Northland College has long been a leader and innovator in environmental liberal arts education and sustainability, and a very special community for its students, faculty, and staff. As cherished EcoLeague partner schools, College of the Atlantic and Northland share a similar ethos and pedagogical approach. Through our transfer and teach-out agreement, we aim to make the transfer process as smooth as possible and allow Northland students to seamlessly finish their undergraduate studies at COA with a BA in human ecology.

COA for Northland students:

  • COA will accept transfer applications for fall 2024 from currently enrolled Northland College undergraduate students at any point in their studies, including those who are currently on an approved leave of absence. All credits will be accepted toward a COA degree, though COA cannot award credit for physical education classes.
  • Northland students transferring to COA with more than two years of credit will have certain degree requirements waived and can petition to waive others.
  • COA offers one undergraduate degree, a BA in human ecology, within which students may self-design a program to meet their goals and interests. Browse some possible areas of study, course offerings, and the schedule of upcoming classes on the registrar’s page to get a sense of whether COA could be the right place for you to finish your degree.
  • COA’s expeditionary fund provides resources for students to take their learning off-campus. Northland students are eligible for a fund balance of $1000-$1800, depending on how many credits you will complete at COA.
  • We welcome campus visits, particularly on weekdays while term is in session. We can arrange for you to meet with specific faculty, sit in on classes, and of course have meals in the dining hall. 

How to apply:

  • We are asking Northland students to apply using the COA application, rather than the Common App. On the COA application, you will have the option to check a box indicating you are a Northland College transfer student. Checking this box will give you a streamlined application and space to write about your experience at Northland and why you think COA would be a good place to finish your studies.
  • COA does not have an application fee.
  • Northland students are not required to submit teacher recommendation letters.
  • COA will accept transfer applications from Northland students on a rolling basis pending space availability through July 1, 2024.
  • In place of the standard transfer student essay question, we ask Northland students to tell us why you believe COA will be a good place for you to finish your degree. On the COA application this question will populate automatically once you indicate you are a Northland College transfer applicant.
  • Read more about applying to COA.
  • Contact COA admission counselor Casey Schuller Jordan with your questions or call our office at 800-528-0025.