Explore More
Here you’ll find an inside look at academics, Purposeful Work, campus life, and the Lewiston–Auburn community, along with the outcomes that define the Bates experience.
Academics
Bates students tend to be up for just about anything. It’s a good thing we have about three dozen majors and two dozen minors.
Some are liberal-arts classics (history, mathematics, philosophy). Some are STEM-focused (neuroscience, engineering, earth and climate sciences). Many draw from more than one discipline (American cultural studies, environmental studies, biochemistry, gender & sexuality studies). And some won’t exist until you invent them — by designing your own major with the help of a faculty mentor.
Life on Campus
Tour Campus
We think visiting campus, if you have not yet, is a great way to get to know Bates, but we recognize that not everyone can visit — so we’re bringing a little bit of Bates to you!
L/A: Where You’ll Live
With a combined population of about 60,000, Lewiston and its twin city of Auburn offer the best of both worlds: A close-knit community and a vibrant downtown.
Inside former factories that once powered the American industrial revolution, you’ll find startups and brewpubs. Lisbon Street, Lewiston’s downtown shopping district, has cafes, bike shops, and galleries, all within minutes of campus.
While many families who live here have French Canadian roots, more than 40 languages are spoken in the halls of Lewiston High School. Lewiston enjoys a growing community from African nations, as well as many other new Americans.
For arts lovers, L/A offers a professional theater company, a film festival, museums, and an underground music scene.
Outdoor lovers will fully appreciate that L/A is nestled in the Androscoggin River valley with easy access to the Maine’s renowned lakes, mountains, and the ocean. Bates even has its very own 600-acre conservation area on the coast, the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, just a short drive from campus.
In other words, you could find many ways to get involved and make a difference here — and L/A could make a difference for you.
Why Does Bates Love Lewiston & Auburn?
Purposeful Work
When you understand what drives you to learn, grow, and thrive, you’ll have a more satisfying relationship with work throughout your life. That’s the idea behind Purposeful Work at Bates.
Most colleges offer career counseling and help with job applications. Our Center for Purposeful Work goes way beyond jobs or careers. We focus on the whole person — your beliefs, your strengths, your interests — and infuse concepts of meaningful work into all aspects of your time at Bates.
With each new Purposeful Work experience, you’ll consider whether a given role feels right for you, and why. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a clear idea of the values you want reflected in your life after college. And you’ll have a professional network and the practical experience to help you make it happen.
Class of 2024 Outcomes
| 94% | 5- year average of new graduates surveyed are settled in a job, graduate school, fellowship, internship, or other opportunity within six months of graduation. |
| 81% | of Class of 2024 graduates who applied were accepted to one or more law schools. |
| 78% | of students and alumni who worked with the Medical Studies Committee were accepted to medical school. |
| 7 | earned prestigious Fulbright fellowships. In 2025 Bates College was named a Top Producer of Fulbright Student awards for the 14th straight year. |
Hear From Our Students
Ready to Enroll?
If you’re ready to take your next step, log in to your Bates Application Portal to complete your enrollment. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Bates community.
Candidate reply deadlines:
- Winter Transfer: November 26, 2025
- QuestBridge Match: December 19, 2025
- Early Decision I: January 10, 2026
- Early Decision II: February 20, 2026
- Regular Decision: May 1, 2026
- Fall Transfer: May 23, 2026
The Bates community is ready when you are — and we hope to see you next year.