College of the Atlantic vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Simmons University is larger than College of the Atlantic based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

College of the Atlantic vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, College of the Atlantic or Simmons 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 Simmons University ($21,829 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Atlantic are 40.9% lower than at Simmons University ($10,404 vs. $17,618).
• College of the Atlantic is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $1,123 more per year; $47,997.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at College of the Atlantic than at Simmons University (about $1,123 more per year; $47,997.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at College of the Atlantic as at Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Atlantic students is 3.7% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($36,437 vs. $35,123).

College of the Atlantic vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Atlantic (1340) is 30 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Atlantic 1240/1430; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSimmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: College of the Atlantic - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: College of the Atlantic Feb 1, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at College of the Atlantic (3.69).
• College of the Atlantic has a higher acceptance rate (70.2%) than Simmons University (70%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.4% at College of the Atlantic vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

College of the Atlantic vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• College of the Atlantic's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Simmons University earn a median of about $24,600 more per year than College of the Atlantic graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 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 Simmons 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 Simmons University graduates ($204 vs. $268).
• More Simmons 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.