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Bard College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Bard College

Perched above the Hudson, Bard has a reputation for seminar-style learning that prizes independent thought, strong writing, and cross-disciplinary work. Students dig into the arts, social sciences, and sciences with close faculty attention. Studios, performance spaces, labs, galleries, and a well used library share space with advising, health and counseling, tutoring, and a hands-on career office.

Campus life leans creative and community minded: concerts, exhibitions, student theater, film nights, outdoor trails, and river views that pull you outside between classes. And the atmosphere feels exploratory but grounded, with a culminating senior project many talk about for years. Internships and visiting professionals tie students to the Hudson Valley and New York City. Local towns offer cafes, galleries, and volunteer spots. Notable names linked to the college include Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: Annandale Road, Annandale-On-Hudson, New York, 12504, USA
Website: bard.edu
Unit ID: 189088

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research)
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Baccalaureate - Arts & Sciences
Campus Setting: Located in a fringe rural area (within 5 miles of urban area)
Tuition: In-state: $63,612 (Tuition $62,790 + Fee $822) · Out-of-state: $63,612 (Tuition $62,790 + Fee $822)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 2,922
Undergraduate: 2,280
Graduate/Other: 642
Male: 1,230 Female: 1,692
Applications:
Total Applicants: 6,628
Admitted: 3,466
Enrolled: 402
Acceptance: 52.3% Yield: 11.6%
Staff:
Total: 1,046 Full-time: 893 Part-time: 153

