College of the Atlantic, founded in 1969 on Mount Desert Island, Maine, is the first U.S. college to focus primarily on human ecology. All students design their own course of study.
The 35-acre oceanfront campus includes the Davis Center for Human Ecology, the Alice Eno Research Station, and the Beech Hill Farm organic preserve. The college's location near Acadia National Park provides exceptional environmental learning opportunities.
College of the Atlantic Acceptance Rate
College of the Atlantic is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of College of the Atlantic is 65.02%. This means that 65 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
College of the Atlantic Admission Requirements
College of the Atlantic GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at College of the Atlantic is 3.69. College of the Atlantic is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.39 and 3.69, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
College of the Atlantic GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at College of the Atlantic utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.69, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.69 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.49 – 3.68 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.29 – 3.48 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.28 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At College of the Atlantic, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
College of the Atlantic Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
College of the Atlantic Profile
Name: College of the Atlantic
City: Bar Harbor
URL: https://www.coa.edu/
State: Maine
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 4609
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Can I Get Into College of the Atlantic Without SAT Or ACT?: College of the Atlantic does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from College of the Atlantic Worth It?
Getting into College of the Atlantic can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. College of the Atlantic offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at College of the Atlantic is USD: 66849.39 and unemployment rate is 3%.
How much does a degree from College of the Atlantic Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at College of the Atlantic is USD: 56334. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College of the Atlantic is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
26.53% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 49.87 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to College of the Atlantic and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College of the Atlantic, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist College of the Atlantic as your choice in the form.
How much a College of the Atlantic Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 40264. An average College of the Atlantic graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About College of the Atlantic Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $40264 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $56334 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of College of the Atlantic is 65.02 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.69. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.39, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.39, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.39 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.29 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to College of the Atlantic if my GPA is below 3.29
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.69, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by College of the Atlantic.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.