Bard College vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); University of Rochester is in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; University of Rochester 9:1.

Bard College vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or U of R? 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 U of R ($29,320 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bard College are 4.7% lower than at University of Rochester ($18,852 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bard College (about $644 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at U of R than at Bard College (about $644 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at University of Rochester (74% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 21.4% larger than aid received by University of Rochester students ($55,235 vs. $45,500).

Bard College vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bard College or U of R? 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 U of R and Bard College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 120 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming U of R students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Bard College vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and U of R? 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).

• University of Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $29,400 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $1,694 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($253 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 79%)

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.