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College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
College of the Atlantic campus
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College of the Atlantic (COA)

Black Pinpoint 105 Eden Street Admission Office | Bar Harbor, ME | 04609

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Table of Contents

  • 01 About Us
  • 02 Student
  • 03 Admissions
  • 04 Academics
  • 05 Campus Life05 Campus
  • 06 Housing & Activities06 Housing
  • 07 Sports & Athletics07 Sports
  • 08 Student Services08 Services
  • 09 Mental Health
  • 10 Campus Visits10 Visits
  • 11 Career & Jobs11 Career
  • 12 Majors
  • 13 Tuition & Cost13 Tuition
  • 14 Financial Aid
  • 01 Overview
  • 02 Rankings
  • 03 Admissions
  • 04 Cost
  • 05 Academics
  • 06 Students
  • 07 Mental Health
  • 08 Campus
  • 09 Visits
  • 10 Sports
  • 11 Housing
  • 12 Services
  • 13 Financial Aid
  • 14 Career
  • 15 Majors

Rankings and Lists

Best Northeast
Green Colleges
The Best 391 Colleges
View More Rankings
Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation
#1
LGBTQ-Friendly
#1
Top 50 Green Colleges
#1
Most Active Student Government
#3
Best Campus Food
#4
Lots of Race/Class Interaction
#4
Best Quality of Life
#5
Most Engaged in Community Service
#6
Town-Gown Relations are Great
#6
Friendliest Students
#8
Most Politically Liberal Students
#12
Students Study the Most
#12
Most Politically Active Students
#14
Great Financial Aid
#15
Professors Get High Marks
#15
Happiest Students
#17
Most Beautiful Campus
#17
Least Religious Students
#18
Best Student Support and Counseling Services
#21
Best College Dorms
#22
Reefer Madness
#25

01. What the School is Known For

From the School

College of the Atlantic was founded in 1969 on the premise that education should go beyond understanding the world as it is, to enabling students to actively shape its future. A leader in experiential education and environmental stewardship, COA has pioneered a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to learning: human ecology. A human ecological perspective explores the relationships between humans and our environments, and stems from the premise that our world's most pressing problems require solutions that cross the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines and seek fresh combinations of ideas. The world isn't divided by majors, and neither is College of the Atlantic. At COA, each student designs their own course of study, pursuing their unique interests and goals through a wide range of classes across the sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences. There is no set path; students develop individual curricula, moving across disciplines, delving deeply into a chosen focus, and exploring the intersections and in–between spaces where fields converge.

As a fully residential campus nestled between Acadia National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, COA fosters an immersive environment where learning extends beyond the classroom. With two offshore research islands, two organic farms, and a close–knit community of 350 students and 35 faculty, collaboration and intellectual risk–taking abound. A COA education isn't just about learning—it's about transforming thought into action to make a meaningful difference, starting now.

Check out our videos

Prominent Alumni

Chellie Pingree

Maine's 1st District Congresswoman, former Pres., CEO of Common Cause

Gregory Stone

Globally recognized marine scientist, explorer and conservationist; key in creation of the Phoenix Island Protected Area

Nell Newman

Founder of Newman's Own Organics: Second Generation

Surya Karki

Founder, Diyalo Foundation

Philip B. Kunhardt, III

Documentary producer, author, and founder of NYU's Transformative Lives Ctr

Allison Fundis

COO Ocean Exploration Trust, one of the world's foremost female ocean explorers

Amy Toensing

Photojournalist and filmmaker, and regular contributor to National Geographic magazine

Most Popular Places On Campus

Thorndike Library

Blair Dining Hall (aka Take-A-Break, or TAB)

The pier

Turrets

Center for Human Ecology

Most Popular Places Off Campus

Acadia National Park

Whale watch tours

Shopping/dining in downtown Bar Harbor

Abbe Museum

Social Media

02. StudentsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

From The School


COA enrolls approximately 350 students, including roughly 20–23% international students, among them Davis UWC scholars. The student faculty ratio of about 10:1 ensures close mentorship and collaborative learning. The community values diversity, curiosity, and engagement.

Students participate in more than 40 organizations, including environmental advocacy, arts collectives, outdoor recreation, and service initiatives. Campus life is enriched by shared meals, local internships, and student–led events, supporting both intellectual and social growth.

What students say:

While there are many different personalities at COA, "everyone holds the same inherent values of kindness, giving back through nature, curiosity, and exploration." Among this "very accepting and diverse, very LGBTQ-friendly" group, "activism and rhetoric [are] extremely well-intentioned among virtually all students, often translating to engaging conversations." On the whole, enrollees "are quite invested in change-making, both at the school and on a national and international scale." There also seems to be less of a digital focus, as students tend to "have very tangible hobbies... (for example, lots of people knit, sew, carve wood, play instruments, make art, that sort of thing." One student describes the potpourri of their peers as a "perfect...mix of art/theater kids and science kids, both extroverted and introverted, down to go hunt for worms in the forest at 2 a.m. or make elaborate costumes for a one-off play written in 12 hours." As one student sums up: "COA students come here each looking for something different...[and] weave their own tapestry of campus culture, which includes a little bit of everything and everyone."

