Bard College vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Bard College vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Mason? 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 George Mason University than Bard College ($18,823 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 16.6% lower than at Bard College ($15,725 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 367.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $52,216 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.7% higher at Bard College than at George Mason University (about $27,748 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at George Mason University (74% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 329.8% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($55,235 vs. $12,852).

Bard College vs. Mason Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 100 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Bard College vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Mason? 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 George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $20,300 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $6,444 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($19,750 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($204 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 73%)

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.