Wesleyan University vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

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

Wesleyan University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Bard College 9:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University 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 Wesleyan University than Bard College ($23,025 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bard College are 5.1% lower than at Wesleyan University ($18,852 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bard College (about $3,906 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Wesleyan University than at Bard College (about $3,906 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at Wesleyan University (74% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 19.5% larger than aid received by Bard College students ($65,995 vs. $55,235).

Wesleyan University vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wesleyan University 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 Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 120 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Wesleyan University 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: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Wesleyan University vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University 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).

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Wesleyan University earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $8,694 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($17,500 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($180 vs. $270).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 81%)

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.