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Bard College vs Skidmore College

Bard College is a private college in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY, and Skidmore College is a private college in Saratoga Springs, NY. Skidmore College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 21% of applicants against 52% at Bard College. Skidmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $32,297 a year against $34,649 at Bard College. About 82% of students graduate at Skidmore College, compared with 70% at Bard College. Ten years after enrolling, Skidmore College alumni earn a median of about $69,363, against $46,543 for Bard College.

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Bard College

Annandale-On-Hudson, NY · Private

Skidmore College

Saratoga Springs, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Annandale-On-Hudson, NY
Saratoga Springs, NY
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,414
2,694
Acceptance rate
52%
21%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1450
1340–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$34,649
$32,297
Full cost / yr
$84,553
$85,270
In-state tuition
$66,436
$67,290
Out-of-state tuition
$66,436
$67,290
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,012
$9,932
$30k - $48k
$21,038
$11,454
$48k - $75k
$22,139
$15,855
$75k - $110k
$28,185
$22,438
Over $110k
$44,873
$45,136
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
82%
Freshman retention
85%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$31,072
$46,923
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,543
$69,363
Median debt at graduation
$24,254
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
13%
First-generation students
12%
15%
International students
14%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 8

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 Skidmore College harder to get into?
Skidmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 21% 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 Skidmore College?
Skidmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $32,297 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 Skidmore College?
Before aid, Bard College costs about $84,553 a year and Skidmore College about $85,270. 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 Skidmore College?
Skidmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,932 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 Skidmore College?
Skidmore College is the larger of the two, with about 2,694 undergraduates against 2,414 at Bard College.
Does Bard College or Skidmore College have a better graduation rate?
Skidmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 82% against 70% at Bard College.
Do graduates of Bard College or Skidmore College earn more?
Skidmore College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,363 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,543 for Bard College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bard College and Skidmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bard College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Skidmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bard College and Skidmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270–1450 at Bard College and 1340–1480 at Skidmore College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school