College comparison
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric | Bates Lewiston, ME | Emory University-Oxford College Oxford, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateEmory University-Oxford College is more selective | 13% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1420–1530 | 1470–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,760 | 967 |
| Avg net price | $29,351 | $37,920 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Emory University-Oxford College reports higher median earnings | $69,498 | $80,137 |
| Graduation rate | 90% | — |
| Median debt | $14,275 | $18,250 |
| Economic mobility | 0.8% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Two distinct paths to a top-tier education: Bates offers a four-year liberal arts experience in Maine, while Oxford provides a two-year foundational program before transitioning to Emory's Atlanta campus.
By the numbers Both schools share a 13% acceptance rate, signaling high selectivity. Oxford's students show slightly higher standardized test scores (SAT 25–75: 1470–1550) compared to Bates (1420–1530). Post-graduate outcomes favor Oxford, with a 10-year median earnings figure of $80k versus Bates's $69k. However, Bates demonstrates stronger financial value and accessibility, with a lower average net price ($29k vs. $38k) and a higher value multiplier (2.4x vs. 2.1x earnings per dollar of net price). Bates also shows greater stability in admissions (39% admit-rate volatility vs. 70%) and boasts a strong economic-mobility rate of 76% and a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial-health score, metrics not provided for Oxford. Bates's four-year graduation rate is 90%.
Where they overlap Both institutions are highly selective liberal arts colleges focused on undergraduate teaching and fostering close-knit academic communities. They attract high-achieving, academically driven students.
How they differ The core structural difference defines the experience. Bates is a traditional, four-year residential college in a small city setting in Maine. Oxford is exclusively a two-year program located on a small, suburban campus, after which all students transition to Emory University's main research campus in Atlanta for their final two years. Culturally, Oxford is described as a uniquely tight-knit and academically intense launching pad, with a quieter social scene, while Bates offers a continuous four-year culture and traditional collegiate life.
Who each suits Bates suits a student seeking a consistent, four-year liberal arts experience with strong financial value and a cohesive campus culture in New England. Oxford is ideal for a student who desires an intimate, focused start to college but ultimately wants the degree and resources of a major research university (Emory), with a clear path to the opportunities of Atlanta.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.
| Location | Lewiston, ME | Oxford, GA |
|---|