Gender

72% female28% male

Out of State

86% are out
of state
14% are
in-state

Students

97% are
full time
3% are
part time

Student Body Profile

Total Undergraduate Enrollment
353
Foreign Countries Represented
47

Student Body Demographics

American Indian or Alaskan Native
0.00%
Asian
1.13%
Black
0.57%
Hispanic
4.25%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
0.00%
White
68.56%
Two or more races
2.27%
Unknown
1.70%
International
21.53%

03. Admissions & Acceptance RateScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Admissions

From the School:


COA seeks students with curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to take intellectual risks. Applicants submit a standard application (Common App), high school transcripts, two teacher recommendations, and an essay describing their interests and motivations. Standardized test scores are optional; interviews are encouraged but not required. COA practices holistic review, considering academic achievement, creative potential, and alignment with the college's human ecology focus. COA is a small, close–knit community, and we're looking for students who will thrive in a self–directed setting.

Applicants Icon
Applicants
471
Acceptance Icon
Acceptance Rate
70%
GPA Icon
Average HS GPA
3.80

Deadlines

Early Decision
November 15
Early Decision II
January 15
Early Action
December 1
Regular
February 1

GPA Breakdown

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SAT & ACT Test Scores

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

Calendar Icon
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
660 - 730

SAT Math

Calendar Icon
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
580 - 700

SAT Composite Scores

Calendar Icon
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1260 - 1360

ACT Composite Scores

Calendar Icon
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
28 - 32

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Testing Policies

Superscore ACT
Yes
Superscore SAT
Yes
Standardized testing policy for
use in admission:
Test Optional

Other Admission Factors Academic

Admission Factors Icon
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Admission Factors Icon
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)

Selectivity

Admissions selectivity rating
90/99

04. AcademicsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

From the School


Learning at COA transcends traditional classroom boundaries. Students conduct research and create works of art in class and out, often combining local fieldwork with national and international study. Many students collaborate with nearby institutions such as The Jackson Laboratory or the MDI Biological Laboratory to engage in research spanning genetics, biomedicine, and marine science. In addition, several global programs combine travel with thematic study. The Yucatán Program immerses students in language, anthropology, and ecological research in Mexico. In France, students explore art, history, politics, and policy. Field courses bring students to Central America, Newfoundland, or the U.S. Southwest, blending ecological study with community engagement. Students are encouraged to design independent projects abroad that integrate research, internships, and cultural immersion. Expeditionary learning funds support these experiences as a core part of COA's educational approach. All students complete at least one term–long internship and all students design and complete a senior capstone project, an opportunity to synthesize prior learning and push further in new directions.

What students say

College of the Atlantic only admits a limited number of applicants each year, which allows it to focus on and fully serve the approximately 350 students enrolled. There's an "encouragement to pave our own paths and build our learning to suit ourselves," which can be seen in the way enrollees design their own major and course of study, a format that "attracts a self-selected group of passionate, driven, and deeply curious individuals who are committed to interdisciplinary learning and environmental and social justice." This "adaptability to allow for every student to have an experience that is meaningful to them" is aided by a system of three classes per trimester "so that work never becomes overbearing but gives us many opportunities." A student says: "You can choose to do whatever you want, and if the hyper-specific thing you want isn't offered yet, you can ask a teacher and they'll make it happen for you." The experiential nature of the curriculum means "classes are usually project-based, which allows students to delve into particular subjects of their interest within the topic and gain experience with such things as research design, field methods, analysis, artistic creation, and much more." Students appreciate the hands-on learning opportunities, with one student sharing, "I did my internship on one of our island research stations, monitoring copepod population health for 10 weeks while simultaneously contributing to the college's 40-year-old whale presence dataset."
Student Faculty Icon
Student : Faculty
9 : 1
Acceptance Icon
Total Faculty
58
Terminal Degree Icon
Terminal Degree
40

Gender to Class Inforamtion

Men
32
Women
26
Minority
7
International
4

Class/Lab sizes

Most frequent class size
10-19
Most frequent lab/sub section size
10-19

Rating

Professors
interesting rating
94/99
Professors
accesible rating
93/99
Academic rating
90/99

Graduation Rates

Graduate in 4 years
52%
Graduate in 5 years
66%
Graduate in 6 years
69%

University Degrees

Bachelor's
Master's

Majors and Degrees Offered

COA offers a single degree in Human Ecology, enabling students to create an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts.
See More Down Arrow

05. Campus LifeScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Location


COA's 38–acre oceanfront campus is located in Bar Harbor, a year–round community of roughly 6,000 on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Our backyard opens onto the trails and granite peaks of Acadia National Park, while our frontyard greets the island–studded waters of Frenchman Bay. In the friendly town of Bar Harbor, students enjoy many nearby amenities within a mile of campus. The bookstore, second–hand shop, coffee shops, cinemas, natural foods store, outdoor gear suppliers, and public library will likely be regular destinations throughout the year. Living next to a national park makes the surrounding environment an extension of the classroom, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, ecological research, and experiential learning.

