The Juilliard School vs Vassar College
The Juilliard School is extremely selective with a 9.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Vassar College (17.7%). Graduates of Vassar College earn $24,372 more per year at the 10-year mark ($62,332 vs $37,960). For families earning $48k–$75k, Vassar College is more affordable at $17,403 net price vs $34,277. Students at Vassar College graduate with less debt ($18,707 vs $25,585).
Admissions & Outcomes
The Juilliard School has a higher yield rate (52.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Vassar College is more affordable at $10,535 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $49,356 vs $43,674.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Vassar College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (21%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Vassar College
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$69,535
- 2 Economics$57,995
- 3 Fine and Studio Arts$35,600
- 4 Sociology$33,993
- 5 Political Science and Government$31,670
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
The Juilliard School
- 1 Music
- 2 Dance
- 3 Music
- 4 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- 5 Music
Vassar College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 5 Research and Experimental Psychology
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
The Juilliard School
- International students32%
- Tuition (international)$49,260
- Est. total cost/year$68,380
- School typePublic
Vassar College
- International students7%
- Tuition (international)$60,030
- Est. total cost/year$75,920
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 32% international enrollment, The Juilliard School likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into The Juilliard School or Vassar College?
The Juilliard School is more selective with a 9.0% acceptance rate, compared to 17.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: The Juilliard School or Vassar College?
Vassar College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $62,332 compared to $37,960. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: The Juilliard School or Vassar College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Vassar College has a lower net price at $17,403 per year vs $34,277. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at The Juilliard School vs Vassar College?
The Juilliard School has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 93.8%, compared to 87.6%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: The Juilliard School or Vassar College?
The Juilliard School has a larger international student population at 32% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at The Juilliard School and Vassar College?
At Vassar College, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $69,535. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.