Bard College Bard College, founded in 1860 in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, is a highly selective liberal arts college known for academic innovation and artistic excellence. The 1,000-acre campus along the Hudson River features a mix of historic and modern facilities, including the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts designed by Frank Gehry. Bard maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and offers distinctive programs like the Language and Thinking requirement and the Senior Project. The college is particularly renowned for its arts programs and the Bard College Conservatory of Music's dual-degree program.
Bard takes pride in its commitment to civic engagement and intellectual rigor across disciplines. Campus life includes the Bard Music Festival and over 100 student organizations. The college's global network includes campuses and partnerships worldwide. Recent additions include the Gabrielle H. Reem and Herbert J. Kayden Center for Science and Computation. Bard's combination of academic excellence, artistic vibrancy, and beautiful Hudson Valley setting creates a distinctive liberal arts experience focused on thinking critically and engaging globally.
Bard College Acceptance Rate
Bard College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Bard College is 52.29%. This means that 52 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Bard College Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Bard College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Bard College Average SAT Score: 1387
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Bard College is 1387 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1387 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1440 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Bard College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1290, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Bard College.Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 660 | 620 | 700 |
| SAT Reading | 705 | 670 | 740 |
| SAT Composite | 1387 | 1290 | 1440 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1290 then you are below most of the admitted students at Bard College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1440 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Bard College with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Bard College are good but the admission staff at Bard College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Bard College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Bard College is 31.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Bard College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 30 |
| ACT English | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 30 | 32 |
Can I get into Bard College with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Bard College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Bard College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Bard College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Bard College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.Bard College Profile
Name: Bard College
City: Annandale-On-Hudson
URL: www.bard.edu/
State: New York
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 12504-5000
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Can I Get Into Bard College Without SAT Or ACT?: Bard College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a Bard College degree Worth It?
Getting into Bard College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Bard College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Bard College is $78,300 and unemployment rate is 3.1%.
How much does a degree from Bard College Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Bard College is $81,661. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Bard College is much less than this.
23.08% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 34.41 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Bard College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Bard College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Bard College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Bard College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $46,543. An average Bard College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Bard College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Bentley University, MA | 1340 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Bard College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Bard College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1447 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- English Language and Literature/Letters
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Music
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Social Sciences, General
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Bard College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46,543 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $81,661 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 23.1% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the institution's official financial aid page for details.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Bard College is 52.29% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Bard College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1387 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1290-1440
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Bard College.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.