Campus Facilities & Equipment


COA's campus features environmentally responsible facilities that support experiential learning and sustainability. Academic buildings, laboratories, greenhouses, and studios incorporate green building practices and renewable energy systems. Two organic farms provide hands–on agricultural learning, while two offshore research islands serve as field stations for marine, ecological, and ornithological studies. Our museum of natural history showcases the natural world of Maine through exhibits designed and produced exclusively by COA students. Student housing exemplifies eco–conscious design. The Davis Village and Collins House showcase energy–efficient construction, natural lighting, and sustainable materials while fostering community living and collaboration. Take–A–Break (TAB) dining hall serves as a central hub, and the library and community center provide academic, health, and wellness resources—all with waterfront views. COA has several watercraft, including kayaks, research vessels, skiffs, and sailboats available for students, as well as a variety of other equipment to support student outdoor activities.

Off-Campus Opportunities


Students extend learning beyond campus through research and fieldwork at our two organic farms—Beech Hill and Peggy Rockefeller Farms—and our two remote offshore island research stations: the Alice Eno Field Research Station on Great Duck Island and the Edward McCormick Blair Marine Research Station on Mount Desert Rock. COA has active partnerships with a number of institutions that complement COA's strengths, giving students a wider range of possibilities as they construct their own courses of study. Here on Mount Desert Island, relationships with the Jackson Laboratory and MDI Biological Laboratory give students access to bio–medical and genetics research. COA is also a member of the EcoLeague, a consortium of US colleges that share similar commitments to sustainability. COA students can spend up to a year at one of the other colleges in the EcoLeague: Alaska Pacific University, Dickinson College , New College of Florida, Prescott College, or St. Lawrence University. Global study is also integral. Semester–long programs include the Yucatán Program in Mexico, where students live with host families while exploring language, culture, and environmental systems, and a term in France combining language immersion with European art and policy studies. Shorter field courses explore tropical reef ecosystems in Central America, coastal communities in Newfoundland, or desert environments in the American Southwest. Students may also participate in EcoLeague exchanges at other U.S. environmental colleges. Annual expeditionary learning funds of up to $1,800 make these experiences accessible to all.

What students say:

The "campus is beautiful" and "in the fall and spring, there's constantly people hanging out outside, either playing instruments, reading, painting, playing soccer or Frisbee, or just enjoying the weather." Given the school's Maine location, many students also enjoy "the Outing Club (adventures like hiking, stargazing, boogie boarding, and polar plunging)" or activities in nearby Acadia National Park, which "provides endless exploration for both the Outing Club and individuals." You can find people participating "in just about every hobby under the sun. From tincture making to taxidermy, there is a place for all crafts and activities here." There are also plenty of "student activist clubs and college-sponsored outdoor recreation," as well as regularly scheduled activities like "Fireside Friday (crafting club held weekly), Mending Matters (clothing and gear repair club), and COAmmunity Dinner (weekly community dinner club)." The school's small size "means that academic and social life often blend together, with discussions continuing over meals in Take-ABreak [dining hall] or spontaneous gatherings in the library or on the pier." For the students wanting to "make change on campus and in local communities," there is the weekly All College Meeting, in which faculty, staff, and students come together to discuss and vote on large-scale decisions, policies, and community issues, fitting for a population that's "highly committed to curiosity and bettering the planet."

Fire safety rating
92/99
Quality of life rating
98/99
Undergraduates living on campus
77%
First-Year students living on campus
100%
Campus Environment
Rural
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes

06. Housing & ActivitiesScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Campus Housing Options

Icon
Apartment Single
Icon
Dorms Coed
Icon
Other

Special Needs Admissions

Director
Barbara Conry
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No

Student Activities

Registered Student Organizations
12
Number of Honor Societies
0
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
0
Join a fraternity
0%
Join a sorority
0%

07. Sports & AthleticsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Icon

Athletic None

08. Student ServicesScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Health
Minority Support Groups
LGBT Support Groups

Sustainability

School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
% food budget spent on local/organic food
58%

Green rating

99/99

Available Transportation Alternatives

Bike Share
Checkmark icon
Car Sharing Program
Checkmark icon
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Checkmark icon
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Checkmark icon

CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT

The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.

Please visit The Princeton Review's page
on campus safety for additional resources:

Visit Page
Warning Icon

The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/

Other Information

Campus-wide Internet Network
Checkmark icon
Fee for Network Use
X Mark icon
Partnerships with Technology Companies
X Mark icon
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
X Mark icon
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Checkmark icon
Description University of Maine Computer Connection

09. Mental HealthScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings

Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Yes

Mental Health Website
https://www.coa.edu/health-wellness/counseling/

Education & Training

Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Not Reported

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Not Reported

SafeTALK
Not Reported

Mental Health First Aid
Not Reported

Talk Saves Lives
Not Reported

Engaging the Whole Campus

Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Yes

Clinicians are trained to provide care to these specific groups:
Undergraduates
Graduate students
Racial/ethnic minority student
Students who are veterans
LGBTQIA+ students
Student-athletes
International students
Students on scholarship or financial aid
First-generation students

Peer-to-Peer

Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Yes

Details on offerings:
Resident Advisors receive extensive training in mental health support. We also have a Student Wellness Advisory Team, which is a peer-to-peer group focused on wellness programming for their peers.

