Bowdoin College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Brunswick, Maine, is known for its highly selective admissions process. For the Class of 2028, Bowdoin reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 8.0%, reflecting its continued competitiveness among top-tier colleges. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with thousands of students vying for a limited number of spots each year, alongside the college's commitment to a small, personalized undergraduate experience. Bowdoin publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing valuable insights into its admissions trends.
Over the past decade, Bowdoin’s acceptance rate has steadily declined, reflecting a broader trend of increasing competitiveness among elite liberal arts colleges. The Early Decision program continues to play a significant role, offering a higher likelihood of admission for committed applicants, while regular decision remains extraordinarily selective. International admissions have also grown more competitive as Bowdoin attracts a diverse global applicant pool. Compared to peer institutions like Amherst and Williams, Bowdoin’s selectivity is on par, with acceptance rates typically ranging between 7-10%. For the most current data, prospective students can refer to Bowdoin’s official admissions page at bowdoin.edu/admissions or review the Common Data Set for historical trends.
