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College of the Atlantic

105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609-1198, USA

College of the Atlantic award
College of the Atlantic award
US ranking
position: 610
Tuition & fees per year: $49,464
Acceptance rate: 65.00%
Median alumni salary: $24,098
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does College of the Atlantic offer in terms of athletics?

College of the Atlantic provides several opportunities for students interested in athletics, although its sports offerings are relatively modest compared to larger institutions. The college encourages participation in various intramural activities and has club sports that promote community engagement and fitness. Students can engage in outdoor recreation programs, which take advantage of the surrounding natural environment to facilitate activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing.

The college does not have varsity teams competing in major collegiate athletic conferences, but students have the chance to join club-level teams and participate in organized sports for enjoyment and personal development. This approach aligns with the college's broader educational philosophy, emphasizing holistic well-being and experiential learning rather than competitive athletics at a high-stakes level.

Overall, athletics at College of the Atlantic focus on inclusive participation and outdoor physical activities that complement its unique environmental curriculum and lifestyle. Students seeking highly competitive varsity sports may find fewer options here, while those interested in recreational sports and outdoor adventure will find an environment supportive of their interests.

What student groups and Associations are available at College of the Atlantic?

College of the Atlantic offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for social engagement and community involvement. Among the active clubs are the Coffee House Club, Anime Club, Outing Club, American Sign Language Club, and Water Polo Club. These groups allow students to explore hobbies, cultural interests, and recreational activities alongside their academic pursuits.

Who studies at College of the Atlantic?

College of the Atlantic has a relatively small student body, with only 81 freshmen enrolled in the most recent data, placing it in the lower 30% compared to other institutions. Transfer student numbers are modest as well, totaling 21, which is considered average and falls into the bottom 40% percentile. Overall, the total enrollment stands at 102 students, indicating a low level of student population size, again in the bottom 30% range.

The student age distribution reveals that most undergraduates are young adults, primarily between the ages of 18 and 24. Specifically, 36 students are aged 18 to 19, 144 are between 20 and 21, and 156 fall into the 22 to 24 age bracket. There is a smaller group of students aged 25 to 29, comprising 19 undergraduates. Graduate students are far fewer and are mostly older, with three aged 25 to 29 and two between 35 and 39.

The diversity profile shows that White students form the majority, numbering 242, though this figure is considered average and places the institution in the lower 35% in comparison to similar colleges. Hispanic students number 15, and African American students constitute a smaller group of two, both groups also rating as average in representation. Asian students account for four individuals, while students identifying with two or more races number eight, which is relatively low. Additionally, six students are classified as having unknown ethnic backgrounds.

How does student life look like at College of the Atlantic?

Student life at College of the Atlantic is characterized by a small community with a total enrollment of 358 students, which fosters a close-knit atmosphere and personalized attention. The student-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 is relatively low, suggesting small class sizes and greater access to faculty members.

Although the college does not support a campus newspaper, radio station, or TV, it offers creative outlets such as theater and chorus programs, encouraging student participation in drama and musical activities. This provides a cultural dimension to campus life despite the absence of a band.

Health and wellness services are available, with a health clinic on campus and access to psychological counseling, supporting student wellbeing. Legal services are also provided, which can aid students facing various legal matters during their studies.

The college lacks dedicated centers such as a veterans affairs office or a women's center, which may influence the availability of tailored support services for these groups. Additionally, no information indicates participation in formal athletic associations, which may affect the presence of organized competitive sports on campus.

International diversity is notable, with students representing 47 countries, positioning the college in the upper range for global enrollment diversity. This may enrich the campus experience by promoting multicultural interactions and perspectives.

What libraries are available to students at College of the Atlantic?

The College of the Atlantic offers access to a single physical library, the Thorndike Library, which serves as the primary resource for students. While it does not have additional library branches, this facility supports the academic needs of its community with established hours and trained staff available to assist users.

The library's collection includes approximately 45,077 physical books, placing it in the lower range compared to other institutions, with resources ranked around the bottom 40 percentile. Additionally, students can access 343 subscriptions to various journals and periodicals, also within the bottom 40 percentile nationally.

On the digital front, the library provides a substantial range of electronic resources, including around 87,231 digital subscriptions and 95,324 ebooks, although the ebook collection is considered relatively limited, ranking in the bottom 25 percentile. The institution also offers access to 197 databases, which is about average, near the 50th percentile.

Beyond collections, there is no provision for study rooms or all-day access to the library. However, students benefit from both physical and digital access to materials, as well as availability to shared collections from partner institutions, which can expand research opportunities. Weekly service hours total approximately 100 hours, ensuring consistent access during the academic week.

College of the Atlantic Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

358

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

76

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

27 full time, 31 part time

Veterans affair office

No

College of the Atlantic Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Thorndike Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

No

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

College of the Atlantic Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

College of the Atlantic Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

College of the Atlantic Location & Map

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