Resources
Are there additional resources for students impacted by the pandemic?
We have established a student emergency fund for those with needs beyond what was covered by refunds and stimulus funds. We have also completed our largest-ever review of financial aid appeals and granted more adjustments than any other period in institutional history.
What is HEERF?
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) signed on 12/27/2020 made additional funds available to higher education institutions to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID pandemic. The College expended all funds within the student allocation as emergency grants. Any returned/declined grants will be reissued to students who are currently on a waiting list. For more information, please visit https://www.bard.edu/budgetoffice/cares-act/ or contact [email protected] with HEERF-related questions.
Admission Checklist
If I am a first-time student enrolling, when is the deadline for submitting the Student Accounts checklist items?
The current academic year deadlines for submitting the Student Accounts checklist items are July 20 for the Fall semester and December 20 for the Spring semester.
Online Student Account/Billing
How can the office share information with someone besides the student?
In order for our department to discuss information with an individual other than the student, we must have a completed Information Release Form on file from the student. To ensure FERPA compliance, the Student Accounts Office cannot discuss the student account with anyone other than the student or send to an email address other than the students Bard College email address; this includes billing statements, without this form on file. You can find more information regarding this as well as the form on our website at www.bard.edu/studentaccounts/policies/. Please look for the section titled FERPA. We will need the online form completed by the student. Without this on file, the student will be the only person to receive all account information, and will need to forward the information to those they wish to share it with. Note: The student must be signed into Google docs with their Bard college email before clicking on the link. Please have them sign into Google using their Bard email as the user name and then enter their corresponding password.
How can I access the online student account (CASHNet/Transact) to view billing statements and/or make payments?
The online student account (CASHNet/Transact) allows access to the view student account information in real time, as well as view billing statements, and make payments for tuition, flex accounts, replacement IDs and keys, and summer/winter housing, via credit card, electronic check (ACH), and/or Western Union.
For more information on how to access the online student account to make payments, please go to http://www.bard.edu/studentaccounts/selfservice/.
I want my billing information shared with a parent/other individual. How do I authorize someone to access my bill online?
Students will be the only one with access to view their student account or make payments online unless they set up a Parent/Authorized User. A student may create a Parent/Authorized User Login to allow parents, guardians and other authorized users to access their account information. A Parent/Authorized User Login must be created by the student before it can be used. Information on how to complete this step can be found using the following link: www.bard.edu/studentaccounts/selfservice/ . Please look for the drop down "Creating a User Login for Parents or Authorized Users". Only students can initiate this.
I am experiencing issues logging into the online student account. What should I do?
If you are experiencing issues logging into your online student account through SSB, you will want to ensure you are following the correlating instructions for logging into the online student account.
If after following the correlating instructions, you are still experiencing issues logging into your online student account through SSB and you are not using Chrome, please try using chrome. If you are using Chrome, please try using an incognito window.
If after following the correlating instructions, you are still experiencing issues logging into your online student account through SSB and you are not using Chrome, please try using chrome. If you are using Chrome, please try using an incognito window.
I am not sure who to contact with my question on my scholarship/bill; where should I go?
In an effort to ensure the most informed response, please direct initial billing questions to [email protected] or 845-758-7520 and financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loan inquiries to [email protected] or 845-758-7525 and 845-758-7526.
I received a scholarship and loan, but it is not appearing on my bill; what should I do?
Scholarships are renewed for all students in good academic standing, but you must reaffirm your financial aid (including loans) annually. If you have not already, please review your financial aid package here and accept or decline any offered financial aid that you wish, to ensure that everything is accounted for on your billing.
I have a scholarship or tuition benefit from an outside organization, what should I do?
If you have the scholarship/tuition benefit check, please mail it to our office. If the scholarship/tuition benefit check is made payable to both the student and Bard College, please endorse the back of the check before mailing.
If you do not have the scholarship/tuition benefit check at this time, please send a copy (email or mail) of the letter of intent/award to the Office of Student Accounts and we can memo the expected scholarship to your student account. This will allow us to show the scholarship and calculate your billing statement accordingly to reduce any amount that may be due. A copy of the letter of intent/award should be submitted to the Office of Student Accounts each academic year, even if the scholarship is reoccurring.
I have work study, but it is not showing on my bill?
Federal Work-study is a federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while the student is enrolled in school to help pay his or her education expenses. The student must seek out and apply for work-study jobs at their school. The student will be paid directly for the hours they work and the amount they earn cannot exceed the total amount awarded by the school for the award year. Work-study earnings help pay the student’s education expenses. For more information on student employment at Bard, please visit bard.edu/financialaid/employment/students/ and bard.joinhandshake.com/login.
There is a charge on my bill that I am not familiar with, can you provide more information?
Students who take an academic leave of absence are charged an administrative fee per semester.
