Bard College vs. Hofstra

Comparable Facts

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

Hofstra University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (10,685 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Hofstra University is in Hempstead, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hofstra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Hofstra University 13:1.

Bard College vs. Hofstra Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Hofstra? 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 Hofstra ($29,320 vs. $35,792).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hofstra University are 4.1% lower than at Bard College ($18,082 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hofstra (about $8,776 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at Bard College than at Hofstra University (about $8,776 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hofstra University than at Bard College (99% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 57.5% larger than aid received by Hofstra University students ($55,235 vs. $35,061).

Bard College vs. Hofstra Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 40 points higher than at Hofstra (1320).
• Incoming Bard College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Hofstra (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Hofstra University 1230/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Hofstra University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Hofstra - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Hofstra has a higher acceptance rate (68.1%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 10.3% at Hofstra.

Bard College vs. Hofstra Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Hofstra? 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 Hofstra University's (58%).
• Graduates from Hofstra University earn a median of about $17,600 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,200 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hofstra University graduates have a $2,694 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Hofstra graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($242 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hofstra students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 72%)

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.