Luther- Norse vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

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

Bard College is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Bard College 9:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse or Bard College? 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 Luther College than Bard College ($24,511 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 38.8% lower than at Bard College ($11,530 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 27.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Luther- Norse (about $14,316 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $52,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.5% higher at Bard College than at Luther College (about $14,316 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $52,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Luther College than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 35% larger than aid received by Luther College students ($55,235 vs. $40,917).

Luther- Norse vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse or Bard College? 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 Bard College and Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 120 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Luther- Norse has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Luther- Norse vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse and Bard College? 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).

• Bard College's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from Luther College earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $806 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($26,194 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($270 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.