A private college in the public interest.
Bard College seeks to inspire curiosity, a love of learning, idealism, and a commitment to the link between higher education and civic participation.
Bard by the Numbers
Academics at Bard
Academics at Bard focus on giving students a strong scholarly foundation with our core curriculum, then encouraging them to explore individual academic interests.
In the classroom, the level of academic discourse is high, and students are in close contact with scholars who are active in their disciplines alongside teaching. The College provides a beautiful setting in which students pursue their academic interests and craft a rich cultural and social life.
Watch: Annie, a premed biology major at Bard, explores the Reem-Kayden Center for Science and Computation.
Campus Life
Inside and outside the classroom, the focus of student life at Bard College is on campus. From its historic Hudson Valley setting to its state-of-the-art science and arts facilities, the College offers an idyllic environment where students can enjoy a rich social life interwoven with their cultural and intellectual pursuits.
Photo by Jonatha Asiedu ’24
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is at the core of Bard College’s institutional mission, reflecting the fundamental belief that higher education institutions can and should operate in the public interest. Bard uses its resources to develop partnerships that address local, national, and global problems, reach underserved populations, and tackle critical issues of education and public policy.
What’s New at Bard
The Fisher Center at Bard Presents Lucinda Childs: Momentary Reprise, a Program of New and Landmark Works from the Groundbreaking Choreographer, June 26–28, as Part of SummerScape 2026
The Fisher Center at Bard continues its relationship with iconic choreographer Lucinda Childs in a program of North American premieres and beloved revivals, Lucinda Childs: Momentary Reprise, presented as part of SummerScape 2026.
Jenny Offill Receives Dora Maar House Residency
The residency is awarded to outstanding arts and humanities professionals.
Bard College Students Ixmucane N. Pereira ’26, João Melo ’26, and Moani Moreira-Laliberté ’27 Awarded Davis Projects for Peace Grants
The grants were awarded in support of two Bard College projects—for Melo and Moreira-Laliberté’s “Pathways of Art” project in Brazil, and for Pereira’s “Worry Dolls: Mayan Indigenous Ways to Remove Worries” project in Guatemala.
Photo by Chris Kayden
Arts at Bard
Bard College offers the best of both worlds: a traditional liberal arts college with exceptional programs in the fine and performing arts. In small classes taught by notable faculty, students work closely with top professionals in their fields. All students, whatever their major, are encouraged to take advantage of the College’s high-level arts programming and to cultivate their artistic abilities.
Upcoming Events
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4/18SaturdayEverything That Happens Will Happen Today: 2026 Graduate Student Curated Exhibitions 11:00 am – 5:00 pm EDT/GMT-4
Hessel Museum of Art, CCS Bard
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4/18SaturdayThe Antipodes LUMA THEATER
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4/18Saturday
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4/18Saturday
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4/18Saturday
Explore Bard
Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate students can earn a bachelor of arts degree in one of approximately 35 programs.
Graduate Programs
Bard’s Graduate Programs offer specialized study in human rights, environmental policy, and more.
Bard Early Colleges
Bard has been a national leader in early college education since 1979.
International Programs
Bard offers its students a wide range of opportunities to engage in international dialogue.
Bard Network
Bard envisions the liberal arts institution as the hub of a network that spans the globe.
GHEA21
Global Higher Education Alliance for the 21st Century is a network of diverse institutions committed to advancing access to liberal arts and sciences education.