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Bard College with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in New York. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in New York vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (7)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0702 Fine/Studio Arts, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, color theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $77,150 +$700 (+0.9%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $73,310 -$6,180 (-7.8%)
50.0703 Art History, Criticism and Conservation. (PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the study of the historical development of art as social and intellectual phenomenon, the analysis of works of art, and art conservation. Includes instruction in the theory of art, art history research methods, connoisseurship, the preservation and conservation of works of art, and the study of specific periods, cultures, styles, and themes.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
13-2022 Appraisers of Personal and Business Property N/A N/A N/A
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
25-4011 Archivists $67,620 $73,000 +$5,380 (+8%)
25-4012 Curators $70,060 $53,360 -$16,700 (-23.8%)
25-4013 Museum Technicians and Conservators $53,630 $51,050 -$2,580 (-4.8%)
50.0902 Music History, Literature, and Theory. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the study of the historical evolution of music as a social and intellectual phenomenon, the development of musical instruments and techniques, and the analysis and criticism of musical literature. Includes instruction in music history research methods, aesthetic analysis of musical compositions, history of musical writing and notation, the development of musical instruments, the development of music theory, and the study of specific periods, cultural traditions, styles, and themes.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
50.0903 Music Performance, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $60,800 -$41,440 (-40.5%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $109,490 +$25,260 (+30%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
Social Sciences (5)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.0101 Social Sciences, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the general study of human social behavior and social institutions using any of the methodologies common to the social sciences and/or history, or an undifferentiated program of study in the social sciences.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,110 -$23,780 (-15.9%)
19-3099 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $106,440 $102,590 -$3,850 (-3.6%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $37,380 -$26,180 (-41.2%)
25-1069 Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $92,950 $55,640 -$37,310 (-40.1%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $68,630 -$5,070 (-6.9%)
45.0601 Economics, General. (PostBacCert)
A general program that focuses on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. Includes instruction in economic theory, micro- and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,110 -$23,780 (-15.9%)
19-3011 Economists $130,910 $182,320 +$51,410 (+39.3%)
19-3022 Survey Researchers $73,470 $87,220 +$13,750 (+18.7%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $37,380 -$26,180 (-41.2%)
25-1063 Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $133,140 $93,380 -$39,760 (-29.9%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $68,630 -$5,070 (-6.9%)
45.0603 Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the systematic study of mathematical and statistical analysis of economic phenomena and problems. Includes instruction in economic statistics, optimization theory, cost/benefit analysis, price theory, economic modeling, and economic forecasting and evaluation.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,110 -$23,780 (-15.9%)
15-2041 Statisticians $112,330 $105,450 -$6,880 (-6.1%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $104,650 -$19,940 (-16%)
19-3011 Economists $130,910 $182,320 +$51,410 (+39.3%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $37,380 -$26,180 (-41.2%)
25-1063 Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $133,140 $93,380 -$39,760 (-29.9%)
45.9999 Social Sciences, Other. (PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in social sciences not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,110 -$23,780 (-15.9%)
19-3099 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $106,440 $102,590 -$3,850 (-3.6%)
25-1069 Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $92,950 $55,640 -$37,310 (-40.1%)
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101 Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. (Cert<2y)
A program that is a structured combination of the arts, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, emphasizing breadth of study. Includes instruction in independently designed, individualized, or regular programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $50,970 -$43,500 (-46%)
Interdisciplinary (2)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0101 Biological and Physical Sciences. (Cert2y+)
A program that is either a general synthesis of one or more of the biological and physical sciences, or a specialization which draws from the biological and physical sciences.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $161,070 -$12,430 (-7.2%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $50,970 -$43,500 (-46%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $68,630 -$5,070 (-6.9%)
30.9999 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in multi/interdisciplinary studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.9999 English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in English language and literature not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1123 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $90,400 $63,890 -$26,510 (-29.3%)
Business (2)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201 Business Administration and Management, General. (PostBacCert)
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $278,000 +$15,070 (+5.7%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $115,290 -$17,830 (-13.4%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $171,970 +$11,040 (+6.9%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $113,770 -$12,260 (-9.7%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $110,990 -$3,530 (-3.1%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $126,940 -$2,240 (-1.7%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $120,730 +$4,720 (+4.1%)
11-3111 Compensation and Benefits Managers $156,230 $148,180 -$8,050 (-5.2%)
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $153,570 -$6,910 (-4.3%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $144,940 +$4,350 (+3.1%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $159,330 +$39,670 (+33.2%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $84,030 -$3,030 (-3.5%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $80,770 -$5,330 (-6.2%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 $84,770 +$14,150 (+20%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $126,110 -$23,780 (-15.9%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $84,290 +$1,130 (+1.4%)
13-1071 Human Resources Specialists $79,730 $74,810 -$4,920 (-6.2%)
13-1081 Logisticians $87,600 $85,960 -$1,640 (-1.9%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $111,030 +$2,930 (+2.7%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $107,270 -$7,440 (-6.5%)
13-1141 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $82,920 $74,100 -$8,820 (-10.6%)
13-1199 Business Operations Specialists, All Other $92,380 $73,880 -$18,500 (-20%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $73,380 -$40,460 (-35.5%)
52.0304 Accounting and Finance. (Cert2y+)
An integrated or combined program in accounting and finance that prepares individuals to function as accountants and financial managers or analysts.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
11-3031 Financial Managers $180,470 $157,050 -$23,420 (-13%)
13-2011 Accountants and Auditors $93,520 $87,370 -$6,150 (-6.6%)
13-2022 Appraisers of Personal and Business Property N/A N/A N/A
13-2031 Budget Analysts $93,920 $76,860 -$17,060 (-18.2%)
13-2051 Financial and Investment Analysts $116,490 $89,630 -$26,860 (-23.1%)
13-2054 Financial Risk Specialists $119,930 $108,200 -$11,730 (-9.8%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $73,380 -$40,460 (-35.5%)
Education (2)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1205 Secondary Education and Teaching. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school system or state regulations. May include preparation to teach a comprehensive curriculum or specific subject matter.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $73,800 -$4,700 (-6%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $68,630 -$5,070 (-6.9%)
13.1338 Environmental Education. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to teach environmental education at various educational levels as a K-12 classroom educator. Includes instruction in foundations of environmental education, instructional methods, and related content knowledge.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $73,800 -$4,700 (-6%)
25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $69,790 $72,040 +$2,250 (+3.2%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $68,090 -$1,950 (-2.8%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $68,630 -$5,070 (-6.9%)
Natural Resources (1)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
03.0104 Environmental Science. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of the physical environment and the solution of environmental problems, including subjects such as abating or controlling environmental pollution and degradation; the interaction between human society and the natural environment; and natural resources management. Includes instruction in biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, climatology, statistics, and mathematical modeling.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National New York Avg NY vs US
13-1041 Compliance Officers $84,980 $71,950 -$13,030 (-15.3%)
19-2041 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $88,640 $79,360 -$9,280 (-10.5%)
19-4042 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $56,770 $62,550 +$5,780 (+10.2%)
19-4071 Forest and Conservation Technicians $56,660 $59,240 +$2,580 (+4.6%)
25-1053 Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $100,360 $88,830 -$11,530 (-11.5%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$84,852
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$84,852
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$63,612
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$63,612
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$18,040 (on) / $13,000 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,000
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,000
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$42,620
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$42,620
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

19%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$56,380
Avg. Loan
$7,145
Avg. Federal Loan
$6,150
Additional
Students with Any Grant
341
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
209
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
160
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$54,213
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

73%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
85%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$22,114 – $74,224
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$22,114 (25th %) $74,224 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $46,543
Median Salary After 6 Years
$31,072
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$46,543
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
79.1%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
83.9%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$24,254
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 68.5%
Middle 77.6%
High 85.5%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 80.5%
Independent 51.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Bard College

How much does it cost to attend Bard College?

The annual tuition at Bard College is $63,612 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $84,852 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $18,040 (on) / $13,000 (off) and books and supplies $1,200.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Bard College offer?

Bard College offers 25 academic programs across 8 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (7 programs)
  • Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (5 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (2 programs)
  • Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (2 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Bard College?

Bard College has an 52.3% acceptance rate and a 11.6% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 6,628
  • Students admitted: 3,466
  • Students enrolled: 402

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Bard College?

Bard College provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $56,380 and average loans of $7,145.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,100
  • State/Local grants: $3,732
  • Institutional grants: $54,213
  • Federal loans: $6,150

The university supports 341 students with grants and 209 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Bard College graduates?

Bard College graduates earn a median salary of $31,072 after 6 years and $46,543 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,114 (25th percentile) to $74,224 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $77,000 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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