Bates College offers an undergraduate psychology major (BA) in Lewiston, Maine. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and follows a 4-4-1 academic calendar — two full semesters plus a one-month Short Term in May. Admission is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 13%.
Bates College was founded in 1855 in Lewiston, Maine, by a group of abolitionists who opened the school to both women and Black students at a time when most colleges in the country refused them admission. Today, it’s a selective liberal arts school that accepts around 13% of applicants and ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the Northeast. The psychology department offers a BA program that combines research methodology, biological foundations, and coursework across multiple subfields.
Accreditation Details
Bates College holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education under the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. NECHE accreditation is the regional standard for colleges in the six-state New England region and is required for federal financial aid eligibility. The college renews its accreditation through a periodic review process. The psychology major does not carry separate program-level accreditation, which is typical for undergraduate-only BA programs in psychology.
Application Requirements
Bates accepts applications through the Common Application, the Coalition Application (powered by Scoir), and QuestBridge. In addition to the application form, applicants must submit an official high school transcript, a school report from their counselor, one counselor letter of recommendation, and at least one teacher letter of recommendation (up to two teacher letters are accepted). A personal essay is also required. The application fee is $60. Bates is test-optional — SAT and ACT scores are considered if submitted, but are not required. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an English proficiency test score. Fee waivers are available for qualifying applicants.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2026-27, Bates charges a single comprehensive fee of $94,560, which covers tuition ($73,760) and on-campus housing and food ($20,800). Books, course materials, and supplies run approximately $900 per year, and the college estimates an additional $1,000 for personal expenses. Students without health insurance can purchase coverage through the Bates Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), which costs $2,352 for the full year. Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, regardless of citizenship status. Aid packages can include need-based grants from Bates, federal grants, subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans, parent loans, and work-study positions. Students can also apply for a payment plan through Student Financial Services to spread costs across the academic year.
Psychology Programs at Bates College
Psychology Major (BA)
The psychology BA at Bates is structured around breadth and depth. For breadth, students take three intermediate courses covering a wide range of intellectual approaches within psychology. For depth, they complete multiple upper-level courses that explore specific psychological topics in greater detail. Two additional distribution requirements apply: students must take at least one course focused on biological psychology (the brain, nervous system, and related systems) and at least one course with a central focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). These courses are identified in the department’s catalog with specific attributes.
All psychology majors complete a senior thesis. Four thesis formats are available: empirical research, community-based research, theoretical review and integration, and a neuroscience-focused capstone. The major also accepts credit for approved study abroad coursework and transfer courses from other institutions, subject to department approval. For the full major requirements, visit the Bates psychology department directly.
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