UnisHub University Compass

College of the Atlantic (COA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About College of the Atlantic

Set on Maine's rocky coast beside a national park, College of the Atlantic is known for an interdisciplinary, student-designed education that blends fieldwork, research, and the arts. Classes are small and hands-on, with ready access to labs, studios, and waterfront resources. Advising feels personal, and career support leans into internships, faculty projects, and alumni mentors so students build portfolios that speak louder than buzzwords.

Campus life skews outdoorsy and collaborative. You'll spot kayaks by the waterfront, trail maps in backpacks, and student groups planning film nights or coastal projects. The culture prizes community meetings, sustainability, and a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset. Bar Harbor adds seasonal energy, ties to local nonprofits and research groups, and plenty of real-world work.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609, USA
Website: coa.edu
Unit ID: 160959

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: NECHE
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Trimester system (three terms per year, often evenly spaced)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Baccalaureate - Arts & Sciences
Campus Setting: Located in a remote rural area (25+ miles from urban area)
Tuition: In-state: $46,179 (Tuition $45,630 + Fee $549) · Out-of-state: $46,179 (Tuition $45,630 + Fee $549)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 367
Undergraduate: 358
Graduate/Other: 9
Male: 105 Female: 262
Applications:
Total Applicants: 446
Admitted: 290
Enrolled: 81
Acceptance: 65% Yield: 27.9%
Staff:
Total: 116 Full-time: 90 Part-time: 26

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at College of the Atlantic (COA) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Maine. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Maine vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Liberal Arts (2)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101 Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that is a structured combination of the arts, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, emphasizing breadth of study. Includes instruction in independently designed, individualized, or regular programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $76,830 -$17,640 (-18.7%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$58,266
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$58,266
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$46,179
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$46,179
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$10,101 (on) / $5,772 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$600
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$1,386
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$1,386
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$30,969
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$30,969
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

25%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$33,884
Avg. Loan
$6,554
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,100
Additional
Students with Any Grant
93
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
49
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
23
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$32,485
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

69%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
83%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$27,366 – $65,816
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$27,366 (25th %) $65,816 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $40,264
Median Salary After 6 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$40,264
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
77.1%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
81.7%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$25,050
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Middle 76.2%
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about College of the Atlantic (COA)

How much does it cost to attend College of the Atlantic (COA)?

The annual tuition at College of the Atlantic (COA) is $46,179 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $58,266 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,101 (on) / $5,772 (off) and books and supplies $600.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does College of the Atlantic offer?

College of the Atlantic (COA) offers 4 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for College of the Atlantic?

College of the Atlantic (COA) has an 65% acceptance rate and a 27.9% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 446
  • Students admitted: 290
  • Students enrolled: 81

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at College of the Atlantic?

College of the Atlantic (COA) provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $33,884 and average loans of $6,554.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,991
  • State/Local grants: $2,512
  • Institutional grants: $32,485
  • Federal loans: $5,100

The university supports 93 students with grants and 49 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for College of the Atlantic graduates?

College of the Atlantic (COA) graduates earn a median salary of $40,264 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $27,366 (25th percentile) to $65,816 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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