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 gives you a weak financial return. Ten years after enrolling, median earnings sit at $40,264 a year, which is low for a private four-year college charging over $24,000 in average net price. Your median debt of $25,050 is manageable on its own, but paired with these earnings it takes a long time to pay back.
The one bachelor's program with reported earnings tells the story. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General is the school's signature degree, and graduates report just $16,920 a year while carrying $24,500 in debt. That is not a living wage against that debt load, and it is the core of what this school offers. College of the Atlantic funnels nearly everyone through a single human ecology degree, so you do not get the fallback of a high-paying major in engineering, nursing, or computer science.
The financial risk here is concentration. Bar Harbor is a small seasonal tourism town on the Maine coast, and the college's environmental and interdisciplinary focus points you toward nonprofit, conservation, and education work that pays little. There is no in-state manufacturing or tech hub nearby to catch you.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $12,000 to $13,000 a year, roughly a third of what families over $110,000 pay. That upper bracket pays over $35,000 a year, and against $40,264 median earnings, that is a hard bargain to justify on money alone.
This school fits you if you qualify for the low-income tiers and are set on environmental or interdisciplinary work you care about regardless of pay. If you are borrowing heavily or paying the top net price and need the degree to cover the cost, look elsewhere.
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.