Our Campus
Our Campus
Rooted in place. Open to possibility
College of the Atlantic isn’t a typical college and our campus reflects that. Nestled between pine forest and saltwater, with cottage porches and garden paths, our 38-acre campus is small by design, wild in spirit, and deeply connected to the land and sea that surround us.
This is a place where learning and living are intertwined, and where the campus itself becomes part of the educational experience.
The ocean is always close
You’ll smell the tide before your first class
The Atlantic isn’t just our backdrop—it’s part of our campus. Wherever you stand, the shoreline is only steps away. Students learn to track the tides, observe wildlife, and experience the rhythms of coastal life firsthand.
The sea is more than scenery here. It’s a classroom. A teacher. A reminder of something vast and alive.
A campus that feels like community
Built for conversation, collaboration, and connection
With just 350 students, our small size shapes everything—from class discussions to shared meals. In the dining hall (TAB), it’s not unusual to find students, professors, and staff seated together in lively conversation. Our classrooms are set up for small group learning, with class sizes typically between 10–20.
This is a place where everyone knows your name—and cares what you have to say.
Spaces that reflect our values
Warm, natural, and never institutional
COA’s buildings are a blend of historic cottages and modern, sustainable architecture. You’ll see cedar shingles, wide porches, solar panels, and mass-timber—but you won’t find cold concrete or sterile lecture halls.
You might spot a weathered bench near the woods. A kayak rack by the boathouse. Tucked-away gardens with hand-painted signs. Rugged stone walls, heritage trees, and people who stop to say hello.
Our campus doesn’t just house learning, it inspires it.
Explore campus
See it for yourself—from anywhere
Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious, our interactive campus map gives you a closer look at the spaces that make up COA—from academic buildings and arts studios to oceanfront trails and student gardens.
Quick link: Visit the interactive campus map
Stories from the Field
“Follow it, relentlessly”: COA opens 55th academic year
Drawing on a career that has spanned science, cooking, and drug discovery, keynote speaker Seth Carbonneau ’05 urges students to follow their curiosity, embrace experiential learning, and value uncertainty. Read More
Research offers new insights into Atlantic sea scallop reproduction
Research led by Kaitlyn Kowaleski ’19 found that Atlantic sea scallops produce fewer viable eggs than previously estimated, offering new insights for fisheries management and marine conservation. Read MoreReady to build your own path?
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Talk with an admission counselor about your interests, questions, and goals.
Plan a Visit
Attend a class, meet students, and experience learning rooted in place.