Vassar College

School Overview

Vassar College is located in Poughkeepsie, NY, 12604, set within a suburban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #13 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Getting into Vassar College is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 19%. Prospective students should present a strong academic profile to be considered. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1448-1550 and ACT scores of 33-35. Applications are due by Jan. 1, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

With just 2,462 undergraduates, Vassar College provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 73% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 84%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Vassar College include Economics, General (7% of students, median early-career salary: $103,043), Biochemistry (7% of students, median early-career salary: $71,377), and Biology/Biological Sciences, General (6% of students, median early-career salary: $71,377). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

The published tuition and fees are $74,265 per year. Room and board adds approximately $19,055. However, the average net price after financial aid is $35,701, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $68,699 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Vassar College's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Vassar College combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Vassar College is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.