2025 admissions data

College of the Atlantic Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 70.2% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 70 actually get in. No guessing. College of the Atlantic is a 4YEAR institution located in Bar Harbor, ME — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

If you thrive in small, personalized academic environments and have a passion for human ecology, College of the Atlantic (COA) may be an excellent fit. The college’s emphasis on individualized study within a close-knit community offers a unique hands-on experience. However, if you prefer a broader selection of majors or a lively campus scene often found in larger institutions, COA may not meet your expectations. The trade-off here focuses on personalized instruction against the diversity of program options; many students adapt well to COA's single major format, while others find it limiting. With a consistently small student body of around 350, COA promotes deep academic relationships, yet the intimate setting requires commitment and self-direction. Those eager to explore the interconnectedness of ecological and social systems will thrive, while students seeking a classic liberal arts education with varied disciplines might feel constrained. While financial considerations are essential, COA’s average net price after aid, at $23,000, makes the individualized learning experience more accessible, but also demands careful reflection on financial planning to ensure sustainability during your studies.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

53.8%

Acceptance Rate

Women

77.6%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

476

Admitted

334

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose College of the Atlantic. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math580–700

Reading660–730

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

MathN/A

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

What Students Miss When Looking at the College of the Atlantic Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at College of the Atlantic is one of the most searched admissions metrics, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many students treat it as a pass-or-fail indicator, when it’s really just a summary of past outcomes.

An acceptance rate of 70.2% blends together thousands of decisions made across different programs and applicant profiles. That makes it informative at a high level, but unreliable for predicting individual chances.

Acceptance Rates Reflect Applicant Behavior

Acceptance rates rise or fall largely based on who applies. When a university attracts more applicants who are still exploring options, acceptance rates tend to increase—even if academic standards stay consistent.

At College of the Atlantic, demand varies across departments, meaning selectivity isn’t evenly distributed. This is why some applicants experience a more competitive process than others.

How to Read Acceptance Rates More Accurately

Instead of focusing on whether the acceptance rate is “high” or “low,” applicants should ask how it applies to them. Academic background, intended major, and preparation level all shape admissions outcomes.

Viewed this way, the acceptance rate at College of the Atlantic becomes a planning reference—not a judgment.

Admissions Insight

One non-obvious factor that significantly influences outcomes at College of the Atlantic is the intensity of workload and the distinctive structure of its curriculum. Due to the unique design of the program, where students take only three intensive classes per trimester, the quality of student engagement can greatly affect academic performance. This setup allows for an in-depth exploration of subjects, particularly in human ecology, but it also places considerable demands on students in terms of time management and self-discipline. The front-loaded nature of assessments often means that students must be consistently proactive in their studies, balancing classwork with hands-on projects and required internships. Moreover, this high-intensity workload can amplify the importance of faculty relationships and support systems. With smaller class sizes, students often have increased access to faculty members, which can lead to deeper mentorship opportunities. However, those who are not prepared for the rigorous demands might struggle to manage their time effectively. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, especially for those not accustomed to such an immersive learning model. Therefore, students must consider whether they can handle the intense format and self-guided nature of the program, as the experiential learning component is vital to student success and satisfaction at COA.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: N/A

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: www.coa.edu/apply.htm

Your Chances of Getting Into College of the Atlantic

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at College of the Atlantic based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

What This Means If You’re Considering Applying to College of the Atlantic

Once you’ve looked through admissions data, the next step isn’t finding more numbers — it’s deciding what they mean for you. Many students reach this stage feeling unsure, especially when outcomes seem hard to predict.

The reality is that universities like College of the Atlantic don’t admit students in a vacuum. Applications are evaluated within context, and that context includes academic preparation, intended area of study, and how well an applicant’s goals align with what the institution offers.

How Applicants Should Think About Their Chances

Rather than asking, “Will I get in?”, a more productive question is, “Does applying here make sense for my profile?” Students who approach admissions this way tend to build stronger, more balanced college lists.

If your academic background matches the expectations of your intended program, the admissions process may feel far less intimidating than it looks on paper. On the other hand, students applying to high-demand majors or with less preparation should plan accordingly — not avoid applying, but approach it strategically.

In the end, admissions data is meant to guide decision-making, not discourage it. Used correctly, it helps applicants apply with confidence rather than guesswork.

Should You Apply to College of the Atlantic?

If 70.2% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore College of the Atlantic

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About College of the Atlantic Acceptance Rate

What is human ecology and how do students design their own major?

Human ecology at COA integrates various disciplines, focusing on the relationship between humans and their environment. Students customize their studies within this framework, collaborating with faculty to create personalized majors that reflect their unique interests and career goals.

What is class size like at College of the Atlantic?

Classes at COA are small, typically with an average size that fosters close interaction between students and faculty. This environment encourages collaborative learning and more personal engagement during discussions and projects.

How much financial aid does COA offer?

COA offers significant financial aid to support students, with an average net price of $23,000 after assistance. Students are encouraged to apply for various forms of aid, including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.

What is campus life like in such a small, rural college?

Campus life at COA is intimate and collaborative, fostering a close-knit community. The college emphasizes student governance, with weekly All College Meetings that encourage participation in decision-making processes and strengthen community bonds.

Are internships required and how are they arranged?

Internships at COA are integral to the curriculum, providing students with practical experiences in their field of study. They are typically arranged through faculty connections and partnerships with organizations, ensuring relevance and meaningful engagement.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

College of the Atlantic isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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