A gift from an anonymous donor has made it possible for Bar Harbor’s College of the Atlantic to provide full scholarships for six Maine students next year.
The Pine Tree Scholars program has been funded by a $775,000 anonymous donation, which the College of the Atlantic plans to fully match to provide full scholarships. Eligible students will also have loan-free financial support for room and board and other needs met based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Eligible students must be Maine residents entering college for the first time, with a minimum, unweighted high school GPA of 3.2. Applicants are asked to show that they have participated in community volunteer or paid work, and demonstrate their goals should they attend the College of the Atlantic in their general application.
A separate application for the Pine Tree Scholars program is not required; eligible students will be identified through the typical application process.
Students will be eligible for continued scholarship support as long as they remain enrolled full time and make adequate progress toward achieving a bachelor’s degree.
“The Pine Tree Scholars program is about opening doors for Maine students,” said COA Chief Operating Officer Heather Albert-Knopp “We are grateful for the generosity that made this scholarship possible and for the opportunity to expand access to a COA education.”
All applicants are considered for the College of the Atlantic’s financial aid programs, which assists students who qualify for aid.
The application deadline for fall 2026 admission at College of the Atlantic is February 1. For more information about applying to the college, visit coa.edu.