it one of the oldest colleges in the U.S.
  • Features an impressive $2.9 billion endowment (2025), supporting its mission and resources.
  • Pioneered in higher education by eliminating loans for all financial aid students starting in 2008.
  • Home to 1,841 undergraduates on campus (Fall 2025), fostering a close-knit learning environment.
  • Notable alumni include U.S. President Franklin Pierce, authors Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary.
  • Offers a distinctive student experience with a 207-acre suburban campus, a coastal studies center, and a scientific field station.
  • A founding member of the highly competitive NCAA Division III New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).

Timeline

1794
Chartered by the Massachusetts State Legislature.
1821
Medical School of Maine was established (closed in 1921).
1825
Graduated U.S. President Franklin Pierce and literary figures Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
1865
Alumnus and professor Joshua Chamberlain was present at the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia.
1909
Alumnus Robert E. Peary claimed the first successful expedition to the North Pole.
1970
Became one of the first liberal arts colleges to make the SAT optional for admissions.
1971
Admitted its first class of women after nearly 180 years as a men's college.
1997
Board of Trustees approved phasing out fraternities, replacing them with college-owned social houses.
2008
Announced the elimination of loans for all students receiving financial aid, replacing them with grants.
2023
Safa Zaki succeeded as president, becoming the first woman to lead the college.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Bowdoin College

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Medical School of Maine

Established in 1821, this medical school operated for a century before closing in 1921, producing notable graduates like Augustus Stinchfield, a co-founder of the Mayo Clinic.

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