Bard by the Numbers
Our Students
Class of 2027
Bard College’s Class of 2027 was selected from a large and competitive applicant pool, indicating their extraordinary promise. They are a high-achieving group, with wide-ranging interests and varied backgrounds. Our first-year students come to Annandale-on-Hudson from 38 states and 26 countries, bringing with them their passion, creativity, and intellectual engagement.
Who Is the Class of 2027?
Academic Snapshot: Time and Credits at Bard
The academic year is divided into two 15-week semesters.
Most classes are 4 semester hours of academic credit.
128 credits are required for the bachelor's degree.
The average semester course load is 16 credits.
About Campus: Rachel Explores Ward Manor
Rachel is a Bard College student in the Psychology Program. She visits one of the landmarks of Bard's campus: Ward Manor, often called simply "Manor." The porch behind Manor is a prime spot to study, enjoy a meal from the Manor Cafe, or connect with friends. The porch boasts a view of the iconic Stargon sculpture (affectionately called "The Bunny Ears"), the Bard Farm, and the Catskill Mountains in the background.
Why I Chose Bard
Why choose Bard College? The unique and rigorous curriculum, stunning campus, and close relationships with faculty are a few of the reasons our students decided to make Bard their home. Hear them talk about what drew them to the college in the beginning and the scholarly, creative community they've found on campus since.
Student News
Continuing its tradition of expanding the vision and developing the potential of remarkable young leaders, the Thomas J. Watson Foundation has selected Bard College senior Nine Reed-Mera as one of 35 students in the 56th Class of Watson Fellows. Each fellow receives a grant of $40,000 for 12 months of travel and independent study. A biology and written arts double major, Reed-Mera will spend her Watson year in the United Kingdom, Chile, New Zealand, and Australia exploring extremophiles, which are organisms that survive the nearly unsurvivable—volcanic magma, the depths of polar ice, and the vastness of outer space.
Two groups of Bard students have been awarded 2024 Projects for Peace Summer Grants, which provide student leaders awards of $10,000 to implement a Project for Peace. Ifigeneia Gianne ’25, Noa Doucette ’24, Leonard Gurevich ’24, Mujtaba Naqib ’24, and Antonios Petras won for their project “Creative Play in Malaysia,” an initiative to create immersive children’s workshops around music, theater, and storytelling. Conservatory students Blanche Darr ’25, Aleksander Vitanov ’25, Lexi Lanni ’26, and Fredrick Otieno ’28 won for their project, “Musical Mentorship Initiative Kenya,” to establish a music mentorship program in Nairobi.
After Russian missiles destroyed critical infrastructure 1.5 miles from her home, Svitlana Kukharuk ’25 and her family went without electricity for 10 hours per day. “I gave myself a new name: ‘electricity hunter,’” Kukharuk wrote for the Daily Catch. Reflecting on her experience leaving Ukraine and her studies at National University of Ostroh Academy, Kukharuk marked the third year of the Russian invasion by tracking her journey from electricity hunter to Bard student, and what she’s doing now to affect the situation in Ukraine.
Life After Bard
Bardians Are Everywhere
Whether working in Annandale or Berlin, in sustainable agriculture or in a tech startup, Bard alumni/ae make a difference. Bardians are changing the way the world works, taking Bard's commitment to innovation and engagement worldwide. Being a Bardian means having an impact, wherever you may be and whatever type of work you're called to do. Look for members of the Bard community. You'll find us in your favorite films, your most ambitious business ventures, and your most innovative educational institutions.
Staying Connected After Graduation
Bardians take great pride in their alma mater and support Bard in any way they can, whether by recommending new students, making a gift to the College, or offering professional mentoring to current students and young alums. There are lots of ways to stay connected to Bard after graduation:
Career Development On Campus and Beyond
Bard supports students' professional development during their years in Annandale and after graduation. The Career Development Office offers a range of internship and job resources, and hosts events that connect students with various professions, alumni/ae, and employers. Bard Works is an intensive, weeklong program for juniors and seniors at Bard College that prepares them for work after graduation. The Center for Civic Engagement helps students secure internships, find service-learning opportunities, and design their own projects.