Overview of College of the Atlantic
The College of the Atlantic (COA) is a small, private liberal arts college located on Mount Desert Island in Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. Founded in 1969, COA has gained a reputation for its innovative approach to education, commitment to environmental sustainability, and focus on interdisciplinary studies.
History and Mission: The College of the Atlantic was founded with a distinctive mission centered around environmental stewardship, human ecology, and interdisciplinary education. COA is known for being a pioneer in environmental education and sustainability, and its founding principles emphasize a commitment to the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of understanding and addressing complex environmental challenges.
Academic Programs: COA is unique in its approach to academics, offering only one major—Human Ecology. The Human Ecology program is interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore the relationships between humans and their environments across various fields such as biology, environmental studies, philosophy, anthropology, and the arts. Students have the flexibility to design their own course of study, tailoring their education to their specific interests and goals.
Experiential Learning: A key feature of COA’s educational philosophy is experiential learning. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on experiences, fieldwork, internships, and research projects that connect academic knowledge with real-world applications. This emphasis on experiential learning fosters a deep understanding of environmental issues and equips students with practical skills.
Environmental Focus: COA’s commitment to the environment extends beyond its curriculum to the campus itself. The college emphasizes sustainability and has implemented environmentally friendly practices, including energy-efficient buildings, organic gardens, and a commitment to reducing its ecological footprint. The focus on environmental stewardship aligns with the college’s broader mission of promoting sustainable and responsible practices.
Interconnected Campus: The campus of the College of the Atlantic is situated on Mount Desert Island, surrounded by the natural beauty of coastal Maine. The interconnectedness of the campus with nature reflects the college’s commitment to environmental awareness. The location provides students with opportunities for outdoor exploration, research, and hands-on learning in diverse ecosystems.
Small Community Atmosphere: COA is a small college with a close-knit community. The small student body and low student-to-faculty ratio contribute to a collaborative and supportive learning environment. The college fosters a sense of community through shared values and a commitment to addressing global challenges.
Independent Studies and Research: Given the interdisciplinary nature of COA’s curriculum, students are encouraged to pursue independent studies and research projects. This allows them to delve deeply into specific areas of interest, contributing to their academic and personal growth. Independent research is often a core component of the COA educational experience.
Graduate Programs: While primarily an undergraduate institution, COA offers a Master of Philosophy in Human Ecology for students who wish to continue their studies at the graduate level. This program allows for further exploration of human ecology and environmental issues in a more specialized and advanced context.
Global Perspectives: COA values global perspectives and encourages students to consider the broader implications of environmental issues. The college often supports study abroad programs, internships, and collaborations with organizations worldwide to provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of global environmental challenges.
Alumni Impact: Graduates of COA often go on to make significant contributions in the fields of environmental science, policy, education, and activism. The college’s alumni network reflects a commitment to creating positive change in the world, aligning with COA’s mission to prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers.
The College of the Atlantic is a unique institution with a distinctive mission, offering an interdisciplinary education centered around human ecology and environmental sustainability. The college’s commitment to experiential learning, small community atmosphere, and global perspectives contribute to a holistic educational experience. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to visit the college’s official website or contact the admissions office directly.
105 Eden Street Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: (800) 528-0025
Email: inquiry@coa.edu
Web site: http://www.coa.edu/
Rankings: College of the Atlantic
Located in Harbor, ME, College of the Atlantic is one of the best universities in the state of Maine. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for College of the Atlantic in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is College of the Atlantic.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.5 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 152 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 84.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 62.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 68% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -6 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 76 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 90.1% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 11:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 83.7% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 119 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1100-1340 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 31% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 62% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 69.1% |
| Financial resources rank: | 181 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 129 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 24.5% |
Essential Facts: College of the Atlantic
- Students from over 90 countries participate in Atlantic College’s rigorous two-year programme in which they combine academic studies with activities and service.
- Admission, and scholarship awards, are decided by national UWC committees around the world, which also send students to the other United World Colleges .
- COA has three ten-week terms and maintains a narrative evaluation system. The Registrar reports to the Provost and supervises the assistant registrar and work-study students.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 43% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 80% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 40% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | N/A |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, student government, student newspaper, student film society, yearbook |