Vassar vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vassar College is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (2,462 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Vassar College is located in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Vassar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Vassar College 7:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Vassar vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vassar or Muhlenberg 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 Vassar College than Muhlenberg College ($29,981 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 20.2% lower than at Vassar College ($14,548 vs. $18,240).
• Vassar College is 13.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $8,225 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.1% higher at Vassar than at Muhlenberg College (about $8,225 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Vassar College (99% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vassar College students is 35% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($57,443 vs. $42,545).

Vassar vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Vassar or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College and Vassar.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vassar College (1500) is 170 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Vassar students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vassar College 1450/1550; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vassar College 33/35; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vassar - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vassar Jan 1, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vassar students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Vassar (18.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at Vassar vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Vassar vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vassar and Muhlenberg 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).

• Vassar College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Vassar graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vassar College graduates have a $10,710 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($15,780 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Vassar graduates have an estimated $110 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($163 vs. $273).
• More Vassar graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 84%)

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.