The FAFSA and CSS Profile should be submitted no later than February 15. For detailed instructions on how to apply for financial aid, visit the Office of Financial Aid website at www.bard.edu/financialaid/applying.
International Students: Apply by January 1
To be considered for financial aid at Bard College, international students and their parents are expected to complete the following forms. These forms are due January 1 along with all other application materials:
For complete information about tuition, fees, billing, and payment visit the Office of Financial Aidwebsite.
Tuition and Fees
The annual tuition and fees for the Conservatory program are the same as for the College. Note, though, that the program will usually require five years rather than four, and students may choose to enroll in summer and January intersession programs, which carry additional costs.
Financial Aid Policy Through the administration of its financial aid program, Bard College seeks to assist students and families whose personal resources do not allow for total payment of the costs of attending a small private college. The College is committed to helping as many qualified candidates as its funds will allow; in recent years, approximately two-thirds of all students have received financial aid.
The College has a need-aware admission policy. Financial need is determined annually by the U.S. Department of Education, the College Scholarship Service of the College Board, and Bard College. Domestic and international students are eligible, based on need, for Bard scholarships and loans. Approximately two-thirds of Bard students receive financial aid.
Financial aid is awarded on the basis of need, musical ability, and academic achievement and promise. For domestic applicants, financial need is determined annually by the U.S. Department of Education, the College Scholarship Service of the College Board (CSS), and Bard College.
Special Scholarship Opportunities
All applicants to the Bard Conservatory are eligible for scholarships, based on both need and musical ability. In addition, the Conservatory, through the generosity of donors and partner organizations, offers the following special scholarships to undergraduate applicants.
Special Scholarship Opportunities
Conservatory Double Bass Scholarship Conservatory Double Reed Scholarship Conservatory Brass Scholarship These scholarships cover up to full tuition and up to full room and board costs at Bard. Two scholarships in each category are awarded each year to incoming students.
Joan Tower Composition Scholarship This annual scholarship, funded by a group of generous donors in honor of composition faculty member Joan Tower's 75th birthday, is given annually to an applicant in composition and provides $10,000 toward tuition costs at The Bard Conservatory.
Bard Conservatory-Sphinx Scholarship In partnership with the Sphinx College-Bound Program and available to all alumni and semifinalists of the Sphinx Competition, Bard College Conservatory of Music is pleased to offer four special scholarships covering up to full tuition and room and board to one violinist, one violist, one cellist, and one bassist.
More about the College-Bound Program: In 2001, Sphinx joined forces with the League of American Orchestras to execute and oversee its Music Assistance Fund for classical musicians of color. Now called the College-Bound Program, this program is designed to help aspiring musicians develop their skills as they prepare for professional careers. In addition to educational funds, all Sphinx Competition semi-finalists and alumni receive access to undergraduate and graduate scholarships through this program.