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Barnard College vs Vassar College

Barnard College is a private college in New York, NY, and Vassar College is a private college in Poughkeepsie, NY. Barnard College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 19% at Vassar College. Barnard College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,800 a year against $39,343 at Vassar College. About 93% of students graduate at Barnard College, compared with 90% at Vassar College. Ten years after enrolling, Barnard College alumni earn a median of about $80,516, against $71,366 for Vassar College.

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Barnard College

New York, NY · Private

Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
Poughkeepsie, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,264
2,444
Acceptance rate
9%
19%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1560
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,800
$39,343
Full cost / yr
$89,538
$87,419
In-state tuition
$69,888
$71,030
Out-of-state tuition
$69,888
$71,030
Application fee
$75
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,600
$15,953
$30k - $48k
$15,374
$14,548
$48k - $75k
$19,094
$14,126
$75k - $110k
$24,753
$25,773
Over $110k
$51,378
$56,615
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
90%
Freshman retention
97%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,411
$49,177
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,516
$71,366
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$18,625
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
19%
First-generation students
16%
14%
International students
16%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 1

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 Barnard College or Vassar College harder to get into?
Barnard College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 19% at Vassar 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, Barnard College or Vassar College?
Barnard College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,800 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $39,343 at Vassar 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 Barnard College and Vassar College?
Before aid, Vassar College costs about $87,419 a year and Barnard College about $89,538. 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, Barnard College or Vassar College?
Barnard College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,600 there, against about $15,953 at Vassar College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Barnard College or Vassar College?
Barnard College is the larger of the two, with about 3,264 undergraduates against 2,444 at Vassar College.
Does Barnard College or Vassar College have a better graduation rate?
Barnard College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 90% at Vassar College.
Do graduates of Barnard College or Vassar College earn more?
Barnard College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,516 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,366 for Vassar College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Barnard College and Vassar College require SAT or ACT scores?
Barnard College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Vassar College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Barnard College and Vassar College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470–1560 at Barnard College and 1450–1550 at Vassar College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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