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Colleges / NY / Annandale-On-Hudson
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Bard College

Private nonprofit Annandale-On-Hudson, NY · Rural · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
70%
Graduation Rate
$46,543
Earnings (10yr)
$34,649
Net Price
52%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Bard College is a great fit for students who are passionate about the arts and humanities. With an enrollment of around 2,400, it maintains a cozy atmosphere where students can dive deep into programs like Visual & Performing Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 52% suggests that while it’s selective, it remains accessible to many who are eager to explore their creative and intellectual interests.

When it comes to life after graduation, Bard graduates earn an average of $46,543 within ten years of completing their degree. This number suggests that many graduates find fulfilling careers, even if their paths may be less traditional. Affordability is an important consideration; while the net price after aid is $34,649, which can be a stretch for some, the median debt of $24,254 shows that many students manage to keep their borrowings relatively low.

For those who thrive at Bard, it’s often students who are self-motivated and deeply committed to their fields of study. The financial landscape can be challenging, but with a Pell Grant rate of 17%, there are resources for those who qualify for federal aid. Bard attracts individuals who are ready to engage with their education, making it a supportive community for artistic and academic exploration.

Rankings

How Bard Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation70%Earnings 10yr$47KNet Price$35KRetention85%Median Debt$24KPell Grant Rate17%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$19K$0-30K$21K$30-48K$22K$48-75K$45K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%648.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2360.6%MOBILITY153.19%

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,436
In-State Tuition
$66,436
Out-of-State
$34,649
Avg Net Price
$24,254
Median Debt
17%
Pell Grant Rate
32%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$19,012
Family Income $0–$30K
$21,038
Family Income $30K–$48K
$22,139
Family Income $48K–$75K
$44,873
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$31,072
6 Years After Entry
$37,534
8 Years
$46,543
10 Years
0.52x
Debt-to-Earnings
51%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$31,072 6yr $37,534 8yr $46,543 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

153.19%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2360.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
648.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$117,900
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.79
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
20.5%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 52%
Retention Rate 85%
SAT Average 1380
SAT Range 1270–1450
ACT Range 28–32
Full-Time Faculty 74%
Faculty Salary (mo) $12,589
Diversity Index 0.74
First-Gen Students 12%

Top Programs

Visual & Performing Arts 26%
Humanities 25%
Social Sciences 22%
English & Literature 13%