Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY
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Class of 2029
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Key Facts

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    Faculty & Research

    177 faculty · 320 courses · data as of 2026-07-02

    Biology25 faculty · 32 courses avg h-index 15.3 #47 of 68 in Biology
    Justin C. Touchon, Associate Professor of Biology h-index 21
    I study animal behavioral ecology, life-history and phenotypic evolution, embryonic and larval development, and predator-prey interactions. I primarily study amphibians in both tropical and temperate systems. My main research involves using
    Notable: “Fish and dragonfly nymph predators induce opposite shifts in color and morphology of tadpoles” (2008) · 114 citations
    Justin Touchon, Associate Professor h-index 21
    I study animal behavioral ecology, life-history and phenotypic evolution, embryonic and larval development, and predator-prey interactions. I primarily study amphibians in both tropical and temperate systems. My main research involves using
    Notable: “Fish and dragonfly nymph predators induce opposite shifts in color and morphology of tadpoles” (2008) · 114 citations
    Kathleen M. Susman, Professor of Biology h-index 20
    To the toxic behavioral and neural effects of common pesticides in soil organisms in response to growing concerns about links of neurodegenerative diseases and pesticide use. My research program has been funded by the National Institutes of
    Notable: “Microplastic particles cause intestinal damage and other adverse effects in zebrafish Danio rerio and nematode Caenorhabditis elegans” (2017) · 1,369 citations
    Lynn Christenson, Professor of Biology h-index 19
    As an ecologist, I am interested in understanding the complex relationships between multiple biotic and abiotic factors and feedbacks in ecosystems. This is an important challenge to environmental science researchers—the integration of mult
    Notable: “Insect Defoliation and Nitrogen Cycling in Forests” (2002) · 271 citations
    Courses: The Biosphere in Translation · Energy Flow in Biological Systems · Information Flow in Biological Systems · Smallpox: The Biology and History of a Disease · Special Projects in Biology · Plant Physiology and Development +26 more
    Psychology24 faculty · 28 courses avg h-index 13.8 #75 of 89 in Psychology
    Hadley Bergstrom, Associate Professor h-index 26
    Notable: “The basolateral amygdala γ‐aminobutyric acidergic system in health and disease” (2015) · 171 citations
    Hadley C. Bergstrom, Associate Professor of Psychological Science h-index 26
    Notable: “The basolateral amygdala γ‐aminobutyric acidergic system in health and disease” (2015) · 171 citations
    Dara N. Greenwood, Associate Professor of Psychological Science h-index 21
    Notable: “Recovery and Relapse in Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa: A 7.5-Year Follow-up Study” (1999) · 430 citations
    Abigail A. Baird, Professor of Psychological Science on the Arnhold Family Chair h-index 20
    Notable: “Effects of Gaze on Amygdala Sensitivity to Anger and Fear Faces” (2003) · 443 citations
    Courses: Introduction to Psychological Science · Reading and Writing in Psychological Science · Statistics and Experimental Design · Principles of Social Psychology · Media Psychology · Research Methods in Social Psychology +22 more
    Fine and Studio Arts24 faculty · 64 courses avg h-index 4 #10 of 13 in Visual & Performing Arts
    Eve D'Ambra, Professor of Art h-index 9
    Notable: “Mode and Model in the Flavian Female Portrait” (2013) · 58 citations
    Yvonne Elet, Professor of Art h-index 2
    Es on integrated designs for art, architecture, landscape, and urban form in early modern Italy, and also in twentieth century Italy and America. Her current projects encompass Renaissance/Baroque villa culture; intermedial designers from R
    Notable: “Seats of Power: The Outdoor Benches of Early Modern Florence” (2002) · 23 citations
    Elizabeth Lastra, Assistant Professor of Art h-index 1
    Notable: “Between Biblical and Political: The Subversion of Samson in Twelfth-Century León-Castile” (2023) · 1 citations
    Abigail Elizabeth Adkins Gunnels, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Art
