Saint Michael's College vs Bowdoin College

Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Saint Michael's, a Catholic college in Colchester, Vermont, fosters a close-knit community with smaller class sizes, while Bowdoin, a private liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine, boasts a larger student body and a more diverse range of academic programs. With Saint Michael's acceptance rate hovering around 80% and Bowdoin's at a highly selective 10%, the two colleges cater to different levels of academic competitiveness. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Bowdoin College	Saint Michael's College
Overview
Location	Brunswick, Maine	Colchester, Vermont
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	86.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	8.8%	85.9%
Application fees	$65	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	9,325	2,359
Total number of admissions given out	822	2,026
Admitted students who chose to enroll	517	316
Yield rate	62.9%	15.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$76,310	$65,239
Average net price	$26,727	$28,979
Tuition	$57,776	$46,590
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,630 Meal plan: $8,268	$14,280
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	54.0% Average amount $45,153	100.0% Average amount $34,746
Students receiving federal student loan	11.0% Average amount $4,767	55.0% Average amount $8,210
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $20,700	16.0% Average amount $19,109

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,951 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%	1,421 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%
Graduate students	N/A	152 Men 25.7% Women 74.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	91.5%	N/A
International students	7.1%	4.0%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,913	1,510
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York California Maine Connecticut New Jersey	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Ethnic Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences Natural Resources and Conservation Mathematics and Statistics	Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Psychology Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	93.8%	78.4%
Dropout rate	2.2%	21.6%
Transferred out	4.0%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $104,192 Year 3: $122,292 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $83,803 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,127 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $77,719 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,934 Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $60,473 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A Area Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,244 Year 2: $42,123 Year 3: N/A Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $22,771 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,658 Year 2: $39,009 Year 3: N/A Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,454 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,772 Year 2: $37,424 Year 3: $46,273 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,419 Year 2: $33,755 Year 3: $43,531 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,880 Year 2: $37,624 Year 3: $42,808 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,156 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $40,880 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,234 Year 2: $28,381 Year 3: $38,808 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,512 Year 2: $32,658 Year 3: $38,576 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,518 Year 2: $28,598 Year 3: $38,009 Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,441 Year 2: $27,048 Year 3: $36,644 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,082 Year 2: $31,762 Year 3: $36,053 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,958 Year 2: $26,121 Year 3: $31,235

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in size and location between Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College?

Saint Michael's College is a smaller institution with around 1,600 undergraduate students, located in Colchester, Vermont, near Burlington. This offers a more intimate campus environment with easy access to a vibrant city and outdoor recreation. Bowdoin College, with approximately 2,000 undergraduates, is situated in Brunswick, Maine, a quintessential New England town. Bowdoin provides a slightly larger, but still small, college experience in a classic Maine setting, offering a blend of academic rigor and coastal charm.
How do the academic focuses of Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College differ?

While both institutions offer strong liberal arts educations, Saint Michael's College has a notable emphasis on social justice, service, and Edmundite values, which are integrated into many academic programs and extracurricular activities. Bowdoin College is known for its rigorous academics across the liberal arts, with particular strengths in government, economics, and environmental studies. Bowdoin also offers a 'coordinate major' option, allowing students to combine two seemingly disparate fields of study.
What is the general atmosphere and campus culture like at each college?

Saint Michael's College fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on community service and personal connections between students and faculty. The atmosphere is generally described as welcoming and supportive. Bowdoin College is known for its intellectual curiosity and engaged student body. The campus culture is academically focused but also emphasizes social responsibility and a strong sense of community, often described as collaborative rather than cutthroat.
How do the financial aid and tuition policies compare between Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College?

Both Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College are committed to making education accessible. Bowdoin College is need-blind in its admissions process, meaning your ability to pay will not affect your admission decision, and it meets 100% of demonstrated need. Saint Michael's College also offers generous financial aid packages, including merit-based scholarships and need-based grants. It's best to directly compare your individual financial aid offers from both institutions to determine the most affordable option for you.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College?

Both colleges provide comprehensive career services to help students prepare for life after graduation. Bowdoin College has a strong alumni network and dedicated career exploration programs, particularly in fields like finance, consulting, and government. Saint Michael's College offers robust internship programs, especially in areas related to social work, education, and business, leveraging its proximity to Burlington and connections with local organizations. Both schools actively support students in securing internships and full-time employment.
What are the athletic programs and recreational opportunities available at each college?

Saint Michael's College competes in NCAA Division II athletics, offering a variety of varsity sports. The college also has a strong intramural sports program and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, taking advantage of its Vermont location for skiing, hiking, and other activities. Bowdoin College competes in NCAA Division III athletics and is part of the prestigious NESCAC conference. Bowdoin also offers a wide range of club sports, fitness programs, and outdoor activities, including access to coastal Maine for sailing and kayaking.
How do the residential life and housing options differ between the two colleges?

Both Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College offer a residential college experience with a variety of housing options. Saint Michael's College has a mix of traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. Bowdoin College guarantees housing for all four years and offers a range of living options, including themed houses and small residential communities. Both colleges emphasize creating a supportive and engaging residential environment.
What are some unique aspects of Saint Michael's College that Bowdoin College doesn't offer, and vice versa?

A unique aspect of Saint Michael's College is its strong connection to the Society of Saint Edmund and its emphasis on service and social justice. This is reflected in its academic programs, campus ministry, and volunteer opportunities. Bowdoin College's unique features include its 'coordinate major' option, its strong focus on environmental studies, and its location in coastal Maine, providing unparalleled access to marine research and outdoor activities. Bowdoin's museum of art is also a significant resource.
How do the graduation rates and post-graduate outcomes compare between Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College?

Both Saint Michael's College and Bowdoin College boast strong graduation rates, indicating the success of their students. Bowdoin College typically has a higher graduation rate, reflecting its highly selective admissions process and ample resources. Both institutions have successful alumni networks and graduates who go on to pursue advanced degrees and careers in a variety of fields. Specific data on post-graduate outcomes, such as employment rates and average salaries, can be found on each college's website.
What type of student is likely to thrive at Saint Michael's College versus Bowdoin College?

A student who values a close-knit community, a strong emphasis on service and social justice, and a supportive learning environment might thrive at Saint Michael's College. A student who is intellectually curious, highly motivated, and seeks a rigorous academic experience in a classic New England setting might find Bowdoin College a better fit. Consider your personal values, learning style, and academic interests when making your decision.

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