Bates College

Bates College Bates College, widely regarded as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the nation, is dedicated to the principle of active engagement.

Bates, as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the nation, is a welcoming community whose members care deeply about the rigorous, challenging, and rewarding life of ideas and principles, and value their exchange and examination. A 10-1 student-faculty ratio makes possible close collaborations in classroom and laboratory, and the Bates learning experience is honed through seminars, research,

service-learning, and the capstone of senior thesis. Typically, two-thirds of Bates'​ 1,800 students study abroad. Co-curricular life is rich: most students participate in club and varsity sports; many participate in performing arts; and almost all students participate in one of more than 90 student-run clubs or organizations. Alumni frequently cite the capacities they developed at Bates for critical assessment, analysis, expression, aesthetic sensibility and independent thought. About 40 percent of students participate in career internships, and more than two-thirds of recent graduates enroll in graduate study within 10 years after graduation. When Bates was founded in 1855, it was New England's first co-ed college. Since then, we have admitted students no matter their nationality, race, religion, sex, or socio-economic status. Our founders knew that making this type of education open to as many people as possible would lead to future leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers who could take on the defining issues of their generations. Graduates leave Bates willing and equipped to critique the world (and the institution itself). We believe this is the right way to educate.

Campus upgrade now loading... Welcome home, Bates Class of 2030!!!(Theophil Syslo/Bates College)
08/28/2026

Campus upgrade now loading... Welcome home, Bates Class of 2030!!!

(Theophil Syslo/Bates College)

The Bobcats are back!Bright and early at 8 a.m., Bates women's soccer and Bates volleyball kicked off the very first pra...
08/27/2026

The Bobcats are back!

Bright and early at 8 a.m., Bates women's soccer and Bates volleyball kicked off the very first practices of the season.

We can’t wait to welcome the Bates Class of 2030 tomorrow!

(Theophil Syslo/Bates College)

A little calm for your feed from campus.In just two more days it's going to get much busier with the arrival of our bran...
08/25/2026

A little calm for your feed from campus.

In just two more days it's going to get much busier with the arrival of our brand new class of Bobcats. But until then, we're taking a moment to appreciate some of the spaces and places that make Bates feel like Bates.

(Theophil Syslo/Bates College)

Registration for Back to Bates is now open!Reconnect with Batesies, celebrate with friends and family, and make a few ne...
08/09/2026

Registration for Back to Bates is now open!

Reconnect with Batesies, celebrate with friends and family, and make a few new Bates memories along the way! October 2-4, 2026.

Sign up here: https://brnw.ch/21x4NjW

08/06/2026

Our Admission Summer Visit Days may be wrapping up this Friday, but there are still so many ways to get to know Bates.

Join us on campus for a student-led tour or information session, hop on an “Ask Me Anything” Zoom session with a Bates Admission expert, or take a virtual stroll through campus from wherever you are.

For now, enjoy a quick look back at our last Summer Visit Day on Friday, July 24 — full sun, campus programming about our distinctive liberal arts academics and vibrant campus community, a tasty Commons lunch, and one very well-earned farewell ice cream social.

Visit bates.edu/connect to learn more!

(Annie Roach ’27 for Bates College)

You know, with some effort, I can really see this vision becoming a reality.
08/06/2026

You know, with some effort, I can really see this vision becoming a reality.

Five Bobcats. Five remarkable paths.At Reunion, the Bates College Alumni Association honored five alumni whose careers, ...
08/04/2026

Five Bobcats. Five remarkable paths.

At Reunion, the Bates College Alumni Association honored five alumni whose careers, service, and commitment to Bates reflect the strength, reach, and the generosity of the Bates network.

Their work spans public service, science, education, medicine, mentorship, community-building, and decades of dedication to Bates.

See our story to meet this year’s Alumni Council Award recipients and learn more about their awards: https://brnw.ch/21x4GsF

[President of the Alumni Association Leah Elsmore ’12 (left) and Bates President Garry W. Jenkins (right) stand alongside three of the winners at the Annual Gathering of the Alumni Association]

(Rene Roy for Bates College)

08/03/2026

When you visit the Maine MILL's new building on the Androscoggin River, you’ll enter the museum through the Bates College Welcome Center.

But the Bates connection doesn’t stop there — throughout the museum’s permanent collection, you’ll come across the names of several other members of the Bates community who have contributed their testimonials and expertise to telling the story of Lewiston and Auburn.

Bates’ place in the museum reflects our decades-long partnership with Maine MILL and our shared commitment to education and access in our home city.

(Theophil Syslo/Bates College)

From Mount David to the tallest mountain in North America. ⛰️Learn more about Jackson Monz ’26 and his climb up Denali, ...
07/29/2026

From Mount David to the tallest mountain in North America. ⛰️

Learn more about Jackson Monz ’26 and his climb up Denali, federally designated as Mount McKinley ⬇️

There are exactly 30 days until the Bates Class of 2030 arrives. Not that we’re keeping track or anything.With the count...
07/28/2026

There are exactly 30 days until the Bates Class of 2030 arrives. Not that we’re keeping track or anything.

With the countdown to officially underway, we’re looking back at a few scenes from last year’s arrival of the Bates Class of 2029.

Current and alumni Bobcats, have any move-in day tips for the newest members of the Bates family? Drop 'em in the comments below! ⬇️

(Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College)

Address

2 Andrews Road
Lewiston, ME
04240

Telephone

+12077866330

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