    Courses: Introduction to the History of Art and Architecture · The Vassar Campus · Living in the Ancient City · Art and Storytelling · Special Topics · Rome: The Art of Empire +58 more
    Biochemistry23 faculty avg h-index 13.3 #20 of 33 in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    Joseph M. Tanski, Professor of Chemistry on the Matthew Vassar Jr. Chair h-index 34
    Notable: “Structural Basis for Antioxidant Activity of trans-Resveratrol: Ab Initio Calculations and Crystal and Molecular Structure” (2004) · 184 citations
    Christopher J. Smart, Associate Professor of Chemistry h-index 28
    Notable: “Acromioclavicular Dislocation” (1998) · 255 citations
    Zachary J. Donhauser, Professor of Chemistry on the Mary Landon Sague Chair h-index 14
    In the areas of molecular-scale biophysics and scanning probe microscopy. To pursue these interests, Mr. Donhauser maintains a lab equipped with surface analysis tools, such as a Rame-Hart
    Notable: “Conductance Switching in Single Molecules Through Conformational Changes” (2001) · 1,244 citations
    David J. Esteban, Associate Professor of Biology and Director of Biochemistry h-index 13
    Research in my lab focuses on two main areas. 1) The gut microbiome (the collection of microbes that reside in the gut) is known to impact, and be impacted by, the health of the host. The effects of microbial activity and host response to t
    Notable: “A Poxvirus Protein That Binds to and Inactivates IL-18, and Inhibits NK Cell Response” (2000) · 180 citations
    Economics19 faculty · 30 courses avg h-index 12.8 #63 of 104 in Economics
    Paul A. Johnson, Professor of Economics h-index 38
    The empirics of economic growth. PhD 1989 Economics, Stanford University BEcon (Hons.) 1982 Economic Statistics, University of Queensland Paul Johnson joined the Vassar faculty in 1995. He teaches macroeconomics and econometrics. His pr
    Notable: “PREMOTOR AND PARIETAL CORTEX: Corticocortical Connectivity and Combinatorial Computations” (1997) · 956 citations
    Paul Johnson, Professor h-index 38
    The empirics of economic growth. PhD 1989 Economics, Stanford University BEcon (Hons.) 1982 Economic Statistics, University of Queensland Paul Johnson joined the Vassar faculty in 1995. He teaches macroeconomics and econometrics. His pr
    Notable: “PREMOTOR AND PARIETAL CORTEX: Corticocortical Connectivity and Combinatorial Computations” (1997) · 956 citations
    Benjamin Ho, Professor of Economics h-index 18
    Notable: “Determinant factors of livelihood diversification: Evidence from Ethiopia” (2017) · 174 citations
    Qi Ge, Associate Professor of Economics h-index 13
    Span industrial organization, behavioral economics, labor economics, and sports economics. His recent work examines competition dynamics in the airline and sports industries as well as labor market outcomes in academia and professional spor
    Notable: “DO INVESTORS CARE ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL COMPANY‐SPECIFIC TWEETS?” (2019) · 41 citations
    Courses: Introduction to Economics · Principles of Accounting · Big Ideas in Economics · Macroeconomic Theory · Microeconomic Theory · Introduction to Econometrics +24 more
    Government17 faculty · 48 courses avg h-index 16.3 #43 of 100 in Political Science
    Elizabeth H. Bradley, President and Professor of Political Science h-index 66
    Notable: “Qualitative Data Analysis for Health Services Research: Developing Taxonomy, Themes, and Theory” (2007) · 3,486 citations
    Fubing Su, Professor of Political Science and Director of Asian Studies h-index 19
    Notable: “Land Leasing and Local Public Finance in China’s Regional Development: Evidence from Prefecture-level Cities” (2010) · 475 citations
    Katherine Hite, Professor of Political Science on the F. Thompson Chair h-index 13
    Notable: “Memorial Fragments, Monumental Silences and Reawakenings in 21st-Century Chile” (2009) · 62 citations
    Himadeep Muppidi, Professor of Political Science on the Betty Goff Cook Cartwright Chair h-index 9
    Notable: “Tales of Entanglement” (2021) · 16 citations
    Courses: American Politics · Comparative Politics · International Politics · Political Theory · Political Analysis · Anishinabemowin: The Politics and Practice of a Native Language +42 more

    Faculty counts are directory headcounts; the named list may be a subset. h-index shown only for ORCID-backed or high-confidence OpenAlex matches. Partial — enrichment ongoing.

