Reed College vs Bard College at Simon's Rock
Nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, Reed College, and nestled in the picturesque Berkshires of Massachusetts, Bard College at Simon's Rock stand as two beacons of liberal arts education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and intellectual exploration, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique histories, locations, and student bodies. With Reed's highly selective admissions process resulting in a 16% acceptance rate compared to Simon's Rock's more accessible 60% acceptance rate, the two colleges attract students with diverse backgrounds and aspirations. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to discover the nuances that set these institutions apart, from their popular majors and student demographics to their graduation rates and notable alumni. Whether you seek a vibrant urban setting or a close-knit community amidst natural beauty, this side-by-side analysis will guide you towards the college that best aligns with your academic and personal goals.
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![]() Bard College at Simon's Rock |
![]() Reed College |
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Overview |
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Location | Great Barrington, Massachusetts | Portland, Oregon |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 72.0% | 88.0% |
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Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 80.1% | 43.8% |
Application fees | $75 | |
SAT range | N/A | N/A |
ACT range | N/A | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | ||
Students submitting ACT score | ||
Total number of applicants | 216 | 7,010 |
Total number of admissions given out | 173 | 3,071 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 111 | 502 |
Yield rate | 64.2% | 16.3% |
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 | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $82,201 | $77,020 |
Average net price | $37,869 | $33,056 |
Tuition | $59,518 | $62,420 |
Room & board | $16,618 |
Room/dormitory:
$8,130
Meal plan:
$7,510
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
95.0%
Average amount $38,315 |
58.0%
Average amount $43,945 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
47.0%
Average amount $5,245 |
46.0%
Average amount $4,374 |
Students taking out private loans |
5.0%
Average amount $23,602 |
7.0%
Average amount $19,335 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
328
Men 36.6% Women 63.4% |
1,548
Men 41.6% Women 58.4% |
Graduate students | N/A |
18
Men 61.1% Women 38.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 88.7% |
International students | 11.0% | 8.8% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 443 | 1,113 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | California Oregon Washington New York Colorado |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 6:1 | 9:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 69.6% | 72.7% |
Dropout rate | 19.1% | 8.2% |
Transferred out | 11.3% | 17.8% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) | N/A |
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
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