Bates College, widely regarded as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the nation, is dedicated to the principle of active engagement. A 10-1 student-faculty ratio makes possible close collaborations in classroom and laboratory, and the Bates learning experience is honed through seminars, research, service-learning, and the capstone of senior thesis. Typically, two-thirds of Bates' 1,700 students study abroad. Co-curricular life is rich: most students participate in club and varsity sports; many participate in performing arts; and almost all students participate in one of more than 90 student-run clubs or organizations.

Excellence in academics is a Bates tradition. Among our distinctive features: the 4-4-1 calendar offering a short term in May; 24 departmental, eight interdisciplinary, and student-designed majors; a range of special programs; a senior thesis; an extraordinary teaching faculty; and low student/faculty ratio.