Yale vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

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

Yale University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (15,564 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Yale University 5:1; Bard College 9:1.

Yale vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale 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 Yale University than Bard College ($22,408 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bard College are 5.3% lower than at Yale University ($18,852 vs. $19,900).
• Yale University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bard College (about $814 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at Yale than at Bard College (about $814 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $66,436.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bard College than at Yale University (74% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Bard College students ($65,892 vs. $55,235).

Yale vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Yale 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 Yale.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 160 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Yale 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: Yale University 1470/1570; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Yale vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale 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).

• Yale University's six-year graduation rate (97%) is higher than Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $76,800 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $12,694 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($13,500 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $131 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($139 vs. $270).
• More Yale graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.