Eligibility for financial aid is based on the philosophy that paying for college is, first and foremost, a family endeavor. Financial aid at Bates is offered when we recognize that the contribution a family is able to make towards costs is less than the total cost of attendance.

Institutional Grant Eligibility

Bates uses the Institutional Methodology guidelines of the College Scholarship Service in measuring family ability to meet college costs and determining eligibility for Bates institutional grant aid. We carefully evaluate family finances, considering factors such as family income and asset strength, family size, the number of siblings enrolled as undergraduate college students, and unusual or emergency expenses that can be documented. Private secondary school expenses for younger siblings are not factored into our evaluation. Students are expected to help contribute to the family's share of expenses through summer earnings and a portion of savings. Other resources such as tuition benefits offered through a parent's employer are also included in the family's contribution.

Federal Financial Aid Eligibility

Eligibility for federal student aid, including student loans and Federal Work-Study, is determined from the results of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) The federal expected family contribution, or "EFC" can vary significantly from the Bates family contribution. 

Financial "Need"

A student's financial aid eligibility, or "need", is the difference between his or her family's calculated contribution and college costs (including allowances for books, travel and personal expenses). Bates meets 100 percent of the calculated need of its enrolled students through a combination of Bates scholarships, federal and state grants, student loans and work-study assistance.  Loans and/or work-study assistance may be offered if a student's calculated need is low.

Divorced/Separated Parents

When an applicant's parents are divorced or separated, a contribution from the non-custodial parent is included as part of the expected family contribution.  A non-custodial parent's ability to contribute is measured in the same manner as the custodial parent's, according to income and asset strength.  Willingness to contribute is not a factor in our evaluation, nor are payment agreements that may exist between the custodial and noncustodial parent. 

The CSS Noncustodial PROFILE must be completed by the non-custodial parent.  This process is similar to the online PROFILE process for the student and custodial parent.  Information about the Noncustodial PROFILE is automatically sent to the student by the College Board after he or she registers for PROFILE.  The student is responsible for forwarding this information, which includes information about accessing the online application, to his or her parent.

Non-custodial parents must also provide copies of their federal tax returns and W-2 forms to the Student Financial Services Office.  An outline of the specific materials we require from both parents, including the dates by which these forms should be provided can be found here.

Renewal of Financial Aid

Financial Aid at Bates is renewable, provided that a student's application is submitted on time and the student's family continues to demonstrate eligibility for aid based on federal and institutional guidelines.   Increases or decreases in family income, changes in family size, or in the number of siblings enrolled as undergraduate college students are factors that might influence the family contribution from one year to the next.