Head-to-head comparison
University of Richmond vs. Skidmore College
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Richmond or Skidmore harder to get into?
Skidmore is harder to get into than Richmond. Skidmore's 21.1% acceptance rate is lower than Richmond's 22.2%.
Which is cheaper, Richmond or Skidmore?
Richmond costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Richmond's average net price is $31,309 vs $32,297 at Skidmore.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Richmond graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $76,178 at Richmond and $69,363 at Skidmore.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Richmond | Skidmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 22.2% | 21.1% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1410–1530 | 1340–1480 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–35 | 31–33 |
| Cost of attendance | $80,961 | $85,270 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $31,309 | $32,297 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,980 | 2,694 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 85.2% | 82.6% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $76,178 | $69,363 |
| Setting | Richmond, Virginia | Saratoga Springs, NY |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Skidmore is modestly harder to get into. The 1.2-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.
Richmond draws stronger test scores. Mid-50% SAT range tops out at 1530 vs 1480 at the other school. Differences in test profile usually reflect a school's STEM-vs-humanities mix and the self-selection of applicants, not raw academic quality.
Net cost is essentially the same at both schools after grants and scholarships, despite different sticker prices. Both schools meet most demonstrated need for in-range income brackets.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Richmond is in Richmond, Virginia; Skidmore is in Saratoga Springs, NY. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Richmond is 54.1% women, 10.7% international, and 6.2% Asian-American. Skidmore is 59.9% women, 7.4% international, and 5.9% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Richmond | Skidmore |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 54.1% | 59.9% |
| International | 10.7% | 7.4% |
| White | 61.9% | 64.3% |
| Asian | 6.2% | 5.9% |
| Hispanic | 9.2% | 10.5% |
| Black | 6.5% | 4.3% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Richmond vs. Skidmore?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Richmond if
- Your odds are realistic at Richmond (slightly easier admit)
- Net price matters: Richmond costs $988 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($76,178 vs $69,363)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the Robins School of Business
Pick Skidmore if
- the Saratoga Springs campus
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
University of Richmond
22.2% accept · Richmond, Virginia
Full profile
Skidmore College
21.1% accept · Saratoga Springs, NY
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.