Is Bowdoin College worth it?

Brunswick, ME · private-nonprofit

Verdict

Typical students pay $14,398 a year after aid, graduate with $18,500 in federal debt, and earn $61,692 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $198, with a debt break-even of about 3.0 years.

Net price / year

$14,398

Admission rate

7%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$18,500

Earnings (6 yr)

$61,692

Earnings (10 yr)

$82,735

Est. monthly loan payment

$198

Loan-to-income ratio

30%

Debt break-even

3.0 years

How Bowdoin College compares

MetricBowdoin CollegeMaineNational
Net price$14,398$18,387$16,642
Median debt$18,500$16,375$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$61,692$34,952$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend Bowdoin College?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,398 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do Bowdoin College graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at Bowdoin College leave with a median federal debt of $18,500, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do Bowdoin College graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $61,692, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at Bowdoin College?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is Bowdoin College worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 3.0 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.