Bard College vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

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

Bard College is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Bard College vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Lawrence? 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 Lawrence University than Bard College ($27,161 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 35.5% lower than at Bard College ($12,165 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 16.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lawrence (about $9,454 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.6% higher at Bard College than at Lawrence University (about $9,454 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 29.4% larger than aid received by Lawrence University students ($55,235 vs. $42,688).

Bard College vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 50 points higher than at Lawrence (1310).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Lawrence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Lawrence has a higher acceptance rate (63.9%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Bard College vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Lawrence? 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).

• Lawrence University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Lawrence University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,600 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $1,156 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($26,194 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($270 vs. $282).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 76%)

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.