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. With an acceptance rate of 52.29%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
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
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Bard College SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Bard College. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
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?
With a 32 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Bard College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.
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)
How much does a degree from Bard College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Bard College is USD: 81661. 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.
How can I get a scholarship?
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 a Bard College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 46543. 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 USD: 40595
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, $46543 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $81661 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
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.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.