Residential Life

Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Yes

A brief description of offerings:
Resident Advisors receive extensive training in mental health support and are encouraged to do programming with their residents around wellness (mindfulness sessions, self-care activities, community meals, etc.).

Student Orientation

Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Students required to participate

Incoming transfer students
Students required to participate

Returning students
Services offered

Entering graduate students
Services offered

Mental Health in the Curriculum

The institution offers for-credit mental health/
well-being education for students
Yes, required of all students

Details of for-credit offering:
COA is actively planning to incorporate more wellness and resilience topics into our first-year core course offering, which is required for all first-year students.

The institution offers non-credit mental health/
well-being education for students
Yes, optional

Details of non-credit offering:
We offer mental health and wellbeing programming throughout the year, including resiliency programs, self-care trainings, mindfulness and meditation courses, weekly yoga classes,

Off-Campus Offerings

Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Yes

Health and Counseling Center Accreditation

Institution's counseling center is accredited
No

Accrediting body
Not Reported

Taking and Returning from Medical Leave

Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Yes

Counseling Demand

Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
9 months

10. Campus VisitsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Campus Visits Contact

Location Icon
Office of Admission 105 Eden Street Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Email icon
inquiry@coa.edu or visit@coa.edu
Phone icon
800-528-0025

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center

Monday - Friday

Calendar icon
8-4
Phone icon
800-528-0025

Campus Tours

Appointment Required:
Yes
Dates:
Year-round
Times:
1:00 pm
Average Length:
1 hour

Visits

CLASS VISITS

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

FACULTY AND COACH VISITS

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
 

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews:
Yes
Information Sessions:
Available
Times:
by appointment

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Campus Tours


TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO CAMPUS

Regularly scheduled flights are available to Bar Harbor Airport and to Bangor International Airport. Bus service is available to Bar Harbor, Bangor, and Ellsworth, though service to Bar Harbor is limited in winter. Taxis are available year-round.


LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Nearby year-round accommodations include: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel Acacia House B&B Acadia Inn Elmhurst Inn Quimby House Inn


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11. Career Services & JobsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

What students say:

COA has “strong connections to the surrounding community, [which is] extremely beneficial to our student body.” Faculty advisors start helping students shape their curriculum from the start and offer professional advice and connections. Career Services provides further guidance, development activities, labor market information, and access to the alumni mentorship program. The mandatory internship guarantees that students have experience under their belts by graduation (with typical completion during the summer, though opportunities are also available throughout the year), and the senior capstone project is also a nice addition to any portfolio or résumé. Within one year of graduation, 97 percent of students have gone on to graduate school or have secured a job, with more than half studying at the master’s or doctorate level.

Graduation Rates

Graduate in 4 years
52%
Graduate in 5 years
66%
Graduate in 6 years
69%

Career Services

01 - Alumni Network
02 - Alumni Services
03 - Classes
04 - Interest Inventory
05 - Internships
06 - Regional Alumni

Opportunities at School

01 - Experiential
02 - Internship

12. MajorsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Down Arrow Icon

01 BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.

  • Ecology.
  • Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.
Down Arrow Icon

02 EDUCATION.

  • Education, General.
  • Secondary Education and Teaching.
Down Arrow Icon

03 LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.

  • General Studies.
  • Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
Down Arrow Icon

04 MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.

  • Marine Sciences.
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Down Arrow Icon

05 NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.

  • Environmental Studies.
  • Natural Resources/Conservation, General.

13. Tuition & CostScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

From the School


Tuition: $48,915
Fees: $549
Housing: $6786
Food: $3930
Total: $60,180

COA charges a single rate for all students, regardless of residency. Additional fees may apply for specific courses, travel–based learning, or personal expenses.

Expenses per Academic Year

Tuition (Private)
$48,915
Required Fees
$549
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$600
On-Campus Room and Board
$10,716
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Approximate Expenses per Year
$60,780

14. Financial AidScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Financial
Aid Rating

97/99

Dates

Icon
Application DeadlinesFeb 1
Icon
Notification DateApr 1

Required Forms

Business/Farm Supplement
FAFSA
Institution's own financial aid form

From the School


It is always our goal to make COA affordable for all students, regardless of income. Student satisfaction surveys consistently place us among the top schools in the nation for financial aid. All applicants are considered for merit scholarships, and more than 80% of our students receive need–based aid.

