Bard College vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Villanova University is in Villanova, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Villanova University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Villanova University 10:1.

Bard College vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Villanova? 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 Villanova ($29,320 vs. $37,201).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Villanova University are 6.1% lower than at Bard College ($17,694 vs. $18,852).
• Villanova University is 2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bard College (about $1,340 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2% higher at Villanova than at Bard College (about $1,340 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at Villanova University (74% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 16% larger than aid received by Villanova University students ($55,235 vs. $47,609).

Bard College vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 90 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Bard College vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $43,500 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $303 lower median loan debt than Villanova graduates ($26,194 vs. $26,497).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Villanova graduates ($270 vs. $273).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.