Hampshire College vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

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

Bard College is larger than Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hampshire College is located in Amherst, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Hampshire College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hampshire College 13:1; Bard College 9:1.

Hampshire College vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire College 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 Hampshire College than Bard College ($27,895 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hampshire College are 15.4% lower than at Bard College ($15,958 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 12.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hampshire College (about $7,540 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $58,896.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.8% higher at Bard College than at Hampshire College (about $7,540 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $58,896.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hampshire College than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Hampshire College students ($55,235 vs. $46,145).

Hampshire College vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hampshire College 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 Hampshire College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hampshire College - Test-free; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hampshire College Jan 15, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Hampshire College has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at Hampshire College vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Hampshire College vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hampshire College 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).

• Bard College's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Hampshire College's (61%).
• Graduates from Bard College earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Hampshire College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have a $2,663 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($23,531 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($243 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hampshire College students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 72%)

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.