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College of the Atlantic and University of Southern Maine are both private nonprofit institutions — College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, ME and University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Bar Harbor, ME · Private
Acceptance rate: 70.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 353
Tuition: $47,997/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.3%
Top programs: Program mix not reported
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Bar Harbor, ME with published program strength in Program mix not reported.
Portland, ME · Public
Acceptance rate: 79.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 4,222
Tuition: $27,944/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 40.4%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Portland, ME with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | College of the Atlantic | University of Southern Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 70.2% | 79.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1240–1430 |
| 990–1250 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 24–28 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 353 | 4,222 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $47,997/year | $27,944/year |
| Average net price after aid | $25,184 | $13,596 |
| Graduation rate | 68.3% | 40.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $40,264 | $49,958 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Location | Bar Harbor, ME | Portland, ME |
| Largest program areas | Program mix not reported | Health professions, Business and marketing, Social sciences |
College of the Atlantic is more selective (70.2% vs 79.2% acceptance rate). University of Southern Maine has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,596 vs $25,184). College of the Atlantic reports the higher graduation rate (68.3% vs 40.4%). University of Southern Maine is the larger undergraduate campus (4,222 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between College of the Atlantic and University of Southern Maine
College of the Atlantic has an acceptance rate of 70.2%; University of Southern Maine is around 79.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
College of the Atlantic tuition is $47,997/year. University of Southern Maine is $27,944/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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