Experience COA
Where a walk around campus could spark your next big idea
Visit Us
At the edge of land and sea
There’s nothing like looking across the water to the islands of Frenchman Bay, smelling the salt air and peering into our classrooms, labs, and studios to see how human ecology comes alive at COA. Here, your tour isn’t just a walk through campus—it’s a window into experiential learning, student-led projects, and a tight-knit community built on collaboration.
“When I first set foot on campus, I knew I had found my place.”
Student perspective
Meet current students
Walk and talk with a student guide to hear how they design their own academic path.
Living classroom
Explore real-world labs
From Beech Hill Farm to the waterfront and intertidal, from the trails of Acadia National Park to the village of Bar Harbor—this is your living laboratory.
Academic fit
Imagine your future
Sit in on a class or speak with a faculty member to see how our interdisciplinary approach can spark your curiosity.
Belonging
Join a community where all are welcome
At COA, we welcome a plurality of experience, background, and orientation.
Note: Tours may not be offered every day—please check our calendar to confirm availability.
Come and see
Tour and visit options
We offer campus tours on most weekdays throughout the year, plus:
- In-person interviews: High school seniors, gap-year students, and prospective transfers can set up an on-campus interview with an admission counselor.
- Join a class: when term is in session, you can request to sit in on a class and experience COA’s academic environment firsthand: email us at visit@coa.edu to learn more.
Can’t visit in person? We’ve got you covered
- Virtual chats: Talk casually, one-on-one, with a member of our admissions team about everything from academic interests to financial aid.
- Video tours & info sessions: Join us for a campus tour on YouTube, or participate in a virtual session and get your questions answered.
- Interactive campus map: Want to explore before you arrive? Use our interactive map to discover our oceanfront setting and academic spaces.
- Online interviews: If you’re serious about applying, we’d love the chance to get to know you better and answer all your questions about COA!
Contact & next steps
Ready to see why so many students say they “just knew” when they visited?
Go on a tour: Schedule a campus visit
Book an interview: Meet with admissions
Send us your questions: visit@coa.edu or call 800-528-0025
What to expect
Friendly faces: Every tour is led by a current student who can share their real experience—and insider tips.
Community connection: Expect spontaneous greetings from students, faculty, or staff who are always happy to chat with visitors. All are welcome here!
Explore beyond the classroom:
- COA farms: Tour our organic vegetable and livestock farms and see sustainable agriculture in action.
- The intertidal: Our island has miles of rocky shoreline where we practice ecology, art, and science.
- Downtown Bar Harbor: Step off campus to shop, sight see, and experience the charm of one of Maine’s most vibrant small towns.
- The COA Dorr Museum: Explore decades worth of natural history exhibits designed entirely by students.
- Take-a-Break dining hall: Grab a fresh, made-from-scratch meal in our dining hall or try a smoothie, sandwich, or pizza from Sea Urchin Café.
Lodging & local information
Whether you’re attending an event or visiting on your own, Bar Harbor has plenty to explore.
Where to stay
- Many hotels and inns are located within a mile of campus, some just a 3-minute walk away!
- Mention COA when booking—some hotels may offer discounts.
Dining & activities
- We encourage you to join us for at least one meal in COA’s dining hall during your visit; but Bar Harbor also has a wide array of local restaurants and cafes!
- Experience the area by hiking, biking, or exploring in Acadia National Park, check out the Abbe Museum, or catch a movie at Reel Pizza Cinerama or a live event at the Criterion Theater.
- Check the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce for updated lodging, restaurant, and activity listings.
Ready to build your own path?
Apply Now
Join a close-knit community built for curiosity, collaboration, and purpose.
connect with admissions
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.