Financial Aid Statistics

Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$39,349
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$34,430
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,129
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
55%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$29,797
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$36,910
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes

Scholarships and Grants Available

01 - College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
02 - Federal Pell
03 - Federal SEOG
04 - Private Scholarships
05 - State Scholarships/Grants

No-Need-Based

01 - Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available

Loans Available

01 - Direct PLUS Loans
02 - Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
03 - Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes

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01. Overview

From the School

College of the Atlantic was founded in 1969 on the premise that education should go beyond understanding the world as it is, to enabling students to actively shape its future. A leader in experiential education and environmental stewardship, COA has pioneered a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to learning: human ecology. A human ecological perspective explores the relationships between humans and our environments, and stems from the premise that our world's most pressing problems require solutions that cross the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines and seek fresh combinations of ideas. The world isn't divided by majors, and neither is College of the Atlantic. At COA, each student designs their own course of study, pursuing their unique interests and goals through a wide range of classes across the sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences. There is no set path; students develop individual curricula, moving across disciplines, delving deeply into a chosen focus, and exploring the intersections and in–between spaces where fields converge.

As a fully residential campus nestled between Acadia National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, COA fosters an immersive environment where learning extends beyond the classroom. With two offshore research islands, two organic farms, and a close–knit community of 350 students and 35 faculty, collaboration and intellectual risk–taking abound. A COA education isn't just about learning—it's about transforming thought into action to make a meaningful difference, starting now.

Check out our videos

Social Media

02. Rankings

Rankings and Lists

Best Northeast
Green Colleges
The Best 391 Colleges
View More Rankings
Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation
#1
LGBTQ-Friendly
#1
Top 50 Green Colleges
#1
Most Active Student Government
#3
Best Campus Food
#4
Lots of Race/Class Interaction
#4
Best Quality of Life
#5
Most Engaged in Community Service
#6
Town-Gown Relations are Great
#6
Friendliest Students
#8
Most Politically Liberal Students
#12
Students Study the Most
#12
Most Politically Active Students
#14
Great Financial Aid
#15
Professors Get High Marks
#15
Happiest Students
#17
Most Beautiful Campus
#17
Least Religious Students
#18
Best Student Support and Counseling Services
#21
Best College Dorms
#22
Reefer Madness
#25

03. Admissions & Acceptance RateScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Admissions

From the School:


COA seeks students with curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to take intellectual risks. Applicants submit a standard application (Common App), high school transcripts, two teacher recommendations, and an essay describing their interests and motivations. Standardized test scores are optional; interviews are encouraged but not required. COA practices holistic review, considering academic achievement, creative potential, and alignment with the college's human ecology focus. COA is a small, close–knit community, and we're looking for students who will thrive in a self–directed setting.

Applicants Icon
Applicants
471
Acceptance Icon
Acceptance Rate
70%
GPA Icon
Average HS GPA
3.80

Deadlines

Early Decision
November 15
Early Decision II
January 15
Early Action
December 1
Regular
February 1

GPA Breakdown

Need to boost your grades? We can help.

Learn More

SAT & ACT Test Scores

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

Calendar Icon
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
660 - 730

SAT Math

Calendar Icon
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
580 - 700

SAT Composite Scores

Calendar Icon
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1260 - 1360

ACT Composite Scores

Calendar Icon
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
28 - 32

What would you score on the digital SAT today?

Take an SAT Practice Test

Testing Policies

Superscore ACT
Yes
Superscore SAT
Yes
Standardized testing policy for
use in admission:
Test Optional

Other Admission Factors Academic

Admission Factors Icon
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Admission Factors Icon
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)

Selectivity

Admissions selectivity rating
90/99

4. Cost, Tuition, ExpensesScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

From the School


Tuition: $48,915
Fees: $549
Housing: $6786
Food: $3930
Total: $60,180

COA charges a single rate for all students, regardless of residency. Additional fees may apply for specific courses, travel–based learning, or personal expenses.

Expenses per Academic Year

Tuition (Private)
$48,915
Required Fees
$549
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$600
On-Campus Room and Board
$10,716
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Approximate Expenses per Year
$60,780
Approximate Expenses per Year (In-State)
$11,865
Approximate Expenses per Year (Out-of-State)
$11,865

05. AcademicsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

From the School


Learning at COA transcends traditional classroom boundaries. Students conduct research and create works of art in class and out, often combining local fieldwork with national and international study. Many students collaborate with nearby institutions such as The Jackson Laboratory or the MDI Biological Laboratory to engage in research spanning genetics, biomedicine, and marine science. In addition, several global programs combine travel with thematic study. The Yucatán Program immerses students in language, anthropology, and ecological research in Mexico. In France, students explore art, history, politics, and policy. Field courses bring students to Central America, Newfoundland, or the U.S. Southwest, blending ecological study with community engagement. Students are encouraged to design independent projects abroad that integrate research, internships, and cultural immersion. Expeditionary learning funds support these experiences as a core part of COA's educational approach. All students complete at least one term–long internship and all students design and complete a senior capstone project, an opportunity to synthesize prior learning and push further in new directions.

