College of the Atlantic

School Overview

College of the Atlantic is located in Bar Harbor, ME, 04609. The university is ranked #126 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

College of the Atlantic has an acceptance rate of 70%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1240-1430 and ACT scores of 28-32. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.8. Applications are due by Feb. 1, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

With just 353 undergraduates, College of the Atlantic provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 98% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 58%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The published tuition and fees are $49,464 per year. Room and board adds approximately $10,716. However, the average net price after financial aid is $22,799, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $43,158 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with College of the Atlantic's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. College of the Atlantic combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, meaningful financial aid to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether College of the Atlantic is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.