Bard College vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Bard College vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Jefferson? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bard College than Jefferson ($29,320 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 16% lower than at Bard College ($15,834 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 39.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $18,931 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.9% higher at Bard College than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $18,931 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 57.8% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($55,235 vs. $35,007).

Bard College vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bard College or Jefferson? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Jefferson and Bard College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 110 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Bard College vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Jefferson? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $81,300 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $13,694 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($12,500 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $141 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($129 vs. $270).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 81%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.