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Colleges / NY / Poughkeepsie
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Vassar College

Private nonprofit Poughkeepsie, NY · Suburban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
90%
Graduation Rate
$71,366
Earnings (10yr)
$39,343
Net Price
19%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 19%, Vassar College caters to a driven group of students who are looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a place where individuals interested in social sciences, biology, visual arts, computer science, and psychology can thrive. The 90% graduation rate speaks volumes about the supportive community and resources available to students. This strong completion rate indicates that students not only enroll but also feel empowered to finish their degrees.

Looking ahead, graduates earn a median income of around $71,366 a decade after leaving Vassar. That’s a solid return on investment, especially considering the quality of education they receive. Although 19% of students receive Pell Grants, many find their way to financial stability post-graduation. While we don’t have specific mobility data, the promising earnings suggest that students often move into fulfilling careers, leveraging their degrees effectively.

When it comes to the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $39,343, which can be daunting but is manageable given the median debt of $18,625. This debt level is relatively low compared to many private institutions, allowing graduates to focus on their careers rather than being burdened by excessive loans. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are not only academically inclined but also engaged in campus life and community, ready to take full advantage of the resources Vassar has to offer.

Rankings

How Vassar Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation90%Earnings 10yr$71KNet Price$39KRetention95%Median Debt$19KPell Grant Rate19%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$16K$0-30K$15K$30-48K$14K$48-75K$57K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%335.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3258.0%MOBILITY109.44%

Cost & Financial Aid

$71,030
In-State Tuition
$71,030
Out-of-State
$39,343
Avg Net Price
$18,625
Median Debt
19%
Pell Grant Rate
39%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$15,953
Family Income $0–$30K
$14,548
Family Income $30K–$48K
$14,126
Family Income $48K–$75K
$56,615
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$49,177
6 Years After Entry
$60,671
8 Years
$71,366
10 Years
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
67%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$49,177 6yr $60,671 8yr $71,366 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

109.44%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3258.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
335.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$145,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.84
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
15.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 19%
Retention Rate 95%
SAT Average 1494
ACT Midpoint 33
SAT Range 1450–1550
ACT Range 33–35
Full-Time Faculty 85%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,587
Diversity Index 0.66
First-Gen Students 14%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 22%
Biology & Biomedical 18%
Visual & Performing Arts 10%
Computer Science & IT 6%
Psychology 6%
Mathematics & Statistics 6%
Physical Sciences 5%
English & Literature 4%