College of the Atlantic
Bar Harbor, ME
The College of the Atlantic is a unique institution located on the rugged coast of Bar Harbor, Maine. Founded in 1969, it was the first college in the United States to focus exclusively on the study of human ecology. The college offers a distinctive interdisciplinary curriculum for undergraduate students, emphasizing the relationship between humans and the environment. With a small student population of just over 300, the college provides an intimate and collaborative learning environment that encourages students to become innovative problem solvers and changemakers.
At the College of the Atlantic, all students develop their own major, allowing them to customize their education to suit their individual interests and goals. The curriculum revolves around three areas of concentration: human ecology, arts and design, and global studies. Through these concentrations, students explore topics such as sustainability, environmental justice, conservation biology, literature, and international relations. The college also places great emphasis on experiential learning, and all students are required to complete an off-campus internship or conduct original research in their area of interest.
One of the hallmarks of the College of the Atlantic is its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The campus, nestled in the breathtaking Acadia National Park, is powered entirely by wind and solar energy. Moreover, the college offers numerous programs and initiatives focused on sustainability, ranging from sustainable agriculture and renewable energy studies to food justice and marine policy. With its strong focus on holistic education, sustainability, and promoting positive environmental change, the College of the Atlantic continues to be a leading institution in the field of human ecology.
College of the Atlantic is a private comprehensive higher education institution located in Bar Harbor, ME. Its campus is 35 acres in size. This institution follows a trimester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 60%. The freshman retention rate at College of the Atlantic is 74% and the six-year graduation rate is 58%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is February 1. The transfer application deadline is March 15.
Read more about what College of the Atlantic has to offer based on the most recent data this institution has reported.
Quick Facts
377
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
60%
Acceptance Rate
$45,630
Tuition
10:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
58%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to discover as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. Here are the most important facts you need to know about admission at College of the Atlantic.
According to the newest data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 292 in 2023. College of the Atlantic has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores for the applicants who choose to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is very difficult to get into. This eminent school with a rich history offers an unmatched learning experience to its students.
Test Scores
Out of the number of students who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 23% and ACT scores 10%. 35% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 48% between 1,200 and 1,399 and 17% between 1,000 and 1,199. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 70 and 30 between 24-29.
The average ACT score for all the admitted students in 2023 was 30 and the average GPA was 3.8. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into College of the Atlantic; the same goes for your ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 693 for the admitted students, while the average SAT Math score was 646.
Deadlines
The cutoff date for submitting applications to College of the Atlantic is February 1. If you plan on applying as a transfer student, note that the application deadline is March 15.
60%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for College of the Atlantic was 74% in 2023, a clear indication of the excellence and value of the educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year completion rate at this institution is 58%.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at College of the Atlantic in 2023 was 380.
That year, the school had 85% of out-of-state students. There was a total of 377 students working towards bachelor's degrees, including 88 international students. 17 students were accepted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 116 male and 249 female full-time students in 2023. This school had 2 full-time graduate male and 1 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2023, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 9, while the number of Black American students was 2. 23 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 11 as multirace. There were also 4 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
One of the most crucial things to take into account when applying to any college or university is the financial component. Here are some important information on College of the Atlantic costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at College of the Atlantic? Here is what you need to know.
As a full-time domestic student, you were required to pay tuition of $45,630 in 2023. As this is a private institution, there is no difference in tuition for out-of-state or international students. Full-time students in 2023 needed to pay additional fees in the amount of $549.
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to consider is the estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $600.
Boarding
Before you apply to a college or university, you should, among other things, think about the price of a dorm room and cafeteria meals. What do schools typically charge for accommodation and meals?
In 2023, room and board cost at College of the Atlantic amounted to $10,101 a year. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2023 stood at $6,396 for one academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $6,396.
| Tuition | $ 45,630 |
| Room and Board | $ 10,101 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 600 |
| Total Expense | $ 56,331 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all types of financial support available to students. If you are interested in finding out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at College of the Atlantic, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
The most recent figures show that financial help was given to 74 freshmen. Students of this school received an average of $42,306 in financial help.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet certain eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
There were 287 students who obtained need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at College of the Atlantic is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 287. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution stood at $526,523, and state $69,715. The students of College of the Atlantic received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $100,068,806, and external in the amount of $101,364.
$15,020
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 6 students overall (including freshmen) at College of the Atlantic in 2023. 1 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $1,086,306. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $34,285 USD.
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
The Common Application for Transfer (Common App for transfer)
Majors
Faculty
10:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at College of the Atlantic was 10:1: that means 10 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 52. Out of that number, there were 24 men and 28 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at College of the Atlantic.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some information about campus life at College of the Atlantic.
Student Organizations
Participating in different student organizations can make your educational experience more interesting and fulfilling.
This school has 20 open-membership student organizations you can participate in. The student organization that has the biggest membership is Board Gaming Club, followed by Futbol (soccer) Club and Campus Committee for Sustainability. Other popular organizations at College of the Atlantic are Outing Club and Earth in Brackets [earth].
For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club.
Student Services
College of the Atlantic offers a number of services crucial for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. There is a 24-hour security patrol. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services are available to the students of College of the Atlantic.
All in all, campus life at College of the Atlantic is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at College of the Atlantic.
Career Counselling
At College of the Atlantic, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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College of the Atlantic is located in Bar Harbor, ME.
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College of the Atlantic offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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The overall full-time tuition per academic year for College of the Atlantic is 45,630 USD, based on the most recent data.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for College of the Atlantic is 60%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for College of the Atlantic is 74%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.