UMBC vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore, MD with Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Maryland Baltimore County is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (13,906 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Maryland Baltimore County is located in Baltimore, MD (Large Suburban setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• University of Maryland Baltimore County is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Maryland Baltimore County 17:1; Bard College 9:1.

UMBC vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UMBC 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 University of Maryland Baltimore County than Bard College ($18,770 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Maryland Baltimore County are 19.7% lower than at Bard College ($15,146 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 401.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UMBC (about $53,180 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $13,256.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 112.4% higher at Bard College than at University of Maryland Baltimore County (about $35,161 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $31,275.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Maryland Baltimore County than at Bard College (88% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 441.4% larger than aid received by University of Maryland Baltimore County students ($55,235 vs. $10,203).

UMBC vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UMBC 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 UMBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 30 points higher than at UMBC (1330).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at UMBC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Maryland Baltimore County 1240/1420; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Maryland Baltimore County 25/31; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UMBC - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UMBC Feb 1, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• UMBC has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at UMBC vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

UMBC vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UMBC 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 University of Maryland Baltimore County's (57%).
• Graduates from University of Maryland Baltimore County earn a median of about $17,900 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Maryland Baltimore County graduates have a $4,997 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($21,197 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, UMBC graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($219 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UMBC students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 67%)

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.