What students say

College of the Atlantic only admits a limited number of applicants each year, which allows it to focus on and fully serve the approximately 350 students enrolled. There's an "encouragement to pave our own paths and build our learning to suit ourselves," which can be seen in the way enrollees design their own major and course of study, a format that "attracts a self-selected group of passionate, driven, and deeply curious individuals who are committed to interdisciplinary learning and environmental and social justice." This "adaptability to allow for every student to have an experience that is meaningful to them" is aided by a system of three classes per trimester "so that work never becomes overbearing but gives us many opportunities." A student says: "You can choose to do whatever you want, and if the hyper-specific thing you want isn't offered yet, you can ask a teacher and they'll make it happen for you." The experiential nature of the curriculum means "classes are usually project-based, which allows students to delve into particular subjects of their interest within the topic and gain experience with such things as research design, field methods, analysis, artistic creation, and much more." Students appreciate the hands-on learning opportunities, with one student sharing, "I did my internship on one of our island research stations, monitoring copepod population health for 10 weeks while simultaneously contributing to the college's 40-year-old whale presence dataset."
Student Faculty Icon
Student : Faculty
9 : 1
Acceptance Icon
Total Faculty
58
Terminal Degree Icon
Terminal Degree
40

Gender to Class Inforamtion

Men
32
Women
26
Minority
7
International
4

Class/Lab sizes

Most frequent class size
10-19
Most frequent lab/sub section size
10-19

Rating

Professors
interesting rating
94/99
Professors
accesible rating
93/99
Academic rating
90/99

Graduation Rates

Graduate in 4 years
52%
Graduate in 5 years
66%
Graduate in 6 years
69%

University Degrees

Bachelor's
Master's

Majors and Degrees Offered

COA offers a single degree in Human Ecology, enabling students to create an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts.
See More Down Arrow

Prominent Alumni

Chellie Pingree

Maine's 1st District Congresswoman, former Pres., CEO of Common Cause

Gregory Stone

Globally recognized marine scientist, explorer and conservationist; key in creation of the Phoenix Island Protected Area

Nell Newman

Founder of Newman's Own Organics: Second Generation

Surya Karki

Founder, Diyalo Foundation

Philip B. Kunhardt, III

Documentary producer, author, and founder of NYU's Transformative Lives Ctr

Allison Fundis

COO Ocean Exploration Trust, one of the world's foremost female ocean explorers

Amy Toensing

Photojournalist and filmmaker, and regular contributor to National Geographic magazine

06. Student BodyScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

From The School


COA enrolls approximately 350 students, including roughly 20–23% international students, among them Davis UWC scholars. The student faculty ratio of about 10:1 ensures close mentorship and collaborative learning. The community values diversity, curiosity, and engagement.

Students participate in more than 40 organizations, including environmental advocacy, arts collectives, outdoor recreation, and service initiatives. Campus life is enriched by shared meals, local internships, and student–led events, supporting both intellectual and social growth.

What students say:

While there are many different personalities at COA, "everyone holds the same inherent values of kindness, giving back through nature, curiosity, and exploration." Among this "very accepting and diverse, very LGBTQ-friendly" group, "activism and rhetoric [are] extremely well-intentioned among virtually all students, often translating to engaging conversations." On the whole, enrollees "are quite invested in change-making, both at the school and on a national and international scale." There also seems to be less of a digital focus, as students tend to "have very tangible hobbies... (for example, lots of people knit, sew, carve wood, play instruments, make art, that sort of thing." One student describes the potpourri of their peers as a "perfect...mix of art/theater kids and science kids, both extroverted and introverted, down to go hunt for worms in the forest at 2 a.m. or make elaborate costumes for a one-off play written in 12 hours." As one student sums up: "COA students come here each looking for something different...[and] weave their own tapestry of campus culture, which includes a little bit of everything and everyone."

Gender

72% female28% male

Out of State

86% are out
of state
14% are
in-state

Students

97% are
full time
3% are
part time

Student Body Profile

Total Undergraduate Enrollment
353
Foreign Countries Represented
47

Student Body Demographics

American Indian or Alaskan Native
0.00%
Asian
1.13%
Black
0.57%
Hispanic
4.25%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
0.00%
White
68.56%
Two or more races
2.27%
Unknown
1.70%
International
21.53%

07. Mental HealthScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings

Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Yes

Mental Health Website
https://www.coa.edu/health-wellness/counseling/

Education & Training

Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Not Reported

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Not Reported

SafeTALK
Not Reported

Mental Health First Aid
Not Reported

Talk Saves Lives
Not Reported

Engaging the Whole Campus

Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Yes

Clinicians are trained to provide care to these specific groups:
Undergraduates
Graduate students
Racial/ethnic minority student
Students who are veterans
LGBTQIA+ students
Student-athletes
International students
Students on scholarship or financial aid
First-generation students

Peer-to-Peer

Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Yes

Details on offerings:
Resident Advisors receive extensive training in mental health support. We also have a Student Wellness Advisory Team, which is a peer-to-peer group focused on wellness programming for their peers.

Residential Life

Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Yes

A brief description of offerings:
Resident Advisors receive extensive training in mental health support and are encouraged to do programming with their residents around wellness (mindfulness sessions, self-care activities, community meals, etc.).

Student Orientation

Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Students required to participate

Incoming transfer students
Students required to participate
else {
Not Reported
}

Returning students
Services offered

Entering graduate students
Services offered

Mental Health in the Curriculum

The institution offers for-credit mental health/
well-being education for students
Yes, required of all students

Details of for-credit offering:
COA is actively planning to incorporate more wellness and resilience topics into our first-year core course offering, which is required for all first-year students.