    Demographics

    Student Outcomes

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    About Vassar College. Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY reports an overall acceptance rate of 18.6%, an early-round acceptance rate of 31.0%, an SAT middle 50% of 1450–1540, a class size of 665, and a yield of 29.0% based on the most recent Common Data Set filings. Former elite women's college (went co-ed 1969) known for eclectic, independent student body and interdisciplinary academics. Strong film, drama, and cognitive science programs. Meryl Streep's alma mater.

    Admissions and cost data as of July 3, 2026 (CDS 2024–25 cycle), from the most recent Common Data Set, IPEDS, and College Scorecard.

    Vassar College: key admissions facts

    Vassar College's overall acceptance rate is 18.6% (the most recent Common Data Set). Vassar College's early-round acceptance rate is 31.0% (the most recent Common Data Set). Vassar College's SAT middle-50% range is 1450–1540 (the most recent Common Data Set). The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Vassar College is about 3.9 (the most recent Common Data Set). Vassar College's yield rate (the share of admitted students who enroll) is 29.0% (the most recent Common Data Set). The average net price at Vassar College for families earning under $75,000 is about $6,345 per year (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard/IPEDS data).

    Sources: Common Data Set (commondataset.org) · Vassar College on College Scorecard · NCES IPEDS · full source table

    How much does Vassar College cost for a family earning $75,000?

    A family earning under $30,000 pays about $3,234 per year in net price at Vassar College, while families earning over $110,000 pay about $50,234 (source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard/IPEDS data). A family earning $75,000 falls in the $48,001–$75,000 bracket and pays about $10,234 per year after grants and scholarships.

    Vassar College: average annual net price by household income (most recent College Scorecard/IPEDS data)
    Household incomeAverage net price per year
    Under $30,000$3,234
    $30,001–$48,000$5,567
    $48,001–$75,000$10,234
    $75,001–$110,000$22,567
    Over $110,000$50,234
    Tuition (before aid)$76,140
    Room and board$19,800

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the acceptance rate at Vassar College?

    Vassar College's overall acceptance rate is 18.6%, based on the most recent Common Data Set. Its early-round (early decision or early action) acceptance rate is 31.0%.

    What SAT score and GPA do you need for Vassar College?

    Admitted students at Vassar College typically have an SAT middle-50% range of 1450–1540 and an average unweighted GPA of about 3.9, according to the most recent Common Data Set. These are the middle of the range, so scores above them strengthen an application.

    Is it hard to get into Vassar College?

    Getting into Vassar College is very difficult: it admits 18.6% of applicants. Your realistic odds depend on how your GPA and test scores compare to its middle-50% ranges and on your application round — you can estimate them with the free College Monte Carlo chances calculator.

    Does Vassar College offer early decision or early action?

    Vassar College offers early decision (binding). Applying early can help: its early-round acceptance rate is 31.0%, versus 18.6% overall.

    How much does Vassar College cost after financial aid?

    The average net price at Vassar College — the real cost after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price — is about $6,345 per year for families earning under $75,000, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard/IPEDS data. Higher-income families generally pay more; see the full net-price-by-income breakdown.

    How much does Vassar College cost for a family earning $75,000?

    A family earning under $30,000 pays about $3,234 per year in net price at Vassar College, while families earning over $110,000 pay about $50,234 (source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard/IPEDS data). A family earning $75,000 falls in the $48,001–$75,000 bracket and pays about $10,234 per year after grants and scholarships.

    Not sure how to read these numbers? Start with our guide on how to estimate your admission chances. Vassar College offers a binding early-decision round, so weigh the trade-offs in our early decision vs. regular decision guide before committing.