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College of the Atlantic vs Thomas College

College of the Atlantic is a private college in Bar Harbor, ME, and Thomas College is a private college in Waterville, ME. College of the Atlantic is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 96% at Thomas College. Thomas College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,885 a year against $25,184 at College of the Atlantic. About 69% of students graduate at College of the Atlantic, compared with 53% at Thomas College. Ten years after enrolling, Thomas College alumni earn a median of about $44,991, against $40,264 for College of the Atlantic.

College of the Atlantic

Bar Harbor, ME · Private

Thomas College

Waterville, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bar Harbor, ME
Waterville, ME
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
353
647
Acceptance rate
70%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
870–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$18,885
Full cost / yr
$58,266
$47,198
In-state tuition
$47,997
$31,824
Out-of-state tuition
$47,997
$31,824
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,415
$12,655
$30k - $48k
$13,942
$11,904
$48k - $75k
$16,650
$16,227
$75k - $110k
$26,266
$18,145
Over $110k
$34,684
$26,770
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
53%
Freshman retention
85%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
Not reported
$40,495
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,264
$44,991
Median debt at graduation
$25,050
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
18%
First-generation students
Not reported
38%
International students
22%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

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 Thomas College harder to get into?
College of the Atlantic is harder to get into. It admits about 70% of applicants, compared with 96% at Thomas College. 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 Thomas College?
Thomas College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,885 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,184 at College of the Atlantic. 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 Thomas College?
Before aid, Thomas College costs about $47,198 a year and College of the Atlantic about $58,266. 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 Thomas College?
Thomas College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,655 there, against about $20,415 at College of the Atlantic. 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 Thomas College?
Thomas College is the larger of the two, with about 647 undergraduates against 353 at College of the Atlantic.
Does College of the Atlantic or Thomas College have a better graduation rate?
College of the Atlantic has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 53% at Thomas College.
Do graduates of College of the Atlantic or Thomas College earn more?
Thomas College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,991 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 Thomas College require SAT or ACT scores?
College of the Atlantic is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Thomas College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do College of the Atlantic and Thomas College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at College of the Atlantic and 870–1100 at Thomas College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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