Williams College vs Bates College

Williams College and Bates College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions in the Northeast, offer distinct educational experiences. Williams, located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, boasts a lower acceptance rate (12.6%) compared to Bates' (15.6%) in Lewiston, Maine. While Williams students predominantly pursue majors in the social sciences, Bates students lean towards the natural sciences. Williams' student body is slightly larger, with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,100 compared to Bates' 1,800. Both colleges boast impressive graduation rates, with Williams at 96% and Bates at 94%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and similarities between these two exceptional institutions, and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bates College	Williams College
Overview
Location	Lewiston, Maine	Williamstown, Massachusetts
Campus setting	City: Small	Town: Fringe
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	4-1-4	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	92.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	17.3%	8.8%
Application fees	$60	$65
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	12,452
Total number of admissions given out	1,267	1,099
Admitted students who chose to enroll	553	574
Yield rate	43.6%	52.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$77,870	$78,060
Average net price	$26,231	$14,487
Tuition	$59,062	$59,350
Room & board	$16,658	Room/dormitory: $7,625 Meal plan: $7,375
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	36.0% Average amount $50,509	52.0% Average amount $52,053
Students receiving federal student loan	12.0% Average amount $4,182	13.0% Average amount $3,992
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $23,825	2.0% Average amount $3,884

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,821 Men 48.6% Women 51.4%	2,174 Men 48.1% Women 51.9%
Graduate students	N/A	50 Men 44.0% Women 56.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	8.7%	9.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Town: Fringe
Dormitory capacity	1,816	2,045
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Physical Science Social Sciences Ethnic Studies Foreign Languages and Literatures Psychology	Mathematics and Statistics Visual & Performing Arts Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Ethnic Studies
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	6:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	91.7%	93.8%
Dropout rate	2.3%	3.1%
Transferred out	5.8%	1.6%
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 Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $109,470 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $99,047 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,280 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $91,723 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,217 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $63,034 Area Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,948 Year 2: $44,384 Year 3: $48,967 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,036 Year 2: $49,464 Year 3: $44,771 Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,993 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $43,402 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,135 Year 2: $40,461 Year 3: $41,065 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,760 Year 2: $34,704 Year 3: $37,587 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,029 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $26,432 Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,668 Year 2: $25,525 Year 3: $14,771

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between Williams College and Bates College?

Williams College is renowned for its rigorous academics and strong emphasis on the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It offers a tutorial system, fostering close interaction between students and faculty. Bates College, while also academically strong, provides a more flexible curriculum with a greater emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and a strong commitment to civic engagement and experiential learning. Bates also has a more open curriculum, allowing students more freedom in course selection.
How does the campus environment differ at Williams and Bates?

Williams College boasts a quintessential New England college town feel, nestled in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and close-knit community. Bates College, located in Lewiston, Maine, offers a more integrated campus experience with a strong connection to the surrounding city. Bates has a more active social scene and a slightly less formal atmosphere compared to Williams.
What are the strengths of the faculty at each institution?

Both Williams and Bates have highly qualified and dedicated faculty. Williams is known for its faculty's commitment to undergraduate teaching and research, with many professors being leaders in their fields. Bates faculty are also deeply committed to teaching and mentoring, with a particular focus on student-faculty collaboration and providing personalized attention. Bates faculty are also known for their accessibility and willingness to engage with students outside of the classroom.
How do the social scenes compare at Williams and Bates?

Williams College has a vibrant social scene, with a focus on campus-based activities, including a strong Greek life presence. Bates College offers a more diverse social environment, with a mix of on-campus events, off-campus opportunities, and a more integrated relationship with the surrounding city of Lewiston. Bates students tend to be more involved in community service and outdoor activities.
What are the athletic opportunities like at Williams and Bates?

Both Williams and Bates are highly competitive in Division III athletics. Williams has a long and storied athletic tradition, with a wide range of varsity sports and a strong emphasis on athletic excellence. Bates also offers a comprehensive athletic program, with a focus on both competitive sports and recreational opportunities. Bates is known for its strong rowing program and commitment to athletic participation.
What is the cost of attendance at Williams and Bates?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is comparable at both Williams and Bates. Both colleges offer generous financial aid packages to make their education accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Prospective students should consult the financial aid offices of each college for specific details regarding their individual circumstances.
How does the location impact the student experience at Williams and Bates?

Williams College's location in the Berkshires provides access to outdoor recreational activities, cultural events, and a close-knit college town environment. Bates College's location in Lewiston, Maine, offers a more urban experience, with opportunities for community engagement, access to the outdoors, and a connection to a larger city. Both locations offer unique advantages depending on a student's preferences.
What are the career services like at Williams and Bates?

Both Williams and Bates offer robust career services to help students with internships, job searches, and graduate school applications. Williams has a strong alumni network and a reputation for placing graduates in competitive fields. Bates also has a dedicated career services office that provides personalized guidance and support, with a focus on experiential learning and career exploration.
What is the student body like at Williams and Bates?

Williams College attracts a highly selective and academically driven student body from diverse backgrounds. Bates College also attracts a diverse student body, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and social justice. Both colleges foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Which college is a better fit for me: Williams or Bates?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you are seeking a rigorous academic environment with a strong emphasis on the humanities and a close-knit community, Williams might be a good choice. If you are looking for a more flexible curriculum, a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and a connection to a city environment, Bates might be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, talking to current students, and reflecting on your priorities to make an informed decision.

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