About Vassar College
The sticker price hits $86,120 annually, but most students pay far less after aid. Families earning under $30,000 typically pay just $15,964, while those making $75,000-$110,000 average $30,066. Graduates earn a median of $71,366 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $18,625 manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $197, and 93.32% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.
Women make up 62.10% of the student body, reflecting Vassar's history as a women's college until 1969. The campus houses 2,455 students, creating an intimate residential experience. With a 94.40% retention rate and 90.58% of students graduating in four years, Vassar clearly delivers on its promises to students seeking rigorous liberal arts education.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 90.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 89.1%
- Retention Rate
- 94.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,366
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,535 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $49,683 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $41,025 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $39,741 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $35,600 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,959 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,708 |
Campus Life
The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name and research interests. Weekends revolve around campus life since Poughkeepsie doesn't offer much nightlife for college students. The college's progressive tradition shows in everything from gender-neutral housing options to student-run cooperatives. With 62% of students being women and strong liberal arts programs, intellectual conversations happen everywhere from dining halls to dorm common rooms. The Brewers compete in 25 Division III sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics and arts. Students often head to nearby hiking trails or catch trains to New York City, but most social energy stays concentrated on the tight-knit campus community.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,455 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1861
Campus Safety (2023)
67 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 14 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 57.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 37.9%
- Women
- 62.1%
- White
- 55.1%
- Black
- 3.9%
- Hispanic
- 11.9%
- Asian
- 11.8%
- In-State Students
- 27.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.9%
Location
- Address
- Poughkeepsie, New York 12604
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,366
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,396
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 93.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $197/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,625
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Vassar College?
Vassar College accepts 18.66% of applicants, making it highly selective. The college attracts strong students with an average SAT score of 1483 and has built a reputation as one of the most strong liberal arts institutions.
How much does Vassar College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Vassar College is $38,182, lower than the full cost of $86,120. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,964 on average, reflecting the college's commitment to making education accessible despite its top status.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Vassar College?
Vassar College maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 2,430 students. This intimate academic environment allows for close mentorship and reflects the college's focus on personalized liberal arts education.
What are the career outcomes for Vassar College graduates?
Vassar graduates earn a median salary of $71,366 ten years after graduation with a 91.8% employment rate. The college has produced numerous successful actors including Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, reflecting its strong alumni network in entertainment and other fields.
Where is Vassar College located and what is campus life like?
Vassar College sits in Poughkeepsie, New York, in a large suburban setting with housing capacity for 2,455 students. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and maintains a 94.40% retention rate, indicating high student satisfaction with the college experience.
Does Vassar College offer athletic scholarships?
Vassar College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution in the Liberty League. The college fields 25 varsity sports with 452 total athletes, emphasizing participation and balance rather than athletic recruitment in its admissions process.
