Northeastern vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Bard College 9:1.

Northeastern vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern 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 Northeastern ($29,320 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bard College are 3.7% lower than at Northeastern University ($18,852 vs. $19,580).
• Bard College is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $274 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Bard College than at Northeastern University (about $274 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at Northeastern University (74% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 9.5% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($55,235 vs. $50,421).

Northeastern vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern 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 Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 130 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Northeastern vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern 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).

• Northeastern University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $27,900 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $1,681 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($26,194 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($270 vs. $288).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 79%)

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.