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Podcast Extras
Making Sense of Financial Aid
Learn about the differences between various offers of student aid; how to evaluate those offers; and questions to ask before accepting a particular aid package.
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The Myths of Financial Aid
A discussion with the Director and Associate Director of Student Aid at Bowdoin.
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Aid Application Filing Deadlines for Prospective Families
Early Decision I: Nov 15
Early Decision II: Jan 1
Regular Admission: Feb 15
Fall Transfer: Mar 1
Application Filing Instructions, 2008-09 for Prospective Families
Financial Aid Filing Instructions for prospective families wishing to apply for financial aid for 2008-09. Please print the instructions and follow them very carefully.
Average Cost at Bowdoin, 2007-08
| Tuition | $35,990 |
| Room | $ 4,620 |
| Board | $ 5,270 |
| Fees | $ 380 |
| Books | $ 800 |
| Personal | $ 1,200 |
| Travel | $ 350 |
| Total: | $48,610 |
Announcement: Bowdoin to Replace Student Loans with Grants
Some students never apply for admission to Bowdoin because they believe they will not qualify for financial aid. In reality, 40% of the Class of 2011 received need-based aid and the average award was about $30,000.
For the past decade, Bowdoin has been “need-blind” in its selection of first-year candidates. The College customarily budgets enough grant aid to meet the full calculated need of all enrolling students without using financial need as a criterion in the selection process.
We are committed to helping students with demonstrated need cover their college costs – not just for the first year, but also for their entire time at Bowdoin. We evaluate family financial circumstances each spring to make sure that our understanding is current and need continues to exist.
Steve Joyce, Director of Student Aid
"...at Bowdoin we will meet your full calculated need for all four years... all aid at Bowdoin is need-based."
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In 2007-2008, Bowdoin awarded about $24,000,000 in need-based job, loan, and grant aid to 735 students. Grant aid – money that does not have to be repaid to Bowdoin – exceeded $18,000,000.