Campus Facilities Fee
Students who live off campus are assessed the campus facilities fee each semester, which provides access to facilities including but not limited to, the gym, library, and computer centers located on campus. This is a required fee that cannot be waived.
The fee is assessed based on information received from the Office of the Registrar.
In the Fall 2022 semester, students taking one of more photography classes are assessed the dark room fee each semester. The fee is assessed based on information received from the Photography Department and the Office of the Registrar. This is a required fee that cannot be waived. Effective Spring 2023 this fee is no longer applicable.
In the Fall 2022 semester, students taking one of more photography classes are assessed the digital imaging fee each semester. The fee is assessed based on information received from the Photography Department and the Office of the Registrar. This is a required fee that cannot be waived. Effective Spring 2023 this fee is no longer applicable.
Finance Fee (applied by Bard College)A student account with a past due balance is assessed a fee of 1% of the past due balance.
Graduation Fee
Students who are part of the graduating class are assessed the graduation fee which includes the cap and gown, and diploma with binder. This is a required fee that cannot be waived.
Health Services FeeStudents are assessed the health services fee each semester, which provides access to the health and counseling center located on campus. This is a required fee that cannot be waived.
Students taking private lessons for credit are assessed the private music lesson fee per each course taken. The fee is assessed based on information received from the Music Department and the Office of the Registrar. This is a required fee that cannot be waived.
Security DepositStudents are assessed a one-time-only security deposit charge during their first semester attendance. This is refundable at the completion of a students' course of study at the College.
In the Fall 2022 semester, students taking one of more studio arts classes are assessed the studio arts fee each semester. The fee is assessed based on information received from the Studio Arts Department and the Office of the Registrar. This is a required fee. Effective Spring 2023 this fee is no longer applicable.
Payment
What is the payment schedule for the Fall and Spring semesters?
Under the Standard Payment Schedule, half of the Fall semester cost is due in June and the other half is due in July. Half of the Spring semester cost is due in November and the other half is due in December. Please refer to the Standard Payment Schedule for the current academic year schedule.
What payments types are accepted?
The Office of Student Accounts accepts payments made online, by mail, and in office drop off. For more information on payment types, please go to https://www.bard.edu/studentaccounts/payment/
What if I can't afford to make the full payment of the semester charges or need more time to make payment?
Bard offers a payment plan that you can use to make monthly payments. Additional information about the Bard Budget Plan and the application can be found using this link: www.bard.edu/studentaccounts/bardbudgetplan. (Please note, the first payment in all plans is due June for the Fall semester, and the first payment for the Spring semester is due November)
Financial Aid: Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
Where do I go to complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
Visit StudentAid.gov/fllingout for details about the application process.
What type of financial aid is available to help with the cost of attendance?
Financial aid to pay for college is available from a variety of sources. Student aid includes grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, and loans. More information can be found at https://studentaid.gov/h/understand-aid
LOANS
Federal Direct (Subsidized) Loan
Federal Direct Subsidized loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. The federal government generally pays the interest that accrues while the borrower is in an in-school, grace, or deferment status. Current interest rates can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#what-are-the-current-interest-rates
Federal Direct (Unsubsidized) Loan
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need. The borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status. Interest on unsubsidized loans accrues from the date of disbursement and continues throughout the life of the loan. Current interest rates can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#what-are-the-current-interest-rates
Federal Direct PLUS Loan
The U.S. Department of Education makes Direct PLUS Loans to eligible parents and graduate or professional students through schools participating in the Direct Loan Program. A Direct PLUS Loan is commonly referred to as a parent PLUS loan when made to a parent, and as a grad PLUS loan when made to a graduate or professional student. More information can be found studentaid.gov website. Current interest rates can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#what-are-the-current-interest-rates
Student Health Insurance Plan
I am being billed for student Health Insurance. Can this charge be removed from my bill?
All enrolled students at Bard College are required to have health insurance coverage. The student health insurance plan through Bard is included in your semester billing statement.
Students who have alternate private health plans can submit a waiver with proof of coverage at: www.mystudentmedical.com. Waivers must be completed every year. Once completed you will receive a waiver confirmation. Please submit your waiver early! The review process is not immediate. Payment will be expected until Bard receives a waiver approval from Allen J Flood. If you have questions regarding the policy, please contact The Allen J Flood at 800-734-9326 or [email protected].
Students enrolled in Summer programs* of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is May 15. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the deadline.
Students enrolled in the Fall semester of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is July 15. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the deadline.
Students who were not enrolled in the Fall semester of the academic year and begin their enrollment in the Spring semester of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is December 20. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the deadline.
For more information please go to: www.bard.edu/studentaccounts/policies. Look for the drop down "Student Health Insurance Plan"
Students enrolled in Summer programs* of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is May 15. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the deadline.
