Bard College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Bard College is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Bard College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Willamette 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 Bard College than Willamette University ($29,320 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 14.3% lower than at Bard College ($16,150 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 29.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $15,280 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.9% higher at Bard College than at Willamette University (about $15,280 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 45% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($55,235 vs. $38,080).

Bard College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 20 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Bard College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Willamette University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Bard College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Willamette 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).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $194 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($268 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 80%)

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.