Returning students: find the instructions and forms you need here>>

Financial aid deadlines for new students

Please be sure that we receive your full financial aid application, including the appropriate COA financial aid application and all accompanying paperwork, by the dates below:

  • Early Decision I: Dec 1
  • Early Decision II: Jan 15
  • Regular Decision: Feb 1
  • Transfer Admission: March 15

How apply for need-based financial aid

Domestic (U.S.) applicants*

Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). ​School Code: 011385

Step 2: Complete the College of the Atlantic New Student Financial Aid Verification and Application (see below).

Step 3: Provide COA with parent and student 2021 Tax Return Transcript or have used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool as well as copies of all W-2s and/or 1099-Misc.

New Dependent Student (Under 27)  

New Independent Student (27 and older)  

 Additional Documents 

Non-custodial Parent Finances

International applicants

Step 1: Download our International Students Financial Aid Information and Forms Packet. The packet includes directions,  the College of the Atlantic Certification of Finances and  College of the Atlantic Financial Aid Application for International Students.   The directions indicate which forms and paperwork you will need to submit, and when you need to submit them. 

Step 2: All international students, regardless of whether you are applying for aid, must submit the College of the Atlantic Certification of Finances form, found in the Financial Aid Information and Forms Packet. Your application for admission to COA can not be reviewed until this form has been submitted.

Step 3:  Complete and submit the College of the Atlantic Financial Aid Application for International Students along with corroborating documents such as bank statements, tax returns, or pay stubs. All documents and statements MUST be translated to English and calculated in US Dollars.

What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  and what information you will need to complete?

What it is:

To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever. ​School Code: 011385

College of the Atlantic uses your FAFSA information, along with other information, to determine your eligibility for need-based institutional aid.

What you will need to complete:

  • Your, and your parents’, Social Security Number
  • Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  • Your, and your parents’ federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
  • An FSA ID to sign electronically.