Head-to-head comparison
University of Richmond vs. Vassar College
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Richmond or Vassar harder to get into?
Vassar is harder to get into than Richmond. Vassar's 18.6% acceptance rate is lower than Richmond's 22.2%.
Which is cheaper, Richmond or Vassar?
Richmond costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Richmond's average net price is $31,309 vs $39,343 at Vassar.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Richmond graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $76,178 at Richmond and $71,366 at Vassar.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Richmond | Vassar |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 22.2% | 18.6% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1410–1530 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $80,961 | $87,419 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $31,309 | $39,343 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,980 | 2,444 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 85.2% | 91.1% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $76,178 | $71,366 |
| Setting | Richmond, Virginia | Poughkeepsie, New York |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Vassar is meaningfully harder to get into. A 3.6-percentage-point gap between 22.2% (Richmond) and 18.6% (Vassar) reflects real selectivity differences. Richmond is the more realistic target for a balanced college list.
Richmond is significantly cheaper after aid. The average net price gap is $8,034 per year, $32,136 over four years. For most families that difference is the deciding factor when both schools admit you.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Richmond is in Richmond, Virginia; Vassar is in Poughkeepsie, New York. 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.
Richmond has a more international student body (10.7% non-resident students vs 6.1%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
Vassar's graduation rate is meaningfully higher (91.1% vs 85.2% 6-year completion). Graduation gaps at this level usually reflect support-system differences, financial aid adequacy, or degree-flexibility — worth verifying with each school's first-year retention and major-change policies.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Richmond is 54.1% women, 10.7% international, and 6.2% Asian-American. Vassar is 61.7% women, 6.1% international, and 11.7% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Richmond | Vassar |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 54.1% | 61.7% |
| International | 10.7% | 6.1% |
| White | 61.9% | 54.0% |
| Asian | 6.2% | 11.7% |
| Hispanic | 9.2% | 13.6% |
| Black | 6.5% | 3.8% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Richmond vs. Vassar?
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 $8,034 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($76,178 vs $71,366)
- the Robins School of Business
Pick Vassar if
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the open curriculum
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
Vassar College
18.6% accept · Poughkeepsie, New York
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.