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Bard College vs Syracuse University

Bard College is a private college in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY. Syracuse University is a private university in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse University admits about 46% of applicants and Bard College about 52%, making Syracuse University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $34,649 a year at Bard College after aid, and about $38,793 at Syracuse University. About 82% of students graduate at Syracuse University, compared with 70% at Bard College. Ten years after enrolling, Syracuse University alumni earn a median of about $79,164, against $46,543 for Bard College.

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Bard College

Annandale-On-Hudson, NY · Private

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Annandale-On-Hudson, NY
Syracuse, NY
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
2,414
15,477
Acceptance rate
52%
46%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1450
1270–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$34,649
$38,793
Full cost / yr
$84,553
$84,517
In-state tuition
$66,436
$65,528
Out-of-state tuition
$66,436
$65,528
Application fee
$0
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,012
$15,817
$30k - $48k
$21,038
$15,845
$48k - $75k
$22,139
$21,132
$75k - $110k
$28,185
$28,780
Over $110k
$44,873
$55,401
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
82%
Freshman retention
85%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$31,072
$60,459
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,543
$79,164
Median debt at graduation
$24,254
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
17%
First-generation students
12%
19%
International students
14%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

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 Syracuse University harder to get into?
Syracuse University is harder to get into. It admits about 46% 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 Syracuse University?
Bard College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $34,649 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,793 at Syracuse University. 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 Syracuse University?
Before aid, Syracuse University costs about $84,517 a year and Bard College about $84,553. 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 Syracuse University?
Syracuse University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,817 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 Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is the larger of the two, with about 15,477 undergraduates against 2,414 at Bard College.
Does Bard College or Syracuse University have a better graduation rate?
Syracuse University has the higher graduation rate, at about 82% against 70% at Bard College.
Do graduates of Bard College or Syracuse University earn more?
Syracuse University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,164 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,543 for Bard College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bard College and Syracuse University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bard College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Syracuse University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bard College and Syracuse University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270–1450 at Bard College and 1270–1440 at Syracuse University. 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