Head-to-head · 2026
Bowdoin College vs York County Community College
Compare average net price ($14,398 at Bowdoin College; $5,875 at York County Community College), ROI score (14.37 vs 19.09), ten-year median earnings ($82,735 vs $44,873), and admissions context (7.1% at Bowdoin College; Open / not reported at York County Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. York County Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. York County Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Bowdoin College | York County Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.37 | 19.09 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,398 | $5,875 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $82,735 ✓ | $44,873 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 95.3% ✓ | 33.8% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $8,861 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,873 | 1,133 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1520 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Bowdoin College costs $8,523 more per year than York County Community College ($14,398 vs $5,875). Bowdoin College graduates report $37,862 higher median earnings after ten years ($82,735 vs $44,873). On EduGradify's model that puts York County Community College ahead on projected ROI (19.09 vs 14.37, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (York County Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Bowdoin College reports 7.1% acceptance; York County Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Bowdoin College vs York County Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bowdoin College or York County Community College the better value?
York County Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.09 vs 14.37), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
York County Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,875 per year vs $14,398 at Bowdoin College. The annual difference of $8,523 adds up to about $34,092 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Bowdoin College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $82,735 vs $44,873 at York County Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $37,862.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Bowdoin College reports a A value grade; York County Community College reports A+.