- May 23, 2021

Vassar College

Photo Credit: College Vine https://mathalliance.ccny.cuny.edu/

“Are you a scientist who composes music in your spare time? Or perhaps an actor who enjoys dissecting Plato and Aristotle? If so, you may feel at home at Vassar, a distinguished liberal arts college just 70 miles north of New York City. Once known as the most liberal of the Seven Sisters, and still a bastion of the left, Vassar prides itself on curricular flexibility, tolerance, and diversity.” – Fiske Guide to Colleges 2021 Intellectual inquiry at Vassar is characterized by an unusual degree of flexibility. The college does not have a core curriculum and students can declare a major by concentrating in a department, an interdepartmental program, a multidisciplinary program, or an individually tailored field of study in the Independent Program. This intellectual freedom produces original thinkers and has shaped the very essence of Vassar’s academic life. Its strongest programs include English, Political Science, Biology, Economics, and Film & Theater.

Vassar Farm - Rugby Fields Varsity Weight Room

Photo Credit: Vassar Athletics

Vassar College has endorsed rugby since 1975 and the college has a rich tradition and strong alumni support. Vassar College rugby continues to offer winning programs for both men and women. In 2018, the women's team had a history-making year. They had an undefeated record and completed the season by winning the national championship in Charlotte, North Carolina. The men's team has had 15 winning seasons over the last 16 years, with consistent playoff success. Part of the Vassar Rugby experience includes overseas tours and has taken both teams around the world, most recently to Spain!

“Students take great pride in representing their college and playing alongside their peers,” says Coach Tony Brown. The Vassar schedule includes quality opposition without excessive travel so that student-athletes can devote time to academic study while still having the enjoyment of representing their school in athletics. The program is funded by the Office of Athletics and takes advantage of all the amenities a varsity program has to offer, such as having a full-time coach, athletic training staff, transportation, food, lodging, and uniforms. The program has two rugby-dedicated fields as well as access to the Walker Field House for training during bad weather.

Coach Tony Brown, USA Rugby College Coach of the Year 2019

The school has a need-blind admission policy and a very generous financial aid program. The college is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. Currently, they award aid to over 60% of their students, ranging from $1,200 to $61,140 a year depending on their financial situations. To put this into perspective, if you are admitted and your family income is less than $60,000 a year, you will get a full ride. If you’re looking for one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country, topped with a fully-supported rugby program, take a look at Vassar College!

Website: www.vassar.edu

Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,353

Average Class Size: 17

Average GPA: Not Reported – 93% were in top quarter of their class

Middle 50% SAT: Critical Reading: 660-750; Math: 650-730

Middle 50% ACT: 31-34

Total Annual Cost: $70,370

Admission Deadline: Early Decision I - Nov 15, Early Decision II & Regular Decision Jan 4

Acceptance Rate: 24%

Rugby Team Websites: Men’s (Tri-State) and Women’s (USAR DII)

Coach Tony Brown: tobrown@vassar.edu, 845-437-7804 office