Bard College vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

Bard College is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Bard College vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($29,320 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 22.8% lower than at Bard College ($14,548 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $3,631 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Bard College than at Muhlenberg College (about $3,631 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Bard College (99% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 29.8% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($55,235 vs. $42,545).

Bard College vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 30 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Bard College vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Muhlenberg 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $22,100 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $296 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($26,194 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($270 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 81%)

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.