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Vassar College

40.3(0)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1861
Founded
1861
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide

About Vassar College

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Vassar College was founded in the year 1861 in New York and is known as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. Its diverse and inclusive campus community empowers students to mark their presence on the globe. Vassar College works with the mission of making liberal education accessible to all while promoting analytical, informed, and singular thinking through its wide range of programs.
Explore: Vassar College Reviews!

With a total strength of more than 2400, the college has a diverse campus with space for all. Small-sized classes with a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, students and faculty share the best camaraderie. With more than 100 student organizations on campus, the college offers several opportunities and conducts events to keep the students engaged.

Table of Contents

  1. Vassar College Ranking
  2. Vassar College Highlights
  3. Vassar College Campus and Accommodations
    3.1  Vassar College Accomodations
  4. Vassar College Programs
  5. Vassar College Application Process
    5.1 English Language Requirements
  6. Vassar College Cost of Attendance
  7. Vassar College Financial Aid
  8. Vassar College Alumni
  9. Vassar College Placements

Vassar College Ranking

  • #22 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie)  by US News 2022
  • #3 in Best Colleges for Veterans  by US News 2022
  • #36 in Best Undergraduate Teaching by US News 2022
  • No.34 among the Top Performers on Social Mobility by the US News and World Report.
  • Ranked No.11 among the Best Value Schools by the US News and World Report.

Highlights

Institution Type Private
Campus Setting Suburban
Endowment 1.083 billion USD
Student Retention Rate 72%
Work-study program yes
Mode of Program Full time; Part-time; online
Campus Housing Capacity 95%
Annual cost of Attendance 70,980 USD
Admission Helpdesk [email protected];
845 437-7300

Vassar College Campus

  • The campus of Vassar College is spread over 1000 acres in the suburban setting.
  • Located 75 miles north of New York City, the college is amidst the beautiful Hudson Valley.
  • The ALANA centre on-campus is the space for student organizations with similar goals in empowering students of colour.
  • The campus is well equipped with facilities like a library, cafeteria, gymnasium, etc.
  • There are a special LGBTQ Center and Women’s Center for the students to conduct relative activities under the same roof.

Vassar College Residence

  • There are nine traditional houses and each house can accommodate more than 150 to 350 students
  • Majority students of first, second, and third years stay on-campus.
  • The majority of fourth-year students live in three apartment complexes namely Terrace apartment, Townhouses, and the South commons.
  • The Dexter M.Ferry Cooperative house accommodates some 20 students in total.
  • 98% of the students live on-campus.
  • All residence halls are equipped with facilities like bed, dresser, desk/chair, wired and wireless internet connection, kitchen facilities, beauty & health parlors, multipurpose rooms for house activities, television rooms, and laundry.
  • There are a plethora of off-campus student housing options available in the US equipped with facilities similar to that of residence halls.
  • For those who prefer to live off-campus must get approval from the Office of Residential Life.

Vassar College Programs

  • Majors and minor programs are offered in 30 departments.
  • There are more than 5 interdisciplinary programs, 13 multidisciplinary, 51 majors, 2 accelerated and Dual degrees, and the Interdisciplinary independent program here.
  • There are over more than 1000 programs for the students.
  • The major field consists of more than 10 to 17 courses.
  • The minor field consists of more than six courses.

Also Check: Courses at Vassar College!

Vassar College Application Process

Students seeking admission to Vassar College need to know about the following important points before making an application:

  • Application Portal: QuestBridge Application, Common Application, Coalition Application
  • Application Fee: Graduate applicants: 65 USD

Standardized test scores

  • Scores of ACT or equivalent SAT score
  • English proficiency test scores:
    • TOEFL iBT score: 100
    • TOEFL PBT score: 600
    • IELTS: 7.0
  • Supporting Documents: Secondary school report, High School transcript, teacher evaluations
  • Graduation rate: 88% ; Retention rate: 96%

Vassar College Cost of Attendance

On average, students need to incur the following expenses every academic year to continue their education at Vassar College.

