Smith College vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare Smith College in Northampton, 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 Smith College based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 2,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Smith College is located in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Smith College 8:1; Bard College 9:1.

Smith College vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Smith 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 Smith College than Bard College ($27,305 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bard College are 16.5% lower than at Smith College ($18,852 vs. $22,570).
• Bard College is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Smith College (about $1,258 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at Bard College than at Smith College (about $1,258 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at Smith College (74% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 6.3% larger than aid received by Bard College students ($58,725 vs. $55,235).

Smith College vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Smith College (1480) is 120 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Smith College 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: Smith College 1420/1540; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Smith College 32/35; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Smith College - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Smith College Jan 15, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Smith College (21%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.4% at Smith College vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Smith College vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Smith 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).

• Smith College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Smith College earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $7,194 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($196 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Smith College 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.