Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at Vassar College
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$71K
+
Room
$18K
+
Books
$900
=
Sticker Price
$87,419
$71K+$18K+$900=$87,419
Your Family Income
Sticker
$87,419
−
Your Aid
$73,293
=
Net Price
$14,126
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
Vassar College Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
Cost Category
Amount
Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price)
$87,419
Tuition and Fees
$71,030
Room and Board
$18,240
Books and Supplies
$900
Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships)
-$48,076
Average Net Price (What Families Pay)
$39,343
Vassar College Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$15,953
$30–48k
$14,548
$48–75k
$14,126
$75–110k
$25,773
$110k+
$56,615
Understanding Your Aid Package
Vassar College has a sticker price of $87,419 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $87,419/year
Average aid: $48,076 in grants & scholarships
$48–75K families pay: ~$14,126/year
Low-income families: Pay ~$15,953/year
19% of students receive Pell Grants
Financial Aid Profile
💰
19%
Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students receiving federal aid
🎓
14%
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
Get personalized cost estimates and assess whether borrowing makes sense.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$18,625
Range (25th–75th)$7,450 – $20,250
Median Parent PLUS Loans$44,501
Debt Manageability
0.30x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.0%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$71,366
Earnings Growth
+45%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$-15,617
10th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$47,264
25th %ile
$105,378
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about Vassar College Cost & Financial Aid
Vassar College's published tuition is $87,419 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $14,126—a difference of $73,293.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $15,953 at Vassar College. 19% of students receive Pell Grants.
Vassar College offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for Vassar College graduates is $18,625, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $197 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $56,615 at Vassar College—still $30,804 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
