Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, New York · Private
Vassar College admitted 21% of 11,118 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1460–1520 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 89% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Vassar College
Enter a score to see whether Vassar College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (21%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Vassar College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 1, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 1, 2027
The application fee is $65, and Vassar College accepts the Common App fee waiver. Vassar College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Vassar College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 38% (402 of 1,046), compared with 21% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
918 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 510 took it, and 30 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Vassar College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
Important
- Class rank
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Considered
- Test scores
- Interview
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- Religion
Not considered
- State residency
- Showing interest
What it costs
Full price with housing is $87,470 a year. After grants, students paid $29,733 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Vassar College’s acceptance rate?
Vassar College admitted 21% of applicants: 2,327 of 11,118 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Vassar College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 1, 2027, and regular decision is due January 1, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Vassar College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1460 to 1520, with a median around 1490. A score at or above 1490 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Vassar College’s application fee?
The application fee is $65 for 2026–27, and Vassar College accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Vassar College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Vassar College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Vassar College have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Vassar College asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (answer the community question. “your space” is optional). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Does Vassar College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Vassar College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
Not sure which colleges fit?
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Writing your essays? See Vassar College’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.