Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Retention Rate
- 83.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,264
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,050
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $266/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | Bachelor | $16,920 | $24,500 |
Outcomes Overview
College of the Atlantic graduates earn a median of $40,264 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 62% based on the typical $25,050 in student loans. Monthly payments of $266 consume about 8% of gross income, which is manageable but higher than the recommended 10% of take-home pay. The school's unique human ecology focus sends graduates into environmental nonprofits, sustainable agriculture, and conservation work rather than high-paying corporate roles. With 91.5% finding employment, job prospects are strong even if salaries lag behind traditional liberal arts colleges. The interdisciplinary curriculum opens doors to graduate programs in ecology and environmental studies. This represents an average return on investment for mission-driven students.