Annual Budget Academic Year  Estimate in USD
Tuition 61,940
Room and Board 15,710
Student Activity Fees 930
Apartment and Board 16,210
Health Insurance 3,230

Vassar College International Student Scholarships

  • Vassar College offers financial aid worth 1,200 to 1,600 USD to more than 60% of its students. The college invests more than 58,000,000 USD annually in scholarships in USA. There are tons of grants, scholarships, and awards are distributed.
  • International students are eligible to avail need-based financial assistance and must apply for it at the time of admission.
  • Vassar College takes care of the 100% need-based financial assistance upon admission.

Vassar College Alumni

Vassar College takes good care of its alumni and offers several benefits to them including alumni awards, travel programs, alumnae events, reunions, etc. The college has over 40,000 alumnae across the globe.

Some notable alumni:

  • Zach Sorgan: Award-winning songwriter;
  • Lillie Cooper: Actress from “Tootsie”;
  • Sau Lan Wu: Renowned Physicist;
  • Fits Patton: Won Tony Award for best sound design for “Choir Boy”

Vassar College Placements

Vassar College offers an average salary package of 73,000 USD. Some of the top job profiles with average salary are tabulated below. 

Job Title Average Salary Package (USD)
Project Manager 67,443
Software Engineer 95,000
Executive Director 70,733
Director of Communications 83,731
Management Consultant 77,176

Vassar College, which was founded in 1861 in New York, is regarded as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. Its diverse and inclusive campus community enables students to make their mark on the world. Vassar College strives to make liberal education accessible to all while encouraging analytical, informed, and unique thinking through its diverse programs.

FAQ

Is Vassar College a prestigious College?

Yes, Vassar College is a prestigious college as it is ranked by various top ranking institutes. Some of the same are mentioned below.

  • #22 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie)  by US News 2022
  • #3 in Best Colleges for Veterans  by US News 2022
  • #36 in Best Undergraduate Teaching by US News 2022

Are standardized test scores required for admission at Vassar College in case of international applicants?

Normally, standardized test scores like SAT/ACT are a necessity for application at Vassar College but for the 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 intake years the need for submitting standardized scores has been eliminated. Students can still opt to submit the scores and they should request them from the college board and/or ACT. Scores recorded on official academic transcripts are also considered.

Is an interview required for admissions at Vassar College?

Applicants who will be submitting the english proficiency test scores, as in all international candidates are recommended to submit an interview to demonstrate their English skills further. Vassar College accepts interviews from InitialView and Vericant. Interviews are, however, not mandatory for admission.

Does Vassar College offer financial aid to international students?

Vassar College does offer significant financial aid to international students. The college can meet 100% of the student’s financial need for the entire duration of study. Students need to submit a separate application for financial aid and their neediness must be properly addressed since Vassar College offers need-based financial aid.

What is the average cost to study at Vassar College?

The average cost to study at Vassar College is 80,000 USD including tuition fees of 61,940 USD and various other living expenses. 

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

35

Fee from

₹63,48,582.15

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 35 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 62.6 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 66,870 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Vassar College Admissions 2022

  • Admission Deadlines: Vassar College has two intake seasons- Fall and Spring. There are early decision and regular decision deadlines for students who want to submit their applications accordingly. Currently, the deadlines have passed, however, students can apply in November for admissions.
  • Application Process: Freshman can apply through the Common Application, Coalition Application or QuestBridge Application. The application fee charged by international students is 65 USD, however, students can get waivers for the same. 
  • Academics: Programs at Vassar College has 30 departments, 5 interdepartmental programs, 51 majors, 13 multidisciplinary programs, 2 accelerated and dual degree programs, and over 1,000 courses. There is also an interdisciplinary independent program for interested students.
  • International Student Requirements: International applicants have to submit English proficiency test scores to be considered for admission. TOEFL and IELTS are accepted modes of tests. Candidates need to score 100 or higher on TOEFL iBT or 7 or higher on IELTS to apply for Vassar College. Standardized test scores in US are considered, but not mandatory.

