Bard College

Bard College admitted 52.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That means most students who apply get in. Your job is to meet the requirements and apply on time.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1270–1450 on the SAT and 28–32 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Bard College actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

In the classroom, the level of academic discourse is high, and students are in close contact with scholars who are active in their disciplines alongside teaching.

The undergraduate curriculum creates a flexible system of courses that gives coherence, breadth, and depth to the four years of study, helping students become knowledgeable across academic boundaries as well as critical thinkers within a discipline or mode of thought.

• Language and Thinking Programintensive, critical reading, writing
• First-Year Seminarinterdisciplinary, foundational, discussion
• Citizen Sciencescientific literacy, public engagement

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• TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from bard.edu.

The sticker price is about $84,553. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $34,649.

Bard meets full demonstrated need for all early round admitted students, covering tuition, food, housing, and required fees, and works closely with families to ensure affordability.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $46,543.

Verified from bard.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

• Social Sciences, General35% of degrees
• Fine and Studio Arts25% of degrees
• Biological and Physical Sciences21% of degrees
• English Language and Literature/Letters, Other15% of degrees
• Music3% of degrees
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other0% of degrees

“Dive into high-level academic discourse, explore the arts at the Fisher Center, and engage in civic action, a Tuesday at Bard.”

Nestled in the historic Hudson Valley, the campus features state-of-the-art facilities like the Reem-Kayden Center for Science and Computation and the acclaimed Fisher Center at Bard College.

Is Bard College test-optional?

For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Bard College is optional.

How hard is it to get into Bard College?

Very hard. Bard College admits 52.1% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270 to 1450 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

How much does Bard College cost?

The list price is about $84,553. After aid, families pay $34,649 on average.

Is Bard College worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $46,543 ten years after enrolling. 70% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.