AU vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

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

American University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Bard College 9:1.

AU vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU 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 Bard College than AU ($29,320 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 4.6% lower than at Bard College ($17,982 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 13% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $7,665 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13% higher at Bard College than at American University (about $7,665 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at American University (74% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 52% larger than aid received by American University students ($55,235 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU 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 AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 10 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming AU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Bard College (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

AU vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU 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).

• American University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $23,200 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,944 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($250 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 80%)

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.