Vassar College
Founded in 1861 as a women’s college, Vassar College, located in Poughkeepsie, NY, became co-ed in 1969. Its tree-lined campus has a quintessential college feel and is within walking distance of Arlington's downtown which is filled with restaurants, coffee shops and stores. This proximity provides opportunities for both social and community engagement.
Vassar’s approximately 2,500 undergraduates come from across the United States and more than 50 countries. Admission is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 20%. Although test scores are optional, about half of enrolled first-year students chose to submit their SAT or ACT scores in 2025. Vassar is also committed to meeting 100% of each admitted student's demonstrated financial need.
A Vassar education is flexible, interdisciplinary and inquiry based. Students are encouraged to explore a broad range of subjects and pursue their individual interests through courses that fulfill the college’s learning goals. All freshmen are assigned a pre-major advisor who they meet with periodically and are required to complete a First-Year Writing Seminar. The most popular majors at Vassar include economics, psychology, math and computer science. However, English art, drama and biology are considered amongst the strongest. Vassar places a strong emphasis on foreign language study and global learning. Students have opportunities to study numerous languages and can take advantage of an extensive study abroad program. Foreign language proficiency is also a graduation requirement. All courses are taught by professors and classes are small, providing opportunities for meaningful discussions and close relationships with professors.
As a residential college, nearly 100% of students live in campus housing for four years. Unlike most schools, first, second and third year students live together in nine residential houses. Student fellows act as on-site mentors to new students, and each house elects a president, vice president and representatives. There are opportunities to establish a sense of belonging from the moment freshmen arrive on campus, and friendly competition encourages community building. All houses kick off the fall semester with the Brewer Games and then participate in challenges throughout the year. Seniors have the option of living in campus apartments and townhouses.
There are over 165 student clubs and organizations, ranging from traditional political and special-interest clubs to Barefoot Fireflies, a circus club, and Beauty & the Beats, a Disney-themed a cappella group. Without a Greek system, student social life tends to revolve around campus, and clubs plan events such as concerts, films, lectures and small parties which are well attended. Vassar encourages students to engage with the greater community and the Office of Community Engaged Learning facilitates opportunities to work with local organizations to address social justice and community needs. The Brewers varsity athletic teams participate in the Division III Liberty League, and there are several club and intramural sports teams on campus.
Who would thrive at Vassar?
Vassar students are known to be intellectually curious, creative and socially conscious. It is a good fit for students who are looking to explore a variety of academic interests through a flexible curriculum while thinking independently and engaging in meaningful discussions. Vassar’s inclusive environment may appeal to open-minded thinkers who are accepting of different perspectives and backgrounds. Students who want to be involved in campus life and value a close-knit community would likely thrive at Vassar.
Fast Facts:
The founder of Vassar, Matthew Vassar, was a successful local brewer, hence the team name…the Brewers
Vassar offers accelerated and dual-degree programs in partnership with several institutions, including Columbia University, Dartmouth College, SUNY New Paltz and the University of Edinburgh.
Over 65 Steinway grand pianos across campus are accessible to all students
Notable alumni include actresses Meryl Streep, Lisa Kudrow and Hope Davis
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