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Bowdoin College vs United States Naval Academy

Bowdoin College is extremely selective with a 8.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than United States Naval Academy (9.4%).

Admissions & Outcomes

United States Naval Academy has a higher yield rate (85.2%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Bowdoin College has a higher median SAT (1510 vs 1300).

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME

Acceptance Rate
8.0%
9.4%
Applicants (2023)
10,966
14,727
Median SAT
1510
1300
Yield Rate
57.3%
85.2%
6-Year Graduation Rate
95.4%
91.8%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$82,735
N/A
Median Earnings (6yr)
$61,692
N/A
Median Debt
$18,500
N/A
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$55,822
N/A
Room & Board
$13,440
N/A

Net Price by Family Income

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.

Family Income
Bowdoin College
United States Naval Academy
$0 – $30k
$3,145
N/A
$30k – $48k
$2,800
N/A
$48k – $75k
$9,007
N/A
$75k – $110k
N/A
N/A
$110k+
$35,196
N/A

Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.

Financial Aid

Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability.

Metric
Bowdoin College
United States Naval Academy
Students Receiving Grants
51%
N/A
Average Grant Amount
$55,228
N/A
Pell Grant Recipients
16%
N/A
Institutional Grant Rate
52%
N/A
Avg Institutional Grant
$54,801
N/A

Highest-Earning Majors

Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.

Bowdoin College

  • 1 Computer Science
    $104,192
  • 2 Economics
    $71,015
  • 3 Mathematics
    $67,101
  • 4 Political Science and Government
    $50,231
  • 5 Psychology, General
    $44,971

Most Popular Majors

The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.

Bowdoin College

  • 1 Economics
  • 2 Political Science and Government
  • 3 Biology, General
  • 4 English Language and Literature, General
  • 5 Mathematics

United States Naval Academy

  • 1 Economics
  • 2 Political Science and Government
  • 3 Operations Research
  • 4 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
  • 5 English Language and Literature, General

Campus & Student Body

Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.

Metric
Bowdoin College
United States Naval Academy
Total Enrollment
1,850
4,465
Retention Rate
98%
96%
Women
52%
30%
International Students
7%
1%
Asian
11%
10%
Hispanic/Latino
13%
14%
Black
5%
6%
White
52%
58%

For International Students

Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.

Bowdoin College

  • International students7%
  • Tuition (international)$55,822
  • Est. total cost/year$69,790
  • School typePublic

United States Naval Academy

  • International students1%
  • Tuition (international)N/A
  • School typePublic

What international students should know

  • International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
  • Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
  • F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
  • Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to get into Bowdoin College or United States Naval Academy?

Bowdoin College is more selective with a 8.0% acceptance rate, compared to 9.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.

What is the graduation rate at Bowdoin College vs United States Naval Academy?

Bowdoin College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.4%, compared to 91.8%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.

Which school has more international students: Bowdoin College or United States Naval Academy?

Bowdoin College has a larger international student population at 7% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.

What are the highest-paying majors at Bowdoin College and United States Naval Academy?

At Bowdoin College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $104,192 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.

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