Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, United States • Founded 1861 • World Rank #3279
Overview
Founded in 1861, the Vassar College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Poughkeepsie (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), New York.
Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Vassar College is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Vassar College offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 163-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Vassar College also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Vassar College's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Vassar College are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.
Programs Offered
Search the Vassar College programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.
Bachelor's Degree
41 programmes
Vassar College's 41 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
History History
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Liberal Arts
Science, Technology and Society Liberal Arts
Classical and Ancient Studies Liberal Arts
Cognitive Science Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
1 programme
Vassar College lists 1 programme awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Biology, General Biological Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Vassar College
A short guide to applying to Vassar College — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Vassar College's catalogue includes 42 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Vassar College's admissions process.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Vassar College's official website at www.vassar.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (845) 437 7000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vassar College
The questions below summarise Vassar College's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
In what year was Vassar College established?
Vassar College was founded in 1861 (approximately 165 years ago).
What city is Vassar College in?
Vassar College operates from Poughkeepsie, United States.
What is Vassar College's control type?
Vassar College is a private institution.
How big is Vassar College's student body?
Vassar College serves approximately 2,000-2,999 students.
Where does Vassar College stand in university rankings?
Vassar College is ranked #3279 globally and #363 in United States.
Is Vassar College officially recognised?
Vassar College is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How do I find Vassar College online?
Vassar College's official website is www.vassar.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including Vassar College may still partner with strong employers locally.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Student exchange agreements within National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) formalise mobility opportunities. The universities below typically have dedicated exchange slots reserved for students from Vassar College.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Other institutions in Vassar College's region offer similar admissions cycles and overlapping subject areas, listed below for comparison. Regional clusters often share employer networks and post-study career pathways.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Capstone projects versus dissertation requirements differ across Liberal Arts programmes. The output type (project, thesis, portfolio) affects what you can show graduate schools or employers afterward.
Universities Often Compared with Vassar College
The institutions below sit at a comparable academic standing to Vassar College, often shortlisted together. Same-tier comparison helps when you have a target level but want to weigh non-ranking factors like culture or specialism.