Bates Financial Aid Endowment

Investing in Financial Aid at Bates College
Endowed scholarships are the cornerstone of Bates’ commitment to need-based financial aid. These permanent funds, complemented by annual Bates Fund gifts, ensure every talented student can access a transformative Bates education regardless of financial circumstances.
Your endowment contributions create lasting support that attracts exceptional students worldwide while honoring our founding commitment to educational access. Thank you for making a Bates education possible for all.
THE NUMBERS
40%
$43M
$58,017
100%
$12,908
of students received Bates financial aid in 2023–2024
total amount Bates awarded in grants in 2023–2024
average need-based grant in 2023–2024
of financial need met — for all four years
average federal student loan debt for Bates students who graduated in 2024

Your generosity supports students’ exploration and success. In their own words…
“Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to pursue higher education at such a prestigious and incredible institution. It’s already starting to feel like home. I love my courses and the new perspectives they offer. I’m so grateful I get to study in Ladd Library, walk the Quad, swim in Tarbell Pool and eat at Commons. Thank you!!” —Elena ’28
“I want to say thank you – and thank you again! Without you, I would not be here at Bates. I am very grateful for this opportunity and am doing my best to make the most of it every single day, both in the classroom and on the squash court. I want to represent Bates as best as I can. Thank you for your support; you made this possible!” —Dennis ’28
THE STUDENTS
The Classes of 2025–2028 at a glance*:
Geographic:
Middle Atlantic
Midwest
New England
South
West
Outside of the U.S.
Demographics
U.S. students of color
First generation to college
18.8%
6.2%
38%
12.8%
13.5%
18.8%
29.5%
12%
Create a Lasting Legacy: Establish an Endowed Fund at Bates
- Make a Personal, Powerful Impact: Endowed funds offer a tangible way to support Bates students and programs, forever.
- Build a Sustainable Future: Your gift provides a permanent revenue stream, ensuring Bates’ long-term excellence.
- Establish Your Named Scholarship: Create a lasting legacy with a $100,000 gift (cash, securities, etc.), payable over up to five years.
- Customize Your Impact: Add preferences to your scholarship’s criteria (e.g., first-generation students).
- Enjoy Perpetual Giving: Once funded, your endowment generates annual distributions (approx. 5%) in perpetuity.
- Watch Your Impact Grow: As part of Bates’ endowment, your fund’s principal grows, increasing its impact over time.
- Stay Connected: Receive annual reports detailing investment performance, distribution, and student recipient stories.
Get in Touch
If you’re interested in learning more or making a gift, please contact:
Tyler Lussier
Leadership Gift Officer
tlussier@bates.edu
207-786-6486