Student Aid

The process for applying for financial aid is straightforward, but we understand that to first-year students and parents, it may seem complicated at first. Each family’s circumstances are unique, and we’re sure you’ll have questions. The instructions below will guide you through the basic procedures, but we encourage you to explore the site for more detailed information on all aspects of financial aid.

And if you have further questions, please feel free to call Bowdoin Student Aid Office at 207-725-3273 or email us at sao@bowdoin.edu

How to Apply

Candidates for financial aid must file the 2013-14 College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE to be eligible for Bowdoin grant support. CSS charges a processing fee, but lower income families may be eligible for an automatic fee waiver.

Be sure to submit the 2013-14 CSS PROFILE and FAFSA (U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens only) forms to Bowdoin in accordance with our published deadlines. For Bowdoin to receive the application results electronically, you must include our school code numbers: 3089 on the CSS PROFILE and 002038 on the FAFSA.

Please read the PROFILE instructions carefully and provide the information and documentation required. The College will verify the information you provide on the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA with your federal income tax returns. Award adjustments occur when tax information differs significantly from financial aid application data.

NOTE: There is no need to submit federal income tax documents directly to Bowdoin until requested by email or by the College Board through their IDOC service. Early decision candidates whose families file a business return need to send a complete copy of their 2011 Income Tax, including W-2 forms to the Student Aid Office. Please visit the deadlines table for more information on form requirements and deadlines.

State Scholarship Support

Bowdoin requests that all students apply for scholarships sponsored by their home state.  The following states support resident families with sons or daughters attending Bowdoin: Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Students with official residence in these states must apply for these scholarship programs in accordance with published deadlines. In most cases, filing the FAFSA by February will accomplish this task.