Veteran Applicants

As an institution with a mission to prepare leaders sustained by a love of learning and a commitment to responsible stewardship of the wider world, Bates College welcomes veterans to apply for admission.

“Our nation needs liberal arts–educated officers in the ranks. Without a doubt, Bates made me the leader that I am today…It is clear to me that my worldview and leadership style are different from my peers.”

J.J. Cummings ’89, 34-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and commanding officer of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Application Resources

  • See our application checklist for a comprehensive list of required application materials.
    • We understand that for some applicants, recent instructors, supervisors, and/or employers may be better suited to write current letters of recommendation than high school teachers. Accommodations can be made in these cases.
    • We ask that you submit transcripts from all completed academic work, regardless of the eligibility ability to transfer credit to Bates (see next bullet point for details).
    • As a leader in the test-optional movement for nearly four decades, standardized testing (the SAT and ACT) is optional for all students applying to Bates.
    • Eligible students can obtain and submit a fee waiver from the Common Application, ACT, College Board, NACAC, or Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir. Additional eligibility guidelines for use of this waiver can be found on the Common Application website.
  • Learn more about our transfer credit policy.
  • Bates is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students. Take a quick, accurate look at your eligibility for need-based financial aid with the MyinTuition College Cost Estimator.
  • Find a list of required financial aid application materials.

Veteran Partnerships

  • Bates is a proud partner of Service to School (S2S), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering free counseling and professional mentorship to US military veterans interested in applying to college and graduate school.
  • Bates is also proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans or Dependents of Veterans. Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program at Bates.

Contact Information

Veteran’s Plaza

As part of our mission to educate and transform lives, Bates has dedicated a newly-constructed plaza to honor the service and sacrifice of Bates veterans. J.J. Cummings ’89, U.S. navy commanding officer, was the keynote speaker for the virtual dedication of the plaza, culminating a project that began in early 2018. The midday livestream, seen below, also featured college President Clayton Spencer, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden ’11, Clark A. Griffith Professor of Environmental Studies Jane Costlow, Janell Sato ’22, Multifaith Chaplain Brittany Longsdorf, and retired facility services staff member Danny Sands, a member of the committee that developed the project.