At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
Bowdoin College is a highly selective liberal arts college on the coast of Maine, known for being one of the first test-optional schools in the country. Its award-winning dining program, strong environmental studies offerings, and tight-knit residential community have made it one of the most sought-after small colleges in the Northeast.
Mascot: Polar Bear
Notable Alumni
Nathaniel Hawthorne (author of The Scarlet Letter)•Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (legendary American poet)•Reed Hastings (co-founder of Netflix)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Athletics
Safety
Bowdoin's Office of Safety and Security provides 24/7 coverage with trained personnel, late-night transportation, and electronic dorm access. Violent crime is exceedingly rare.
Brunswick is a safe coastal Maine town with a violent crime rate 80% below the national average and zero homicides in the most recent reporting year.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Location
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