Bard College vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Bard College is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bard College vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Union 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 Union University than Bard College ($28,452 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 32.2% lower than at Bard College ($12,780 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 66% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $26,411 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66% higher at Bard College than at Union University (about $26,411 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 83.4% larger than aid received by Union University students ($55,235 vs. $30,120).

Bard College vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 80 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Bard College vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $1,354 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($24,840 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($256 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 66%)

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.