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Bard College vs Colgate University

Bard College is a private college in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY. Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY. Colgate University admits about 14% of applicants and Bard College about 52%, making Colgate University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,786 a year at Colgate University after aid, and about $34,649 at Bard College. About 91% of students graduate at Colgate University, compared with 70% at Bard College. Ten years after enrolling, Colgate University alumni earn a median of about $85,139, against $46,543 for Bard College.

Bard College

Annandale-On-Hudson, NY · Private

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Annandale-On-Hudson, NY
Hamilton, NY
Setting
Rural
Rural
Undergraduates
2,414
3,180
Acceptance rate
52%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1450
1430–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
33–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$34,649
$28,786
Full cost / yr
$84,553
$87,070
In-state tuition
$66,436
$70,306
Out-of-state tuition
$66,436
$70,306
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,012
$6,086
$30k - $48k
$21,038
$2,678
$48k - $75k
$22,139
$13,617
$75k - $110k
$28,185
$21,831
Over $110k
$44,873
$48,234
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
91%
Freshman retention
85%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$31,072
$64,949
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,543
$85,139
Median debt at graduation
$24,254
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
13%
First-generation students
12%
18%
International students
14%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bard College or Colgate University harder to get into?
Colgate University is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 52% at Bard College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bard College or Colgate University?
Colgate University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,786 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $34,649 at Bard College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bard College and Colgate University?
Before aid, Bard College costs about $84,553 a year and Colgate University about $87,070. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bard College or Colgate University?
Colgate University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,086 there, against about $19,012 at Bard College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bard College or Colgate University?
Colgate University is the larger of the two, with about 3,180 undergraduates against 2,414 at Bard College.
Does Bard College or Colgate University have a better graduation rate?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 70% at Bard College.
Do graduates of Bard College or Colgate University earn more?
Colgate University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $85,139 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,543 for Bard College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bard College and Colgate University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bard College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Colgate University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bard College and Colgate University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270–1450 at Bard College and 1430–1540 at Colgate University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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