Vassar Acceptance Rate

Vassar College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Poughkeepsie, New York, is known for its selective admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Vassar reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 18.7%, reflecting its continued competitiveness. This selectivity is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with thousands of students vying for a limited number of spots each year, as well as trends toward holistic admissions that prioritize academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and diversity. Vassar publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing reliable insights into its admissions process for prospective students and families.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 18.7% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 11,400 applicants and around 2,130 admitted students, marking a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 19.2%.
• Early Decision Rate: Estimated at 35.0%, as Vassar offers an Early Decision option that typically yields a higher acceptance rate due to demonstrated interest; exact figures for the Class of 2028 are not yet publicly available.
• International Student Rate: Approximately 15.0%, based on historical data, as Vassar attracts a diverse global applicant pool; specific data for the latest cycle is unavailable.

Over the past decade, Vassar’s acceptance rate has trended downward, reflecting increasing competitiveness as more students apply to top-tier liberal arts colleges. The Early Decision program plays a significant role in admissions, often favoring applicants who commit early, while regular decision remains highly selective. International student admissions are also competitive, with rates slightly below the overall average due to limited spots and visa considerations. Compared to peer institutions like Swarthmore or Amherst, Vassar’s selectivity is similar, with acceptance rates in the high teens to low twenties. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, prospective students are encouraged to visit Vassar’s official admissions page at vassar.edu/admissions or review the Common Data Set for detailed statistics.