Returning Students
Continue your COA journey with confidence
Renewing your financial support
Even if you’re well on your way toward a purpose-driven education at College of the Atlantic, financial aid can still feel like a challenge. That’s why we review and renew aid annually—ensuring every returning student has the support they need to keep dreaming, leading, and actively building a just, sustainable future.
Below are your deadlines, application steps, and required forms so you can stay focused on what really matters: your interdisciplinary studies and extraordinary work at COA.
Key deadlines and requirements
Meeting these deadlines ensures your aid package continues without interruption.
Domestic (US) students
- Submit or renew your FAFSA (School Code: 011385) as soon after December 1 as possible—no later than March 1.
- Watch your email for any requests from the Financial Aid Office (e.g., tax forms, W-2s, or verification documents).
International students
- Submit both of the following by March 1:
All documents must be in English and amounts listed in U.S. dollars.
How to reapply for financial aid
1. Check what forms you need
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, 2026.
- If your FAFSA is selected for VERIFICATION, the Financial Aid Office will contact you. If notified, we’ll provide information on what is needed to complete your file. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Parent(s) and student 2024 Tax Return Transcript, or have used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
- Copies of all W-2s and/or 1099s
- Statement of Identity and Educational Purpose
Complete and submit the following documents by March 1:
- Download the International Student Financial Aid Information and Forms Packet
- Complete the 2026-2027 College of the Atlantic Certification of Finances
- Complete the 2026-2027 College of the Atlantic Financial Aid Application for International Students
- Be sure to include any supporting documentation, which may include but are not limited to:
- National tax return (2024)
- Bank account records
- Annual earnings statements
- Asset statements
- Letter/pay slip from employer
- Business/farm/corporate partnership tax documents
You’re typically considered independent if you’re 24 or older, or if you’ve received an approved Dependency Override. Check our dependency definitions or email us if you’re unsure.
If your parents are divorced or separated, you may need to complete the Non-Custodial Parent Finances Form.
2. Complete your application
- Domestic students: Renew your FAFSA each year by March 1
- International students: Submit the COA Financial Aid Application and supporting documents (e.g., translated bank statements or income records)
3. Respond to verification requests (if selected)
You may be asked to provide:
- 2023 IRS Tax Return transcript (parent and student) or IRS Data Retrieval Tool confirmation
- W-2s or 1099s
- Statement of Identity and Educational Purpose
4. Watch for your updated aid package
- We’ll notify you once your award is finalized.
Monitor your COA email and applicant portal for updates.
Staying on track
COA is committed to helping you continue your education without financial disruption. By meeting deadlines and keeping your documents up to date, you’ll be able to focus on what brought you here: immersive fieldwork, collaborative research, and the passions that drive you.
Need a hand?
financialaid@coa.edu
800-528-0025