
2 Andrews Road, Lewiston, ME 04240-6028, USA


Bates College provides a comprehensive athletics program that caters to a wide range of student interests and competitive levels. As a member of the NCAA Division III, Bates emphasizes both competitive athletics and the academic experience of its student-athletes. The college offers numerous varsity sports, including but not limited to basketball, soccer, lacrosse, cross country, and swimming. These programs encourage student participation while fostering teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.
The college supports a vibrant intramural sports scene as well, allowing students who may not engage in varsity-level athletics to remain active and involved in campus life. This inclusive approach ensures that students with varying skill levels and athletic backgrounds have opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle and build community connections.
Bates also places importance on providing quality facilities and coaching staff to support its athletic programs. The college's commitment to balancing athletics with rigorous academics speaks to its broader educational philosophy, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for success both during and after their college years.
Bates College offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and provide opportunities for involvement outside the classroom. Students interested in outdoor activities can join the Outing Club, which focuses on outdoor recreation and adventures. The International Club serves those looking to engage with global cultures and foster a diverse campus community. For students passionate about event planning and campus activities, the Chase Hall Committee plays a central role in organizing student events. The Representative Assembly offers a platform for student governance and involvement in campus decision-making processes. Additionally, WRBC operates as the college's student-run radio station, providing a creative outlet for students interested in broadcasting and media.
Bates College attracts a diverse student body, with a particularly small proportion of in-state students, representing just 8% of the total-placing the college in the bottom 5% nationally for in-state enrollment. Conversely, out-of-state students make up a significantly larger segment at 80%, ranking Bates among the top 5% of institutions for out-of-state representation. Domestic students comprise 88% of the population, which is considered average and aligns with the institution's national standing near the 58th percentile. The college also hosts a relatively high number of international students, with individuals from 12 foreign countries, positioning it in the top 10% for international diversity.
The freshman class at Bates College consists of approximately 505 students, a figure categorized as average and placing the college in the lower 40% compared to peer institutions. Transfer students remain a small group, totaling 8, also rated as average and in the bottom 35 percent nationally. Overall enrollment stands at 513 students within these categories, reflecting a consistent scale relative to similar colleges.
Regarding age distribution, nearly all students are traditional college age, with the vast majority ranging from 18 to 21 years old. Specifically, 846 students are between 18 and 19 years, and 724 fall into the 20 to 21 age bracket. Younger students under 18 make up a small group of 21, while older age demographics above 21 are minimal with only 162 students aged 22 to 29 combined. Bates College does not report graduate student age data, suggesting a primary focus on undergraduate education.
Ethnic diversity at Bates College reveals an enrollment pattern generally average among comparable institutions. Hispanic students number 113, African American students 57, and Asian students 84, all reflecting mid-range representation. White students constitute the largest group with 777 individuals, consistent with the college's average presence in this demographic. Other groups include Native American (3), Pacific Islander (1), and individuals identifying with two or more races (103), as well as 8 students whose ethnicity is unknown. These patterns indicate a moderate level of racial and ethnic diversity within the student population.
Bates College offers a variety of extracurricular activities that contribute to a vibrant student life. Students can engage in campus drama and participate in the college chorus, fostering creative expression. The campus supports a newspaper and a radio station, providing outlets for student journalism and broadcasting. Health and well-being are addressed with available health clinic services and psychological counseling. Additionally, the college has a women's center that focuses on supporting female students.
With a student-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, Bates College provides a setting that favors individualized attention and close interaction between students and professors. While the total enrollment is moderate at 1,760 students, the diversity is notable, with students coming from 78 different countries, placing the college in the top 10% for international representation. This diverse environment adds a global dimension to student experiences at Bates College.
Bates College features two libraries, including its main facility, Ladd Library. The number of libraries falls within the average range compared to peer institutions, placing it in the top half nationally. Both physical and digital access to library resources are available, supported by trained staff and established service hours.
Students can make use of study rooms and benefit from access to shared collections, enhancing research and study opportunities. The college maintains a collection of approximately 504,079 books, reflecting an average volume relative to other colleges, again in the top 50% percentile.
In terms of subscriptions, the library offers 1,187 in total, though this figure is somewhat lower, ranking in the bottom 40%. Digital subscriptions number 103,544, positioning Bates College near the median among similar institutions. Of particular note is the extensive availability of ebooks, totaling 1,471,430, which ranks the college in the top 15% nationwide. The library also provides access to 114 databases, classified as average and situated in the lower half of comparative rankings.
Total enrollment
1760Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
471Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
180 full time, 20 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Ladd LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes