Vassar College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Vassar College
Set on an arboretum-like campus in the Hudson Valley, Vassar College is known for seminar-style teaching, close faculty mentorship, and a flexible, cross-disciplinary approach. Students dig into the arts, sciences, social inquiry, and quantitative work with equal care. Libraries, studios, labs, and a makerspace sit beside performance spaces and a well-used athletic center. Advising, counseling, tutoring, and a practical career office help map next steps, and alumni networks open doors to internships, research, and first jobs.
Student life skews lively and collaborative. You'll find student-led theater, music, publications, outdoor trips, and many identity and interest groups. Campus culture favors thoughtful debate, creative energy, and a welcoming vibe. Poughkeepsie brings river views, local arts, and hands-on community work, with a rail link that keeps New York City close. Traditions like Founder's Day add color. Notable alumni include Meryl Streep and Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Vassar College offers 47 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 707 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Social Sciences (8 programs, 146 graduates), Biological Sciences (3 programs, 109 graduates), Arts (4 programs, 73 graduates), Interdisciplinary (5 programs, 47 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 47 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Social Sciences (8 programs, 146 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 53 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Political Science and Government | 34 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| International Relations | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0901 |
| Sociology | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Urban Studies and Affairs | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1201 |
| Anthropology | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
| Geography | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0701 |
| Social Sciences | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.9999 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 109 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Neuroscience | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1501 |
Arts (4 programs, 73 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre Arts | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Art Studies | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Film and Media Studies | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0601 |
| Music | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
Interdisciplinary (5 programs, 47 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science, Technology, and Society | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.1501 |
| Cognitive Science | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.2501 |
| Ancient Studies and Civilization | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.2201 |
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.9999 |
| Medieval and Renaissance Studies | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.1301 |
Psychology (1 programs, 47 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Psychology | 47 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2799 |
Mathematics (1 programs, 45 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 45 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0101 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 42 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
Languages (7 programs, 41 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Language and Literature | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0301 |
| Russian Language and Literature | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0402 |
| French Language and Literature | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0901 |
| Italian Language and Literature | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0902 |
| Japanese Language and Literature | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0302 |
| Spanish Language and Literature | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0905 |
| German Language and Literature | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0501 |
Physical Sciences (4 programs, 35 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0801 |
| Geology and Earth Science | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0601 |
| Chemistry | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0501 |
| Astronomy | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0201 |
English (1 programs, 31 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Vassar College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Vassar College
How much does it cost to attend Vassar College?
The annual tuition at Vassar College is $67,805 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $87,470 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,415 (on) / $17,915 (off) and books and supplies $900.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Vassar College offer?
Vassar College offers 47 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (8 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (4 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (5 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Vassar College?
Vassar College has an 17.7% acceptance rate and a 32% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 12,145
- Students admitted: 2,153
- Students enrolled: 689
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Vassar College?
Vassar College provides financial aid to 28% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $53,840 and average loans of $4,507.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,261
- State/Local grants: $3,185
- Institutional grants: $51,757
- Federal loans: $2,687
The university supports 392 students with grants and 308 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Vassar College graduates?
Vassar College graduates earn a median salary of $49,177 after 6 years and $71,366 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $47,264 (25th percentile) to $105,378 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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