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College comparison
Bates vs Tulane
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 |  Tulane New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBates College is more selective | 13% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1420–1530 | 1400–1520 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,760 | 7,767 |
| Avg net price | $29,351 | $39,949 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Bates reports higher median earnings | $69,498 | $63,268 |
| Graduation rate | 90% | 86% |
| Median debt | $14,275 | $20,500 |
| Economic mobility | 0.8% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Bates vs Tulane: how they compare
Bates and Tulane are both selective, city-based liberal arts institutions, but they diverge sharply on financial value, student outcomes, and campus culture.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles are distinct. Bates demonstrates a stronger return on investment, with a 10-year median earnings figure of $69k against an average net price of $29k, creating a high 2.4× value multiplier. Its economic-mobility rate is a robust 76%, and it holds a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial-health score. Tulane shows lower median earnings ($63k) paired with a higher net price ($40k), resulting in a 1.6× value multiplier. Selectivity is nearly identical (Bates 13%, Tulane 14%), with similar SAT midranges (Bates 1420–1530, Tulane 1400–1520). Bates also edges Tulane in graduation rate (90% vs. 86%).
Where they overlap Both are residential liberal arts colleges located in urban settings, offering a traditional undergraduate-focused experience within a city's resources. Their admissions selectivity and standardized test score profiles are similar, indicating they attract academically comparable student bodies.
How they differ The core divergence is in financial value and post-graduate outcomes, where Bates's metrics are stronger. Culturally, the available information suggests a contrast: Bates's culture is not detailed here, while Tulane is characterized as an energetic, socially vibrant campus integrated with the culture of New Orleans.
Who each suits Bates suits the data-driven family prioritizing a high-return, financially stable liberal arts education with strong support for economic mobility, in a less-defined city setting. is for the student seeking a highly social, culturally immersive college experience who is energized by New Orleans' unique rhythm and a bustling campus life, accepting the trade-off in quantitative ROI.
Quick answers
- Is Bates College or Tulane University of Louisiana harder to get into?
- Bates College is more selective: Bates College's acceptance rate is approximately 13% and Tulane University of Louisiana's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Bates College vs Tulane University of Louisiana?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Bates College and 1400–1520 at Tulane University of Louisiana. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
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.