Bowdoin expands need-blind admissions to include international students
Photo / Michele Stapleton
Bowdoin College students come from 49 U.S. states and about 54 countries, some of whose flags are shown here at a commencement ceremony.
Bowdoin College announced Thursday that it has expanded its need-blind admissions policy to include international students, underscoring the Brunswick liberal arts school's commitment to affordability.
Tuition, room and board in the current academic year is $78,300, and the average scholarship awarded to those who receive financial aid is $56,397. About half of all students at Bowdoin receive aid, and 22% receive full aid.
Under the need-blind policy, Bowdoin decides whether to accept applicants without considering their financial situation, and then tailors aid packages based on need. In expanding that policy to include international applicants, Bowdoin noted that it joins only six other U.S. institutions in going that route.
“Ensuring access to a Bowdoin education is central to our mission," said Bowdoin President Clayton Rose, who recently announced plans to retire in 2023. "This commitment to need-blind admission for our international applicants is another important part of a remarkable program of access and affordability that only a few other colleges and universities are able to provide."
In fall 2021, around 1,951 students were enrolled at Bowdoin, plus another 33 studying abroad or at other domestic institutions through approved off-campus study programs, typically during the junior year, according to the school's website.
Bowdoin students come from 49 U.S. states and about 54 foreign countries, with international students making up around 7% of the student body in 2021.
The upgraded admissions policy comes 15 years after Bowdoin began providing students with financial aid that underwrites their education without loans.
“It is critical that a great liberal arts education like Bowdoin’s be accessible to students from all economic backgrounds and citizenships,” said Claudia Marroquin, dean of admissions and student aid. “This latest policy makes Bowdoin’s message clear — we welcome the world’s most talented students, regardless of background, and we are doing all we can to support students from admission to graduation."
"From traditional financial aid support to innovative programs aimed at ensuring all students can thrive," she added, "the college is committed to making Bowdoin accessible and transformational.”
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