Highlights

Application portal Common Application, Coalition Application or QuestBridge Application.
Application fee (non refundable) 65 USD (can be waived)
Average SAT score 1360-1520
Average ACT score 32-34
Mode of payment Credit card
Number of countries represented 60
Graduation rate 91%
Retention rate 96%
Academic calendar Semester
Intake seasons Fall and Spring
Student:faculty ratio 8:1
Retention rate 93%
Number of students enrolled last year 594

Vassar College Admission Deadlines

There are two admission intake seasons for Vassar College applicants: Fall and Spring. There are admission deadlines for early decisions and regular decisions based on the student’s preferences. The early decision admission deadline can be beneficial for students who want to confirm their seat at a reputed college like Vassar through their senior year, so that they would not have to deal with the hassle of applying to multiple colleges at once.

However, the early decision deadline is a binding agreement and requires the student’s entire commitment to the college. The deadlines for transfer applicants must also be followed to submit the applications. The following are the admission deadlines which must be kept in mind:

Type of deadline Application deadline
Early decision I November 15
Early decision II January 4
Regular decision January 4
Spring transfer November 1
Fall transfer March 15

Vassar College International Student Admissions 

International students who wish to enroll at Vassar College must be equipped with all the necessary documentation- academic transcripts, school records and reports, english proficiency test scores, standardized test scores, teacher evaluations, financial records, medical form and health insurance for one entire academic year. An international applicant should keep the following information in mind.
Application portal- Common Application, Coalition Application or QuestBridge Application.
Application fee- 65 USD
Admission Requirements

  • The online application from any of the three portals, completely filled out with all the details along with the application fee.
  • Academic transcripts, officials must be sent by guidance counselor with their respective english translations. 
  • Early decision applicants are also required to submit their first semester grades as soon as possible.
  • TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT, IELTS, Duolingo etc are accepted at the institute.
  • Standardized test scores to study in US like SAT/ACT can be submitted to elevate chances of admission.
  • Optional interviews can be sent as supplementary materials. 
  • Financial documents should be provided compulsorily. 
  • Scholarship or sponsorship letters, if available. They are usually available when a student opts for financial aid at the college.
  • Medical records and immunization form containing details about the student’s physical conditions, with mention of any disease if applicable.
  • Health insurance is mandatory for international students.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Submission of CV/Resume is optional.

English Proficiency Test Score Requirements

English proficiency test scores are a must if a student wishes to get enrolled at Vassar College. The test results from the testing agency are preferred but PDFs of the TOEFL test-taker score report are also accepted from the school counselor if the student cannot afford to submit the scores financially.

For enrollment, the test results from the testing agency are required directly. The testing methods accepted and their minimum score requirements are as follows.

English proficiency test Minimum score required
TOEFL iBT 100
TOEFL PBT 600
IELTS 7
Duolingo 120

US Visa Process

International students need to obtain a Study visa to study in the USA at Vassar College. For getting a student visa, the first and foremost requirement is getting hold of an i-20 form which is issued to the student after getting accepted by the institute. International students make up more than 10% of the student body and they hail from over 60 countries. For getting an i-20, the student needs to submit their academic records, transcripts, english proficiency test scores, evaluations, financial documents, medical information and additional materials. A statement from the bank declaring financial stability and presence of abundant funds must be included in the application. Upon submission, the college will check and review everything and then issue the i-20 form to the student.

The next step is submitting the visa application along with payment of the SEVIS fee which is 350 USD. The website of the embassy or consulate should be checked out to ensure all the materials required for appearing in a visa interview.

The interview will be the final step in determining if the candidate is eligible to receive a student visa or not. The following documents should be brought to the interview by the appearing candidate:

  • A passport valid beyond the period of the student’s stay in the US.
  • Signed SEVIS form or DS-2019 form.
  • i-20 form and acceptance letter from Vassar College.
  • SEVIS fee receipt showing payment of 350 USD.
  • Photographs
  • Sponsorship or scholarship letter, if applicable for the student.
  • Immunization form.
  • Diplomas, degrees, report cards, transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Financial evidence showing presence of sufficient funds to study in the USA or verdict of a sponsor covering the costs.
  • Results of standardized and/or english proficiency test scores like SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS.

After the interview, the consular representative will let the student know if any additional steps are necessary. Upon clearing the interview, a US student visa will be generated from the embassy for the applicant.