The institution offers non-credit mental health/
well-being education for students
Yes, optional

Details of non-credit offering:
We offer mental health and wellbeing programming throughout the year, including resiliency programs, self-care trainings, mindfulness and meditation courses, weekly yoga classes,

Off-Campus Offerings

Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Yes

Health and Counseling Center Accreditation

Institution's counseling center is accredited
No

Accrediting body
Not Reported

Taking and Returning from Medical Leave

Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Yes

Counseling Demand

Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
9 months

08. Campus LifeScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Location


COA's 38–acre oceanfront campus is located in Bar Harbor, a year–round community of roughly 6,000 on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Our backyard opens onto the trails and granite peaks of Acadia National Park, while our frontyard greets the island–studded waters of Frenchman Bay. In the friendly town of Bar Harbor, students enjoy many nearby amenities within a mile of campus. The bookstore, second–hand shop, coffee shops, cinemas, natural foods store, outdoor gear suppliers, and public library will likely be regular destinations throughout the year. Living next to a national park makes the surrounding environment an extension of the classroom, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, ecological research, and experiential learning.

Campus Facilities & Equipment


COA's campus features environmentally responsible facilities that support experiential learning and sustainability. Academic buildings, laboratories, greenhouses, and studios incorporate green building practices and renewable energy systems. Two organic farms provide hands–on agricultural learning, while two offshore research islands serve as field stations for marine, ecological, and ornithological studies. Our museum of natural history showcases the natural world of Maine through exhibits designed and produced exclusively by COA students. Student housing exemplifies eco–conscious design. The Davis Village and Collins House showcase energy–efficient construction, natural lighting, and sustainable materials while fostering community living and collaboration. Take–A–Break (TAB) dining hall serves as a central hub, and the library and community center provide academic, health, and wellness resources—all with waterfront views. COA has several watercraft, including kayaks, research vessels, skiffs, and sailboats available for students, as well as a variety of other equipment to support student outdoor activities.

Off-Campus Opportunities


Students extend learning beyond campus through research and fieldwork at our two organic farms—Beech Hill and Peggy Rockefeller Farms—and our two remote offshore island research stations: the Alice Eno Field Research Station on Great Duck Island and the Edward McCormick Blair Marine Research Station on Mount Desert Rock. COA has active partnerships with a number of institutions that complement COA's strengths, giving students a wider range of possibilities as they construct their own courses of study. Here on Mount Desert Island, relationships with the Jackson Laboratory and MDI Biological Laboratory give students access to bio–medical and genetics research. COA is also a member of the EcoLeague, a consortium of US colleges that share similar commitments to sustainability. COA students can spend up to a year at one of the other colleges in the EcoLeague: Alaska Pacific University, Dickinson College , New College of Florida, Prescott College, or St. Lawrence University. Global study is also integral. Semester–long programs include the Yucatán Program in Mexico, where students live with host families while exploring language, culture, and environmental systems, and a term in France combining language immersion with European art and policy studies. Shorter field courses explore tropical reef ecosystems in Central America, coastal communities in Newfoundland, or desert environments in the American Southwest. Students may also participate in EcoLeague exchanges at other U.S. environmental colleges. Annual expeditionary learning funds of up to $1,800 make these experiences accessible to all.

What students say:

The "campus is beautiful" and "in the fall and spring, there's constantly people hanging out outside, either playing instruments, reading, painting, playing soccer or Frisbee, or just enjoying the weather." Given the school's Maine location, many students also enjoy "the Outing Club (adventures like hiking, stargazing, boogie boarding, and polar plunging)" or activities in nearby Acadia National Park, which "provides endless exploration for both the Outing Club and individuals." You can find people participating "in just about every hobby under the sun. From tincture making to taxidermy, there is a place for all crafts and activities here." There are also plenty of "student activist clubs and college-sponsored outdoor recreation," as well as regularly scheduled activities like "Fireside Friday (crafting club held weekly), Mending Matters (clothing and gear repair club), and COAmmunity Dinner (weekly community dinner club)." The school's small size "means that academic and social life often blend together, with discussions continuing over meals in Take-ABreak [dining hall] or spontaneous gatherings in the library or on the pier." For the students wanting to "make change on campus and in local communities," there is the weekly All College Meeting, in which faculty, staff, and students come together to discuss and vote on large-scale decisions, policies, and community issues, fitting for a population that's "highly committed to curiosity and bettering the planet."

Fire safety rating
92/99
Quality of life rating
98/99
Undergraduates living on campus
77%
First-Year students living on campus
100%
Campus Environment
Rural
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes

Most Popular Places On Campus

Thorndike Library

Blair Dining Hall (aka Take-A-Break, or TAB)

The pier

Turrets

Center for Human Ecology

College of the Atlantic is located on the shore of Frenchman Bay, next door to the mountains, forests, beaches, and trails of Acadia National Park. We welcome visitors during any season and offer regular tours of campus every weekday at 1:00 p.m.

