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College of the Atlantic vs Maine College of Art & Design

College of the Atlantic is a private college in Bar Harbor, ME, and Maine College of Art & Design is a private college in Portland, ME. College of the Atlantic is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 76% at Maine College of Art & Design. College of the Atlantic is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,184 a year against $38,338 at Maine College of Art & Design. About 69% of students graduate at College of the Atlantic, compared with 50% at Maine College of Art & Design. Ten years after enrolling, Maine College of Art & Design alumni earn a median of about $40,778, against $40,264 for College of the Atlantic.

College of the Atlantic

Bar Harbor, ME · Private

Maine College of Art & Design

Portland, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bar Harbor, ME
Portland, ME
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
353
415
Acceptance rate
70%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
17–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$38,338
Full cost / yr
$58,266
$60,128
In-state tuition
$47,997
$42,942
Out-of-state tuition
$47,997
$42,942
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,415
$31,589
$30k - $48k
$13,942
$33,075
$48k - $75k
$16,650
$35,283
$75k - $110k
$26,266
$40,992
Over $110k
$34,684
$42,001
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
50%
Freshman retention
85%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
Not reported
$24,333
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,264
$40,778
Median debt at graduation
$25,050
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
29%
First-generation students
Not reported
24%
International students
22%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Mar 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is College of the Atlantic or Maine College of Art & Design harder to get into?
College of the Atlantic is harder to get into. It admits about 70% of applicants, compared with 76% at Maine College of Art & Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, College of the Atlantic or Maine College of Art & Design?
College of the Atlantic is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,184 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,338 at Maine College of Art & Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at College of the Atlantic and Maine College of Art & Design?
Before aid, College of the Atlantic costs about $58,266 a year and Maine College of Art & Design about $60,128. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, College of the Atlantic or Maine College of Art & Design?
College of the Atlantic. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,415 there, against about $31,589 at Maine College of Art & Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, College of the Atlantic or Maine College of Art & Design?
Maine College of Art & Design is the larger of the two, with about 415 undergraduates against 353 at College of the Atlantic.
Does College of the Atlantic or Maine College of Art & Design have a better graduation rate?
College of the Atlantic has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 50% at Maine College of Art & Design.
Do graduates of College of the Atlantic or Maine College of Art & Design earn more?
Maine College of Art & Design alumni earn more on average: a median of about $40,778 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,264 for College of the Atlantic. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of the Atlantic and Maine College of Art & Design require SAT or ACT scores?
College of the Atlantic is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Maine College of Art & Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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