Vassar College Undergraduate Admissions

Vassar College provides a plethora of courses. The admission to undergraduate courses at Vassar College is very competitive since the acceptance rate is 25%- which means only a fourth of the total applicants get accepted. The admission related information for international applicants can be noted below.
Application portal- Common Application, Coalition Application or QuestBridge Application
Application fee- 65 USD
Admission Requirements: 

  • The online application filled out, application fee or fee waiver request.
  • Official academic transcripts from previous institutions with their notarized English translations.
  • Mid year grade report.
  • School reports from local examinations like ICSE, CBSE, IGCSE with the scores evaluated by a licensed evaluation agency.
  • Early decision agreement required in case of early decision applicants.
  • Evaluations or recommendations from academic teachers, advisors or mentors from previous school/college/university.
  • English proficiency test scores are mandatory.
  • Financial documents in the form of bank statements showing presence of fund or an affidavit from a sponsor willing to cover tuition costs.
  • An interview through portals like InitialView or Vericant is highly recommended.
  • Health details and immunization form.
  • Health insurance.
  • Standardized tests like SAT/ACT scores are not compulsory but can be added as supplementary materials. The score ranges of enrolled candidates are as follows:
    • SAT- 1360-1520
    • ACT- 32-34
  • Letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume is optional.
  • SOP is optional.

Admissions to Vassar College is highly competitive because of its brand value and unmatched reputation when it comes to academics and overall campus atmosphere. While reviewing applications, the selection committee takes into account a number of factors and takes on a holistic approach.

Academic achievements in high school or previous institution is definitely a priority for selections compiled with personal strengths and motivation. Non-academic achievements like awards won in sports or art-based events, participation in community service and social work as well as leadership skills are noticed while selecting appropriate candidates. Applicants for recent years can opt whether or not to send standardized test scores like SAT/ACT.

The following 4 years from the high school curriculum are prioritized while admitting students: English, Mathematics, Laboratory Science, History or Social Science, and Foreign Language.

Vassar College opens up a wide area of opportunities for students from all over the globe due to the rich cultural diversity on campus consisting of an international student body of 8.2%. With a student:faculty ratio of 8:1 and the presence of abundant liberal arts-based programs, Vassar College guarantees topnotch education and research opportunities for all students. Due to its rise in rankings throughout the years as well as noticeable reputation, the college is welcoming more and more international students with every passing year.

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply as an international freshman candidate at Vassar College?

Students who are currently enrolled in their final year of higher secondary institution or students who have finished high school but not enrolled into a college are considered freshman candidates. Students who have enrolled at another college/university upon completion of higher education must apply as transfer candidates.

Are standardized test scores required for admission at Vassar College in case of international applicants?

Normally, standardized test scores like SAT/ACT are a necessity for application at Vassar College but for the 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 intake years the need for submitting standardized scores has been eliminated. Students can still opt to submit the scores and they should request them from the college board and/or ACT. Scores recorded on official academic transcripts are also considered.

Is an interview required for admissions at Vassar College?

Applicants who will be submitting the english proficiency test scores, as in all international candidates are recommended to submit an interview to demonstrate their English skills further. Vassar College accepts interviews from InitialView and Vericant. Interviews are, however, not mandatory for admission.

Does Vassar College offer financial aid to international students?

Vassar College does offer significant financial aid to international students. The college can meet 100% of the student’s financial need for the entire duration of study. Students need to submit a separate application for financial aid and their neediness must be properly addressed since Vassar College offers need-based financial aid.

Can the application fee at Vassar College be waived for international students?

Yes, the application fee can be waived for international students. The applicant must request a fee waiver by sending an email to [email protected]. The applicant’s counselor or mentor can also request an application fee waiver by sending a letter to the Office of Admission.

Placements & Recruiters

Vassar College Placement Details

Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States.

Recruiters
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Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

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Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2019

Highlights
2019
  • Best overall country rank: #55
  • Overall: #55 in country
  • Top source: FORBES
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall
  • 1 ranking record in 2019

Contact Information

124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604

+1-845-437-7000

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

40.3/10
Top Rated

Based on 0 ratings