Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Annandale-On-Hudson, New York
52.3% Acceptance Rate
Bard College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
52.3%Acceptance Rate
1387Avg SAT
31Avg ACT
$81,661Annual Cost
$46,543Grad Salary
23.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
52.3%
Avg SAT
1387
Avg ACT
31
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1290–1440
ACT Middle 50%
30–32
Need-Based Aid
23.1% receive Pell
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 52.3%. 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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 52.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Bard College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Bard College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
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 2026 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.
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.
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
SAT 1387 — Competitive
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
ACT 31 — Very Competitive
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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Bard College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Bard College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Bard College to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
Bard College Profile
Full Name
Bard College
City
Annandale-On-Hudson
State
New York
ZIP Code
12504-5000
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
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 the graduate 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.
23.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 34.4 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.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Danville, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Waltham, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, 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 | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Bard College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Doctoral Degree Programs
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Professional Certificate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Bard College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46,543 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
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.
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 official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Bard College is 52.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
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.
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.
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.