Overview
Nestled in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, Bard College is known for its progressive approach to education and its vibrant arts scene. Bard's campus includes the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.
There are currently 2,174 undergraduates at Bard and the school’s acceptance rate is 46%. The tuition at Bard is $60,622.
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
2,174
Pell Grant 24%
Undergrad Students Over 25 18%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 5%
Percent Male / Female 42% / 58%
Ethnic Diversity at Bard
47% White
13% International / Non-Citizen
13% Hispanic
12% Black
7% Multiracial
4% Unknown
3% Asian / Pacific Islander
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
9:1
Graduation Rate
72%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Visual & Performing Arts
27%
27% of graduates
Social Sciences
23%
23% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
22%
22% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
14%
14% of graduates
English Language & Literature
12%
12% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$80,702
$53,228
$27,474
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$80,702for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Bard is $80,702. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Bard would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Using State Grants at Bard
If you are a New York State resident considering Bard, be sure to investigate the TAP program. If you are attending a qualifying program and meet financial need requirements, you may receive thousands of dollars per year to put towards your education. Additionally, if you apply to a CUNY or SUNY school, you could be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, which would make your education tuition-free.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more New York scholarshipsBard College Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Bard need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Bard is 002671 and the CSS Profile Code is 2037.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Colleges that Change Lives
Bard is a member of the Colleges that Change Lives coalition. This is a coalition based on Loren Pope’s 1996 book about colleges that provide an education that is valuable beyond the numbers. There are many types of schools on this list, but the organization has vetted each school to ensure it is student-friendly, offering small classes and individual attention to each pupil. These schools also tend to take a holistic approach to admissions and demonstrate strong outcomes for their alumni. Schools on this list have all undergone a thorough review to ensure that they provide a quality education to their students.
Pell Grants at Bard College
23% of students at Bard College receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Bard College.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Bard students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Bard College Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Bard or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www.bard.edu/financialaid/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 845-758-7526
Admissions Snapshot
46%
Coalition Colleges
Bard is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Bard via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Is Bard test-optional?
Bard College is test-blind, which means that it does not allow applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that they won’t consider these scores from any applicant. Decisions are based more heavily on grades, extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and other factors.
Early Action
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Bard?
Students must apply by January 1 to enroll at Bard during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Bard students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 1.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Bard, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Bard?
Applying to Bard with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Should I apply Early Action at Bard?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$46,543
Median Debt $24,254
Debt 10 years after graduation $257
Graduation Rate 72%
What is the graduation rate at Bard College?
72% of students who start at Bard College end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 14% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Bard College go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Bard College, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $46,543. This is $3,848 less than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Bard take out in loans?
Graduates of Bard have to take out a median of $24,254 in federal student loans. This is $10,754 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.