Most Popular Places Off Campus

Acadia National Park

Whale watch tours

Shopping/dining in downtown Bar Harbor

Abbe Museum

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park provide a wealth of opportunities for visitors. Whether you like to hike, bike, or kayak, enjoy good food, go on a whale watch, or attend a cultural event, the spring/summer/fall season in Bar Harbor is lively and engaging. The Abbe Museum, located downtown, focuses on Native American culture and history, and there are many local galleries, marine museums, and more. Downtown Bar Harbor is just a short walk from campus, and has a full range of amenities and services.

9. Campus VisitsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Campus Visits Contact

Location Icon
Office of Admission 105 Eden Street Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Email icon
inquiry@coa.edu or visit@coa.edu
Phone icon
800-528-0025

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center

Monday - Friday

Calendar icon
8-4
Phone icon
800-528-0025

Campus Tours

Appointment Required:
Yes
Dates:
Year-round
Times:
1:00 pm
Average Length:
1 hour

Visits

CLASS VISITS

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

FACULTY AND COACH VISITS

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
 

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews:
Yes
Information Sessions:
Available
Times:
by appointment

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Campus Tours


TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO CAMPUS

Regularly scheduled flights are available to Bar Harbor Airport and to Bangor International Airport. Bus service is available to Bar Harbor, Bangor, and Ellsworth, though service to Bar Harbor is limited in winter. Taxis are available year-round.


LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Nearby year-round accommodations include: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel Acacia House B&B Acadia Inn Elmhurst Inn Quimby House Inn


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10. Sports & AthleticsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Icon

Athletic None

11. Housing & ActivitiesScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Campus Housing Options

Icon
Apartment Single
Icon
Dorms Coed
Icon
Other

Special Needs Admissions

Director
Barbara Conry
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No

Student Activities

Registered Student Organizations
12
Number of Honor Societies
0
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
0
Join a fraternity
0%
Join a sorority
0%

12. Student ServicesScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Health

Minority Support Groups
LGBT Support Groups

Sustainability

School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
% food budget spent on local/organic food
58%

Green rating

99/99

Available Transportation Alternatives

Bike Share
Checkmark icon
Car Sharing Program
Checkmark icon
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Checkmark icon
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Checkmark icon

CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT

The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.

Please visit The Princeton Review's page
on campus safety for additional resources:

Visit Page
Warning Icon

The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/

Other Information

Campus-wide Internet Network
Checkmark icon
Fee for Network Use
X Mark icon
Partnerships with Technology Companies
X Mark icon
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
X Mark icon
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Checkmark icon
Description University of Maine Computer Connection

13. Financial AidScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Financial
Aid Rating

97/99

Dates

Icon
Application DeadlinesFeb 1
Icon
Notification DateApr 1

Required Forms

Business/Farm Supplement
FAFSA
Institution's own financial aid form

From the School


It is always our goal to make COA affordable for all students, regardless of income. Student satisfaction surveys consistently place us among the top schools in the nation for financial aid. All applicants are considered for merit scholarships, and more than 80% of our students receive need–based aid.

Financial Aid Statistics

Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$39,349
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$34,430
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,129
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
55%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$29,797
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$36,910
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes

Scholarships and Grants Available

01 - College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
02 - Federal Pell
03 - Federal SEOG
04 - Private Scholarships
05 - State Scholarships/Grants

No-Need-Based

01 - Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available

Loans Available

01 - Direct PLUS Loans
02 - Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
03 - Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes

Students Also View These Schools

Bard College
Bennington College
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Clemson University
Colby College
Colorado College
Cornell University
Emerson College
Hampshire College
Harvard College
Middlebury College
New York University
Northeastern University
Princeton University
Reed College
University of Maine
Warren Wilson College

14. Career Services & JobsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

What students say:

COA has “strong connections to the surrounding community, [which is] extremely beneficial to our student body.” Faculty advisors start helping students shape their curriculum from the start and offer professional advice and connections. Career Services provides further guidance, development activities, labor market information, and access to the alumni mentorship program. The mandatory internship guarantees that students have experience under their belts by graduation (with typical completion during the summer, though opportunities are also available throughout the year), and the senior capstone project is also a nice addition to any portfolio or résumé. Within one year of graduation, 97 percent of students have gone on to graduate school or have secured a job, with more than half studying at the master’s or doctorate level.

Graduation Rates

Graduate in 4 years
52%
Graduate in 5 years
66%
Graduate in 6 years
69%

Career Services

01 - Alumni Network
02 - Alumni Services
03 - Classes
04 - Interest Inventory
05 - Internships
06 - Regional Alumni

Opportunities at School

01 - Experiential
02 - Internship

15. MajorsScroll to Top  Scroll To Top Arrow

Down Arrow Icon

01 BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.

  • Ecology.
  • Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.
Down Arrow Icon

02 EDUCATION.

  • Education, General.
  • Secondary Education and Teaching.
Down Arrow Icon

03 LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.

  • General Studies.
  • Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
Down Arrow Icon

04 MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.

  • Marine Sciences.
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Down Arrow Icon

05 NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.

  • Environmental Studies.
  • Natural Resources/Conservation, General.

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