College of the Atlantic vs University of Southern Maine
College of the Atlantic is a private college in Bar Harbor, ME. University of Southern Maine is a public university in Portland, ME. College of the Atlantic admits about 70% of applicants and University of Southern Maine about 79%, making College of the Atlantic the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,596 a year at University of Southern Maine after aid, and about $25,184 at College of the Atlantic. About 69% of students graduate at College of the Atlantic, compared with 43% at University of Southern Maine. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern Maine alumni earn a median of about $49,958, against $40,264 for College of the Atlantic.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bar Harbor, ME
Portland, ME
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
353
4,222
Acceptance rate
70%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
990–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
24–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$13,596
Full cost / yr
$58,266
$23,717
In-state tuition
$47,997
$11,284
Out-of-state tuition
$47,997
$27,944
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,415
$9,999
$30k - $48k
$13,942
$10,847
$48k - $75k
$16,650
$12,550
$75k - $110k
$26,266
$16,750
Over $110k
$34,684
$19,180
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
43%
Freshman retention
85%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
Not reported
$47,107
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,264
$49,958
Median debt at graduation
$25,050
$19,060
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
28%
First-generation students
Not reported
33%
International students
22%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Dec 1
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.
- Is College of the Atlantic or University of Southern Maine harder to get into?
- College of the Atlantic is harder to get into. It admits about 70% of applicants, compared with 79% at University of Southern Maine. 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 University of Southern Maine?
- University of Southern Maine is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,596 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 University of Southern Maine?
- Before aid, University of Southern Maine costs about $23,717 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 University of Southern Maine?
- University of Southern Maine. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,999 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 University of Southern Maine?
- University of Southern Maine is the larger of the two, with about 4,222 undergraduates against 353 at College of the Atlantic.
- Does College of the Atlantic or University of Southern Maine have a better graduation rate?
- College of the Atlantic has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 43% at University of Southern Maine.
- Do graduates of College of the Atlantic or University of Southern Maine earn more?
- University of Southern Maine alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,958 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 University of Southern Maine require SAT or ACT scores?
- College of the Atlantic is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Southern Maine is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do College of the Atlantic and University of Southern Maine look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at College of the Atlantic and 990–1250 at University of Southern Maine. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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