ACT score range was 28 to 32. Bates has a Test Optional Policy, which gives the applicant the choice to not send in their standardized test scores. Bates' non-submitting students averaged only 0.05 points lower on their collegiate grade point average. The Wall Street Journal found that Bates had some of the "toughest rejection letters" in the U.S. during the late-2000s. The college later apologized and issued a statement assuring that it makes an effort to "[deny] the student's application… not [reject] the student". Cost of attendance and financial aid For the 2016–17 academic year, Bates charged a comprehensive price (tuition, room and board, and associated fees) of $66,550. The college's tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Bates practices need-blind admission for students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA status students, undocumented students, or who graduate from a high school within the United States, and meets all of demonstrated need for all admitted students, including admitted international students. During the 2016–17 academic year the college dispensed $37.9 million in financial aid with $4.3 million to undocumented students. Bates does not offer merit or athletic scholarships. Although Bates is often the most expensive school to attend in its athletic conference, the college covers 100% of financial need for students, and has an average financial package of $42,217. , 44% of students utilize financial aid. Bates offers the Direct "+" Loan, Direct Student Loans, Pell Grants, Perkins Loan, Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and Work-Study Program. Bates has the second lowest percentage of Pell Grant recipients in the United States, below only Fairfield University. Demographics For the class of 2019, the gender demographic of the college breaks down to 49% male and 51% female. 27% of U.S. students are students of color (domestic and international) and 13% of admitted students are first generation to college. The educational background for admitted students are mixed: 49% of students attended public schools and 51% attended private schools. About 90% of this incoming class (of those from schools that officially rank students) graduated in the top decile of their high school classes. Bates has a 95% freshman retention rate. A significant portion of 45% of all applicants, transfer and non-transfer, are from New England. About 89% of students are out-of-state, (all 50 states are represented), and the college has students from 73 countries. Rankings and reputation Bates is noted as one of