College of the Atlantic vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, ME with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than College of the Atlantic based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Atlantic is located in Bar Harbor, ME (Rural Fringe setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Atlantic is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Atlantic 9:1; Willamette University 13:1.

College of the Atlantic vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, College of the Atlantic or Willamette University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at College of the Atlantic than Willamette University ($21,829 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Atlantic are 35.6% lower than at Willamette University ($10,404 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 6.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than College of the Atlantic (about $3,159 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $47,997.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.6% higher at Willamette University than at College of the Atlantic (about $3,159 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $47,997.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at College of the Atlantic as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 4.5% larger than aid received by College of the Atlantic students ($38,080 vs. $36,437).

College of the Atlantic vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, College of the Atlantic or Willamette University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Willamette University and College of the Atlantic.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Atlantic (1340) is the same as at Willamette University (1340).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Atlantic 1240/1430; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWillamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: College of the Atlantic - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: College of the Atlantic Feb 1, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at College of the Atlantic (3.69).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than College of the Atlantic (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.4% at College of the Atlantic vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

College of the Atlantic vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for College of the Atlantic and Willamette University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than College of the Atlantic's (71%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $26,100 more per year than College of the Atlantic graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $28,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($19,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($204 vs. $268).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former College of the Atlantic students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.