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Hamilton College vs Vassar College

Hamilton College is a private college in Clinton, NY, and Vassar College is a private college in Poughkeepsie, NY. Hamilton College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 19% at Vassar College. Hamilton College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,985 a year against $39,343 at Vassar College. About 91% of students graduate at Hamilton College, compared with 90% at Vassar College. Ten years after enrolling, Hamilton College alumni earn a median of about $78,411, against $71,366 for Vassar College.

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Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private

Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Clinton, NY
Poughkeepsie, NY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,030
2,444
Acceptance rate
14%
19%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1550
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,985
$39,343
Full cost / yr
$84,230
$87,419
In-state tuition
$68,960
$71,030
Out-of-state tuition
$68,960
$71,030
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,028
$15,953
$30k - $48k
$9,489
$14,548
$48k - $75k
$10,863
$14,126
$75k - $110k
$20,614
$25,773
Over $110k
$46,907
$56,615
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
90%
Freshman retention
95%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,082
$49,177
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,411
$71,366
Median debt at graduation
$17,000
$18,625
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
19%
First-generation students
13%
14%
International students
8%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
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 Hamilton College or Vassar College harder to get into?
Hamilton College is harder to get into. It admits about 14% 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, Hamilton College or Vassar College?
Hamilton College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,985 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 Hamilton College and Vassar College?
Before aid, Hamilton College costs about $84,230 a year and Vassar College about $87,419. 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, Hamilton College or Vassar College?
Hamilton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,028 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, Hamilton College or Vassar College?
Vassar College is the larger of the two, with about 2,444 undergraduates against 2,030 at Hamilton College.
Does Hamilton College or Vassar College have a better graduation rate?
Hamilton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 90% at Vassar College.
Do graduates of Hamilton College or Vassar College earn more?
Hamilton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,411 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,366 for Vassar College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hamilton College and Vassar College require SAT or ACT scores?
Hamilton 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 Hamilton College and Vassar College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1550 at Hamilton College and 1450–1550 at Vassar 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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