Denison University vs Bard College

Denison University and Bard College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Denison, nestled in Granville, Ohio, boasts a lower acceptance rate (23%) compared to Bard's (38%) in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. While Denison's student body is predominantly White (79%), Bard's is more diverse, with 48% White, 17% Hispanic, 13% Asian, and 10% Black students. Both colleges excel in the sciences, with popular majors including Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. However, Bard stands out with its unique offerings in the arts, such as Film and Electronic Arts, Photography, and Music. With a slightly higher graduation rate (87% vs. 85%), Denison may have a slight edge in career preparation. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more distinctions and determine which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bard College	Denison University
Overview
Location	Annandale-On-Hudson, New York	Granville, Ohio
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	87.0%	87.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	59.9%	28.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	1230 - 1430
ACT range	N/A	28 - 32
Students submitting SAT score		28.0%
Students submitting ACT score		23.0%
Total number of applicants	5,167	9,513
Total number of admissions given out	3,096	2,689
Admitted students who chose to enroll	473	654
Yield rate	15.3%	24.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$72,868	$73,900
Average net price	$24,318	$38,833
Tuition	$57,498	$57,500
Room & board	$16,760	Room/dormitory: $7,700 Meal plan: $6,560
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	79.0% Average amount $50,598	96.0% Average amount $34,310
Students receiving federal student loan	49.0% Average amount $5,101	41.0% Average amount $5,126
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $16,225	8.0% Average amount $15,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,171 Men 44.4% Women 55.6%	2,321 Men 47.8% Women 52.2%
Graduate students	420 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	74.8%
International students	14.7%	16.8%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	1,400	2,479
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Ohio Illinois Mississippi Pennsylvania New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Visual & Performing Arts Business Education Natural Resources and Conservation	Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Business Computer and Information Science Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	70.6%	81.3%
Dropout rate	9.9%	4.1%
Transferred out	18.3%	14.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,261 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature/Letters, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $19,624 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Biological and Physical Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,818 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Social Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,172 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $17,518 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $38,944 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Music (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $27,353 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,051 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,668 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $60,027 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: $45,885 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,270 Year 2: $32,569 Year 3: $45,530 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,133 Year 2: $36,134 Year 3: $45,058 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $44,127 Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,288 Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: $39,071 Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $35,840 Sociology and Anthropology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,362 Year 2: $23,649 Year 3: $35,544 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,013 Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: $33,940 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,424 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $33,345

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic focus between Denison University and Bard College?

Denison University offers a strong liberal arts foundation with a focus on pre-professional programs and interdisciplinary studies. While Bard College also emphasizes the liberal arts, it's particularly known for its strengths in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, with a more experimental and progressive approach to education.
How do the campus environments compare at Denison and Bard?

Denison University boasts a classic, residential college experience on a hilltop campus in Granville, Ohio, fostering a close-knit community. Bard College, located in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, offers a more rural and artistically inclined atmosphere, attracting students seeking a unique and independent learning environment.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each school?

Both Denison and Bard prioritize small class sizes and close interaction with faculty. Denison typically has an average class size of around 18 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. Bard College maintains a similar environment, with an average class size of around 15 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.
How do the admissions processes differ between Denison and Bard?

Both Denison and Bard employ a holistic admissions process, considering academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation. Bard, however, may place a slightly greater emphasis on artistic talent and unconventional thinking, while Denison may look for well-rounded students with demonstrated leadership potential.
What are the most popular majors at Denison University and Bard College?

At Denison, popular majors include economics, communication, biology, political science, and psychology. Bard College is well-regarded for its programs in literature, political studies, art history, film and electronic arts, and music.
What opportunities are available for study abroad at Denison and Bard?

Both Denison and Bard offer extensive study abroad programs. Denison provides opportunities to study in over 50 countries through affiliated programs and partnerships. Bard College also has a strong international presence, including its own campuses and programs in various locations around the world, such as Berlin and Bishkek.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Denison's Knowlton Center for Career Exploration provides comprehensive career counseling, internship support, and networking opportunities, with a strong focus on preparing students for professional success. Bard's Career Development Office offers similar services, with a particular emphasis on internships and opportunities in the arts, non-profit sector, and social justice fields.
What is the social scene like at Denison versus Bard?

Denison offers a more traditional college social scene, with a strong emphasis on Greek life, campus events, and athletic activities. Bard's social scene is more alternative and independent, with a focus on arts events, student-run organizations, and intellectual discussions.
What are the key differences in the cost of attendance and financial aid options?

The cost of attendance at both Denison and Bard is comparable, but it's essential to check the most up-to-date information on their respective websites. Both institutions offer need-based and merit-based financial aid packages. It's recommended to use their net price calculators to estimate your individual cost and explore scholarship opportunities.
How do Denison and Bard support students with diverse backgrounds and identities?

Both Denison and Bard are committed to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for students from diverse backgrounds. Denison has a dedicated Office of Multicultural Affairs and numerous student organizations that promote diversity and inclusion. Bard College also prioritizes diversity and social justice, with various centers and programs that support students from underrepresented groups.
What are some unique programs or initiatives offered at each college?

Denison is known for its signature programs like the Denison Research Foundation and the Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement. Bard College is recognized for its Bard Prison Initiative, which provides college education to incarcerated individuals, and its undergraduate science program, which emphasizes hands-on research.
What type of student typically thrives at Denison versus Bard?

Denison tends to attract students who are well-rounded, engaged in campus life, and interested in a balance of academics and extracurricular activities. Bard typically appeals to students who are intellectually curious, artistically inclined, and seeking a more unconventional and independent learning environment.

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