- Student Aid
- Prospective Students
- Prospective Parents
- Guidance Counselors
- National Merit Scholars
- Tools & Resources
- Contact Us
Related sites
Sites of interest
Podcast Extras
Making Sense of Financial Aid
Learn about the differences between various offers of student aid; how to evaluate those offers; and questions to ask before accepting a particular aid package.
more »
The Myths of Financial Aid
A discussion with the Director and Associate Director of Student Aid at Bowdoin.
more »
Aid Application Filing Deadlines for Prospective Families
Early Decision I: Nov 15
Early Decision II: Jan 1
Regular Admission: Feb 15
Fall Transfer: Mar 1
Application Filing Instructions, 2009-10 for Prospective Families
Financial Aid Filing Instructions for prospective families wishing to apply for financial aid for 2009-10 are availabale here. Please print the instructions and follow them very carefully.
Average Cost at Bowdoin, 2008-09
| Tuition | $37,790 |
| Room | $ 4,850 |
| Board | $ 5530 |
| Fees | $ 400 |
| Books | $ 800 |
| Personal | $ 1,200 |
| Travel | $ 350 |
| Total: | $50,920 |
Announcement: Bowdoin to Replace Student Loans with Grants
Some students never apply for admission to Bowdoin because they believe they will not qualify for financial aid. In reality, 40% of the Class of 2012 received need-based aid and the average award was about $34,500.
For the past decade, Bowdoin has been “need-blind” in its selection of first-year candidates. Being "need blind" means that students are admitted to Bowdoin without reference to their ability to pay for Bowdoin. The College customarily budgets enough grant aid to meet the full calculated need of all enrolling students without using financial need as a criterion in the selection process.
We evaluate family financial circumstances each spring to make sure that our understanding is current and eligibility for need-based aid continues to exist.
Steve Joyce, Director of Student Aid
"...at Bowdoin we will meet your full calculated need for all four years... all aid at Bowdoin is need-based."
Audio file available in flash media. Please update your flash plugin
In 2008-2009, Bowdoin awarded about $28,000,000 in need-based job, loan, and grant aid to 740 students. Grant aid – money that does not have to be repaid – exceeded $21,000,000.