Bard College

Getting in is the hard part. Bard College admitted 52.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: 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, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Bard College actually rewards, and 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, but that is not 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.

“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, and 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, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $34,649.

Is Bard College worth it?

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