Bard College vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Bard College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bard College vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University than Bard College ($18,595 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 22.9% lower than at Bard College ($14,540 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 156.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $40,578 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 156.9% higher at Bard College than at Fisk University (about $40,578 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Bard College (87% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 142.1% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($55,235 vs. $22,811).

Bard College vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bard College or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University and Bard College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 30 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Bard College vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Fisk University? 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Bard College earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisk University graduates have a $194 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Fisk University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($268 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 38%)

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.