College of the Atlantic vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

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

Brandeis University is larger than College of the Atlantic based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Atlantic is located in Bar Harbor, ME (Rural Fringe setting); Brandeis University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
• College of the Atlantic is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Atlantic 9:1; Brandeis University 10:1.

College of the Atlantic vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, College of the Atlantic or Brandeis 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 Brandeis University ($21,829 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Atlantic are 47.8% lower than at Brandeis University ($10,404 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 41.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than College of the Atlantic (about $20,083 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $47,997.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.8% higher at Brandeis University than at College of the Atlantic (about $20,083 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $47,997.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Atlantic than at Brandeis University (100% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 17.6% larger than aid received by College of the Atlantic students ($42,841 vs. $36,437).

College of the Atlantic vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, College of the Atlantic or Brandeis 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 Brandeis University and College of the Atlantic.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 120 points higher than at College of the Atlantic (1340).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Atlantic 1240/1430; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBrandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: College of the Atlantic - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: College of the Atlantic Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at College of the Atlantic (3.69).
• College of the Atlantic has a higher acceptance rate (70.2%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.4% at College of the Atlantic vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

College of the Atlantic vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for College of the Atlantic and Brandeis 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).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than College of the Atlantic's (71%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $38,500 more per year than College of the Atlantic graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $28,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former College of the Atlantic students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.