Students come from across the country and around the globe to study at Bard. They undertake a broad range of academic programs in Annandale. While pursuing their degrees, they volunteer in the community, develop their career goals, and bring their talents to the campus and the region. They share a love of learning and the leadership to make their mark on the world.
Bard by the Numbers
College Facts
Tuition and Aid
Commencement 2024. Photo by Karl Rabe
Did You Know?
Over 90% of Bard students are either employed, in graduate school, or pursuing scholarships (such as the Watson or Fulbright) within six months of graduating.
Graduate schools include: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Oxford, Cambridge, Dartmouth, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, London School of Economics, Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and Juilliard.
Other Notable Stats
Our Students
Photo by Karl Rabe
Class of 2028
Bard College’s Class of 2028 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 45 states and 25 countries, bringing with them their passion, creativity, and intellectual engagement.
Who Is the Class of 2028?
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
Francine Prose for the Guardian: “Ali Faqirzada is an Afghan refugee. He deserves to stay in America”
The Faqirzada family, who had assisted the American government and Nato with projects to improve the lives of Afghan women, fled the Taliban after the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021.
Members of Bard College Soccer Teams Honored by 2025 College Sports Communicators
The students honored were Carina Cooke ’26, McKenna Reeves ’26, Camila Sandaal ’27, Goldie Siff ’28, Mahlia Slaiby ’27, Natalie Wing ’28, Brandon Alchy ’27, Sam Gerber ’26, Emmett Olson ’26, and Ben Steketee ’26.
Bard College Celebrates Student Scholars
The Office of Development and Alumni/ae Affairs shared inspiring testimonials from our students, illustrating how their Bard experiences have profoundly shaped both their academic and personal lives.
Academic Snapshot: Time and Credits at Bard
The academic year is divided into two 15-week semesters.
The average semester course load is 16 credits.
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.
Most classes are 4 semester hours of academic credit.
128 credits are required for the bachelor's degree.
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.
Documentary filmmaker and anthropology major Joelle Powe from Jamaica
Bard Conservatory student Viveca Lawrie from Arizona
Biology and philosophy double major Levi Lakota Lowe from California
Pre-med biology major and basketball player Christina Kiser from Rhode Island
Photo by Karl Rabe
Life After Bard
Bard alumni/ae 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.