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Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY·Private nonprofit·2,444 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $61,500 within 10 years; exceptional 91% graduation rate.

19%
Accept
2,444
Students
$39,343
Net Price
91%
Grad Rate
$61,500
Earnings
10 yr
$18,625
Debt

About This School

Vassar College is a private nonprofit institution located in Poughkeepsie, New York with approximately 2,444 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 19%. The average net price after financial aid is $39,343 per year. The graduation rate is 91%, and the typical graduate earns $61,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Vassar College is a private liberal arts college in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York, United States. Founded in 1861 by Matthew Vassar, it was the second degree-granting institution of higher education for women in the United States. The college became coeducational in 1969. The college offers BA degrees in more than fifty majors. Vassar College's varsity sports teams, known as the Brewers, play in the NCAA Division III as members of the Liberty League. As of 2023, there are close to 2,500 students.

This is a strong option for students drawn to a true liberal arts experience in a small, residential setting — the 94% freshman retention rate signals that students who enroll genuinely want to stay. The financials are worth scrutinizing: at $38,182/year average net price, it's not cheap, though the relatively low median debt of $17,500 at graduation suggests aid packaging is working for many families. Median earnings of $61,500 a decade out are solid but not exceptional, so it's best suited for students who value intellectual breadth and aren't banking on an immediate high-salary career payoff.

Founded
1861
Setting
Large suburb
Avg Faculty Salary
$13,587

Popular Programs

Social Sciences22%
Biological Sciences18%
Visual & Performing Arts10%
Computer Science6%
Psychology6%
Communications3%
Education1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Meryl StreepJane FondaAnne HathawayJacqueline Kennedy OnassisAnthony BourdainGrace HopperLisa KudrowVera RubinRuth BenedictEdna St. Vincent MillayElizabeth BishopJustin Long

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1494
Reading 75th %ile770
Math 75th %ile780

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite33

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$71,030
Out-of-State Tuition
$71,030
Avg Net Price
$39,343
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$15,953
$30–48k$14,548
$48–75k$14,126
$75–110k$25,773
$110k+$56,615

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$18,625

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
91%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
95%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$61,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,625
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$40,900
Female graduates$38,200

Gap: 7% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,625
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$61,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White54%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino14%
Asian12%
Two or more races8%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,444 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Vassar College

124 Raymond Ave

Poughkeepsie, NY 12604

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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