Application Deadlines
College of the Atlantic
Dates & deadlines
We look forward to reading your application soon! Use the dates below to see when to submit your materials and when you can expect a decision. If you have any questions about which deadline is best for you, reach out to us at inquiry@coa.edu or 800-528-0025.
First-year student application deadlines
| Round | Admission application | Financial aid application | Decision response | Enrollment deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | December 1 | December 15 | January 10 | Binding. Best if COA is your top choice. |
| Early Action | December 1 | December 1 | January 31 | May 1 | Nonbinding. Hear early, decide by May 1. |
| Early Decision II | January 15 | January 15 | January 30 | February 15 | Binding. Same as ED I, different dates. |
| Regular Decision | February 1 | February 1 | April 1 | May 1 | Nonbinding. Traditional application. |
- Early Decision (ED) is binding, meaning if admitted, you agree to enroll at COA and withdraw all other applications. You may apply ED I or ED II, depending on which timeline fits your preparation best.
- Early Action (EA) is nonbinding, giving you an early response while leaving you free to decide until May 1.
- Regular Decision (RD) is also nonbinding, with admission decisions in the spring.
- Financial aid: Be sure to submit all required forms by the stated deadlines for each admission round or term you’re applying to.
Transfer application deadlines
COA welcomes transfer applicants for fall, winter, or spring terms. First-year students may also apply for winter or spring entry using these deadlines. (International students are encouraged to apply for fall admission.)
| Entry Term | Admission application | Financial aid application | Decision response | Enrollment deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | March 15 | March 15 | April 15 | May 15 | Applications accepted after March 15 pending space availability |
| Winter Term (U.S. Students) | November 1 | November 1 | Rolling, two weeks from receipt of application | Four weeks from decision, no later than December 1 | Rolling admissions from August 1 through November 1 |
| Winter Term (International Students) | October 15 | October 15 | November 1 | November 15 | Rolling admissions from August 1 through October 15 |
| Spring Term | February 1 | February 1 | February 15 | March 1 | International students do not typically start in spring |