U of Richmond vs Bates College

When it comes to choosing the right college, it's important to consider factors such as acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. University of Richmond and Bates College, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct experiences for their students. With an acceptance rate of 32%, University of Richmond welcomes a diverse student body, with 49% male and 51% female students. Bates College, on the other hand, has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 15% and a more balanced gender ratio, with 48% male and 52% female students. Both institutions boast impressive graduation rates, with University of Richmond at 88% and Bates College at 93%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further details and discover which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bates College	University of Richmond
Overview
Location	Lewiston, Maine	University of Richmond, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	4-1-4	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	92.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	17.3%	28.8%
Application fees	$60	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	7,319	13,955
Total number of admissions given out	1,267	4,015
Admitted students who chose to enroll	553	876
Yield rate	43.6%	21.8%
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	$77,870	$74,590
Average net price	$26,231	$28,881
Tuition	$59,062	$58,570
Room & board	$16,658	Room/dormitory: $6,550 Meal plan: $7,400
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	36.0% Average amount $50,509	61.0% Average amount $43,905
Students receiving federal student loan	12.0% Average amount $4,182	32.0% Average amount $4,957
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $23,825	4.0% Average amount $29,516

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,821 Men 48.6% Women 51.4%	3,166 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%
Graduate students	N/A	724 Men 38.5% Women 61.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	81.9%
International students	8.7%	9.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,816	2,875
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Virginia New York New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Physical Science Social Sciences Ethnic Studies Foreign Languages and Literatures Psychology	Legal Profession Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	8:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	91.7%	89.2%
Dropout rate	2.3%	10.6%
Transferred out	5.8%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,768 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $73,497 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: $55,661 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,568 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $53,638 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,883 Year 2: $26,353 Year 3: $35,020 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $22,192 Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,170 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,112 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,731 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,657 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,711 Year 2: $74,157 Year 3: $88,040 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,385 Year 2: $65,821 Year 3: $83,877 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,362 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $75,249 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $58,083 Year 2: $59,858 Year 3: $73,682 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,179 Year 2: $66,355 Year 3: $73,053 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,668 Year 2: $56,544 Year 3: $66,820 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $54,058 Year 2: $57,705 Year 3: $59,253 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,998 Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $57,966 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $40,281 Year 3: $49,992 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,110 Year 2: $41,789 Year 3: $48,824

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus setting between the University of Richmond and Bates College?

The University of Richmond is located in a suburban setting just outside of Richmond, Virginia, offering a blend of campus life and access to a vibrant city. Bates College, on the other hand, is situated in a small city, Lewiston, Maine, providing a more intimate and focused college-town experience. Richmond's campus is known for its Collegiate Gothic architecture and manicured lawns, while Bates has a more traditional New England feel.
How do the academic focuses and strengths of the University of Richmond and Bates College compare?

Both institutions offer strong liberal arts educations. The University of Richmond is particularly well-regarded for its business school (Robins School of Business) and its leadership studies program, in addition to its strong offerings in the humanities and sciences. Bates College excels in environmental studies, rhetoric, politics, and the natural sciences, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and interdisciplinary studies. Bates also has a unique 4-4-1 academic calendar.
What are the key differences in student body size and demographics between the two schools?

The University of Richmond has a larger undergraduate student body, typically around 3,300 students, compared to Bates College's approximately 2,000 undergraduates. Both institutions attract students from across the United States and internationally, but Bates tends to draw a higher percentage of students from the Northeast, while Richmond has a stronger representation from the Mid-Atlantic and Southern states. Both schools are committed to diversity and inclusion.
How do the financial aid and tuition costs compare between the University of Richmond and Bates College?

Both the University of Richmond and Bates College are private institutions with comparable tuition costs. However, both schools also offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need. It's best to use the net price calculators on each school's website to get an estimate of your individual cost based on your family's financial situation. Both schools are committed to making education accessible.
What are the main differences in campus culture and student life at the University of Richmond and Bates College?

The University of Richmond is known for its strong Greek life presence and a more traditional college experience, with a focus on campus activities and school spirit. Bates College has a more independent and socially conscious student body, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, environmental sustainability, and social justice. While both offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, the emphasis and focus differ.
How do the athletic programs differ between the University of Richmond and Bates College?

The University of Richmond competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with a strong basketball and football program. Bates College competes in NCAA Division III athletics, emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. While Richmond offers athletic scholarships, Bates does not, as is typical of Division III schools. Bates has a strong tradition in sports like rowing, skiing, and cross country.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at the University of Richmond and Bates College?

Both the University of Richmond and Bates College offer comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job placement, and career exploration. The University of Richmond's location near a major city provides access to a wider range of internship opportunities in business, finance, and government. Bates College leverages its alumni network and location in the Northeast to provide opportunities in fields like environmental science, education, and non-profit work. Both schools have strong alumni networks that support students in their career pursuits.
How does the University of Richmond's Robins School of Business compare to the career preparation at Bates College?

The Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond offers a structured and direct path into business careers, with specialized programs and a strong focus on practical skills. Bates College, while not having a dedicated business school, provides a strong liberal arts foundation that can lead to success in various fields, including business. Bates students often pursue business careers through majors like economics, mathematics, or politics, coupled with internships and networking. Richmond offers a more direct business education, while Bates provides a broader, liberal arts approach to career preparation.
What are some similarities between the University of Richmond and Bates College?

Both the University of Richmond and Bates College are highly selective liberal arts colleges that prioritize undergraduate education. They both offer small class sizes, close relationships with faculty, and a strong sense of community. Both institutions are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields. They also both value diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility.
Which school is a better fit for me: University of Richmond or Bates College?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you're interested in a more traditional college experience with a strong Greek life presence and a direct path into business, the University of Richmond might be a better choice. If you prefer a smaller, more independent college with a strong emphasis on social justice and environmental sustainability, Bates College might be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, talking to current students, and reflecting on your own values and priorities to make the best decision.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Bates College

Pitzer College