New scholarship offers full tuition to Maine students at College of the Atlantic

Six Maine students entering College of the Atlantic in fall 2026 will receive full-tuition scholarships through the college’s new Pine Tree Scholars program.

In addition to tuition, any demonstrated financial need, including costs such as room and board, will be met in full based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), without loans.

The Pine Tree Scholars program is made possible by a $775,000 gift from an anonymous donor, which College of the Atlantic will match to fully fund the scholarships.

To be considered, students must be Maine residents, entering college for the first time, with a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 3.2. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to their community through volunteer service or paid work, and demonstrate their goals for a COA education in their admission application. Continued scholarship support beyond the first year is contingent upon full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress toward the bachelor’s degree.

“The Pine Tree Scholars program is about opening doors for Maine students,” says COA Chief Operating Officer Heather Albert-Knopp ’99. “We are grateful for the generosity that made this scholarship possible and for the opportunity to expand access to a COA education.”

College of the Atlantic also provides full-tuition waivers to enrolled members of the Wabanaki tribes as part of its broader commitment to access and equity.

Students do not need to submit a separate application for the Pine Tree Scholars program. Eligible students will be identified through COA’s standard application for admission and financial aid for fall 2026. Admissions and financial aid staff will determine scholarship eligibility during the review process.

Students who apply but are not selected as Pine Tree Scholars will still be considered for COA’s robust need-based financial aid program, which supports students from a wide range of financial backgrounds.

The application deadline for fall 2026 admission at College of the Atlantic is February 1. Visit coa.edu/apply.

For more information about making a donation to support scholarships, visit coa.edu/giving.