Bard College
About Bard College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bard College is a private liberal arts college in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, in the scenic Hudson Valley. It is known for its emphasis on the arts, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, with a creative and intellectually independent campus culture.
Founded
1860
Location
Annandale-On-Hudson, New York
Students
2,887
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
52.1%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
67.6%
Near national average
Tuition
$66,436
Per year
Avg Net Price
$34,649
After financial aid
SAT Average
1380
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$46,543
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
52.1 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Bard College accepts 52.1% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1380/ 1600
ACT Scores
31/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
67.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
84.6%
4-Year Grad
57%
6-Year Grad
71%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
74.3%
$/Student
$42.4K
Class Size
Small
While 57% finish in 4 years, 84.6% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$66,436
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,852
Books & Supplies
$950
Total Cost of Attendance
$84,553
After Financial Aid
$34,649
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$19,012
Receive Grants
16.7%
Take Loans
31.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $84,553/yr, including $18,852 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $34,649.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bard College fund their education.
While in School
16.7%
Get Grants
Free money
31.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$62,890
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,254
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$257/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $24,254. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bard College.
Gender
57%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,414
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
473
Graduates
12.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
22.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 14.1% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
2,414
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bard College fields 11 varsity teams with 289 student athletes, about 12% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
Upstate
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
289
12% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
165
Men
124
Women
10
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bard Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$46,543
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Social Sciences, General
$23K
158 grads
1yr Earnings
Fine and Studio Arts
$19K
114 grads
1yr Earnings
Biological and Physical Sciences
$39K
95 grads
1yr Earnings
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
$17K
69 grads
1yr Earnings
Music
—
13 grads
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
—
2 grads
Graduates earn about $31K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bard College
What is the acceptance rate at Bard College?▾
How much does Bard College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bard College?▾
How much do Bard College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.