At $24,028/yr net price, College of the Atlantic graduates earn $40,264/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,264/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,028 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,264/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,264/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,050 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,886/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,998/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,569/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,880/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,148/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | Bachelor | $16,920 | $24,500 |
The Risk Factor
69.2% of students at College of the Atlantic graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
College of the Atlantic delivers poor financial returns that make it one of the weakest ROI choices in higher education. With median 10-year earnings of just $40,264 against a net price of $24,028 per year, you'll struggle to justify the cost even with the relatively modest median debt of $25,050.
The school's signature interdisciplinary studies program produces graduates earning only $16,920 annually, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. This reflects both the program's focus on environmental and social causes over marketable skills and the limited job market in rural Maine. Bar Harbor's tourism-based economy offers few high-paying opportunities for liberal arts graduates.
The 69% graduation rate signals that nearly one-third of students leave without a degree, making the financial gamble even riskier. Your chances of completing your program and finding well-paying work both face significant headwinds at this institution.
College of the Atlantic makes financial sense only if you have substantial family wealth or are committed to low-paying nonprofit work in environmental fields. The school's unique "human ecology" curriculum attracts students passionate about sustainability, but passion doesn't pay student loans.
With only 27% of students receiving financial aid, the school appears to cater primarily to full-pay families. If you need aid or plan to rely on future earnings to justify college costs, look elsewhere. The combination of high prices, limited earning potential, and weak job market connections makes this one of the riskiest educational investments you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Atlantic worth the cost?
College of the Atlantic's graduates earn $40,264 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a private college costing $24,028 per year. The return on investment is weak compared to most four-year institutions.
What is the job market like for College of the Atlantic graduates?
With only interdisciplinary studies as the main program, College of the Atlantic graduates face limited career paths and lower earning potential. The school's focus on environmental studies leads to jobs in nonprofits and education, which typically pay less than other fields.
How much debt do College of the Atlantic students graduate with?
The median debt for College of the Atlantic graduates is $25,050. Given the low post-graduation earnings of $40,264, this debt burden represents a significant financial challenge for most graduates.
Does College of the Atlantic provide good financial aid?
College of the Atlantic's net price of $24,028 shows decent financial aid for a private college. However, the low graduation rate of 69% and poor earnings outcomes suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees or find well-paying jobs afterward.