Today, Bates College is one of the nation’s most respected liberal arts institutions. We are a proud standard-bearer for the joys of academic rigor, independence, egalitarianism and service. A student-faculty ratio of 10-to-1, fresh ideas and open exchange, and an insistence that students develop their individual voices and perspectives are hallmarks of a lasting Bates experience.

Because of this and the College’s distinctive Maine location, we offer each student an experience that is unique among the nation’s colleges. There is no other Bates. If Bates were not among the outstanding choices in American higher education, much would be lost.

Bates continues to plan important initiatives in the curriculum and in residential education, while holding firm to our commitment to access, achievement and affordability for a new era of Bates students.

Yet it is clear that Bates is underresourced compared to its peers and, more important, to the possibilities we envision. Although we are known to do “more with less,” our “less” is now too low to allow critical investments in the fundamentals – Bates faculty, students and the physical campus. With balanced budgets, a relatively small amount of outstanding debt and the largest portion of the budget going directly to instruction and research, Bates is a highly accountable and efficient operation.

• Click here for more financial facts about Bates.

Today, there are just over 25,000 people in a world of six billion who can carry Bates forward. These are the alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, students and Trustees who understand how powerful a Bates education is.

Bates continues to perform to an exceptionally high standard, demonstrates educational imagination and vision, is commendably efficient in its operations and needs help in meeting ongoing financial challenges. If those closest to the institution do not give generously, who will?

Please review the available links for more information on how you can make a difference for Bates. The College is grateful for each and every gift it receives.