George Washington vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

George Washington vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington or Bard 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 George Washington ($29,320 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 10.2% lower than at Bard College ($16,920 vs. $18,852).
• George Washington University is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bard College (about $1,274 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at George Washington than at Bard College (about $1,274 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at Bard College (78% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 47.3% larger than aid received by George Washington University students ($55,235 vs. $37,500).

George Washington vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 70 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than George Washington (47.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

George Washington vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington and Bard 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).

• George Washington University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $38,900 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Washington University graduates have a $1,232 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($24,962 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, George Washington graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($258 vs. $270).
• More George Washington graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.