Bard College

Bard College's tuition is approximately $68,850, but 84% of students receive financial aid, with an average total aid package of $56,380. The college aims to make education accessible, with 19% of students being Pell Grant recipients. While there is no merit aid without need, Bard offers significant institutional aid, averaging $52,859, to help students manage costs.

Bard College has an acceptance rate of 52% and does not require SAT or ACT scores. Applicants can apply through the Common App or the Bard Entrance Examination, an essay-based application. The college looks for students who are intellectually curious, passionate, and committed to civic engagement, with a holistic review process that values academic performance, recommendations, and essays.

Bard College offers a rigorous and flexible curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary study. Students engage in small classes with world-class faculty, fostering a collaborative academic environment. The college is known for its unique first-year programs like Language and Thinking and Citizen Science, as well as the capstone Senior Project.

Over 90% of Bard students are employed, in graduate school, or pursuing scholarships within six months of graduating. Alumni have attended prestigious graduate programs at institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Oxford. BardWorks, a week-long workshop series, connects students to the Bard network and hones job search skills, preparing them to apply their liberal arts education to the workforce.

Bard College offers a vibrant campus life with over 150 clubs and a strong emphasis on civic engagement. The campus is located in the scenic Hudson Valley, providing a serene environment for study and outdoor activities. While some students find the rural setting isolating, the college provides numerous extracurricular activities and resources to keep students engaged.

Bard College employs a security force of 31 employees, many with prior police training, to ensure campus safety. Security officers conduct routine patrols, and all residence halls are locked 24 hours a day. The college also has a memorandum of understanding with the Red Hook Police Department for on-campus patrols and issues timely warnings in the event of serious threats.

Bard College recognizes high-achieving students through its Honors List, which requires a semester GPA of 3.8 or higher and a full-time course load. The college also offers research opportunities through programs like the Summer Research Institute and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, allowing students to work closely with faculty mentors on advanced projects.

Bard College has a diverse student body, with 9% of undergraduates and a significant portion of graduate students coming from international locations. The college offers various international programs, including study abroad opportunities in Berlin and other countries. International students receive support through visa services and access to a global network of programs.