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Bowdoin College
255 Maine Street Brunswick, Maine 04011, United States
About
University Type
Private
Maine,
United States
Year Established:
1794
Bowdoin College was chartered in 1794 by the Massachusetts State Legislature and was later redirected under the jurisdiction of the Maine Legislature.It was named for former Massachusetts governor James Bowdoin, whose son James Bowdoin III was an early benefactor.
Bowdoin began to develop in the 1820s, a decade in which Maine became an independent state as a result of the Missouri Compromise and graduated U.S. President Franklin Pierce. The college also graduated two literary philosophers, the writers Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, both of whom graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1825. Pierce and Hawthorne began an official militia company called the 'Bowdoin Cadets'.
From its founding, Bowdoin was known to educate the sons of the political elite and "catered very largely to the wealthy conservative from the state of Maine."During the first half of the 19th century, Bowdoin required of its students a certificate of "good moral character" as well as knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek, geography, algebra, and the major works of Cicero, Xenophon, Virgil and Homer.
Harriet Beecher Stowe started writing her influential anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, in Brunswick while her husband was teaching at the college, and Brigadier General (and Brevet Major General) Joshua Chamberlain, a Bowdoin alumnus and professor, was present at the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House in 1865. Chamberlain, a Medal of Honor recipient who later served as governor of Maine, adjutant-general of Maine, and president of Bowdoin, fought at Gettysburg, where he was in command of the 20th Maine in defense of Little Round Top. Major General Oliver Otis Howard, class of 1850, led the Freedmen's Bureau after the war and later founded Howard University; Massachusetts Governor John Andrew, class of 1837, was responsible for the formation of the 54th Massachusetts; and William P. Fessenden (1823) and Hugh McCulloch (1827) both served as Secretary of the Treasury during the Lincoln Administration.
Bowdoin College Program Rankings
- Liberal Arts Colleges - Rank #6 (US News)
Bowdoin College Highlights
FAQs
What are the most popular graduate programs offered at Bowdoin College?
Bowdoin College, primarily an undergraduate institution, offers a variety of popular majors including Government and Legal Studies, Economics, Biology, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies. The college emphasizes a liberal arts education, encouraging students to explore a broad range of disciplines while focusing on their major areas of interest.
What is the Annual Cost of attendance at Bowdoin College?
For the academic year, the total cost of attendance at Bowdoin College is approximately $76,330, which includes tuition fees, room, board, and other expenses. Converted to Indian Rupees, this amounts to approximately ₹62,23,000 (using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 81.5 INR), rounded to the nearest hundreds.
What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at Bowdoin College?
Bowdoin College offers need-based financial aid and a number of scholarships to assist students. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without requiring loans. Students wishing to apply for financial aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile to be considered for assistance.
What is the reputation and ranking of Bowdoin College?
Bowdoin College is highly regarded for its undergraduate education, consistently ranking among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Specific program accolades include its Environmental Studies and Government programs, which are recognized for their comprehensive curriculum and engaging research opportunities.
What is the campus culture like at Bowdoin College?
The campus culture at Bowdoin College is vibrant and inclusive, featuring a wide range of cultural fests, campus events, and over 100 student clubs and organizations. Highlights include the annual Ivies Weekend, a spring concert series, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival. The college also supports various student-led initiatives, promoting a dynamic community environment.
What are the housing options at Bowdoin College?
Bowdoin College offers a variety of on-campus housing options including traditional residence halls, college houses, and apartments. For students interested in off-campus living, popular nearby areas include Brunswick, which offers a range of rental options that cater to student budgets and preferences, providing a sense of independence while remaining close to campus activities.
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