Students enrolled in the Fall semester of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is July 15. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the deadline.
Students who were not enrolled in the Fall semester of the academic year and begin their enrollment in the Spring semester of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is December 20. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the deadline.
For more information please go to: www.bard.edu/studentaccounts/policies. Look for the drop down "Student Health Insurance Plan"
I submitted a waiver for the Student Health Insurance, but it is still showing on my bill.
Waivers can take a minimum of 1 week to be sent to our office from the appropriate outside company. Until we receive the needed information from the appropriate company, the charge cannot be deducted and payment is expected as billed. We receive waiver reports from Allen J. Flood USA weekly (usually on Mondays). Once we receive the report that shows the waiver for you, the charge will be removed.
Account updates will be reflected on the "account activity" page of the online account. The e-bills will not be updated, as they are a snapshot of the account as of the date they are generated.
*program specific for MFA, MAT, MBA-NYPA, and Summer BGIA
Tuition Refund Insurance Plan
I am being billed for Tuition Refund Insurance. Can this charge be removed from my bill?
Bard College offers Tuition Refund Insurance through A.W.G. Dewar, for full-time enrolled undergraduate students. If your student is unable to complete classes for the semester due to an approved medical leave, Tuition Refund Insurance, provided by Dewar, can help refund the tuition, fees, and room and board charges, if your student is unable to complete the semester due to an covered medical reason. This insurance program complements and enhances our school's refund policy. Dewar can help refund a percentage of costs that are not refunded under the College's refund policy. For questions regarding the tuition insurance plan, please contact A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. at (617) 774-1555. Website tuitionprotection.com
Students enrolled in the Fall semester of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is July 15. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the extended deadline.
Students who were not enrolled in the Fall semester of the academic year and begin their enrollment in the Spring semester of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is December 20. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the extended deadline.
Please note that payment will be expected until Bard receives the waiver confirmation from A.W.G. Dewar. The tuition insurance plan is an optional charge, and if you do not want to purchase this plan, please submit a waiver form using the following website: tuitionprotection.com/bardcollege
For more information please go to: bard.edu/studentaccounts/policies. Look for the drop down "Tuition Refund Insurance Plan"
Students enrolled in the Fall semester of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is July 15. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the extended deadline.
Students who were not enrolled in the Fall semester of the academic year and begin their enrollment in the Spring semester of the academic year, the deadline to submit the waiver form is December 20. Waiver submissions will not be granted beyond the extended deadline.
Please note that payment will be expected until Bard receives the waiver confirmation from A.W.G. Dewar. The tuition insurance plan is an optional charge, and if you do not want to purchase this plan, please submit a waiver form using the following website: tuitionprotection.com/bardcollege
For more information please go to: bard.edu/studentaccounts/policies. Look for the drop down "Tuition Refund Insurance Plan"
I submitted a waiver for the Tuition Refund Insurance, but it is still showing on my bill.
Waivers can take a minimum of 1 week to be sent to our office from the appropriate outside company. Until we receive the needed information from the appropriate company, the charge cannot be deducted and payment is expected as billed. We receive waiver reports from A.W.G DEWAR Inc weekly (usually on Mondays). Once we receive the report that shows the waiver for you, the charge will be removed.
Account updates will be reflected on the "account activity" page of the online account. The e-bills will not be updated, as they are a snapshot of the account as of the date they are generated.
Part-Time Enrollment
How can I become a part-time student?
Please contact the Office of the Registrar to discuss being part-time for the academic year or semester. We will need a completed "Part-Time Student Form" form on file before we can adjust your student account to part time. This form can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar and will need to be signed by the Office of the Registrar, Dean of Students Office, Financial Aid Office, and our office (Office of Student Accounts) before the student account can be adjusted. Please note, Part-time may affect financial aid, housing,VA Benefit, International Visa status F1/J1, Health/Auto Insurance, NCAA eligibility.
Is there a deadline to change to a part time student?
Students who change their enrollment status from full-time (10 credits or more) to part-time (9 credits or fewer) while the drop/add period is in effect during the first two weeks of the semester may receive a refund of applicable tuition charges, provided an approved Part-Time Study Form is submitted by the student to the Office of Student Accounts and the Registrar’s Office prior to the designated end date of the drop/add period. No refunds are made if Student Accounts and the Registrar's Office have not been officially notified in writing prior to the drop/add deadline.
Leave of Absence
I am thinking about taking a leave of absence for the academic year or semester, what steps do I need to take?
A student who takes a leave of absence or withdraws should email the Office of Student Accounts at [email protected] indicating the type of leave and when you will be taking the leave, as well as complete a leave or withdrawal form at the Dean of Students Office.
Will I be refunded for payments that I made?
If the leave or withdrawal date is before the first day of expected arrival, the semester charges are reversed in full. Additional information regarding refunds can be found at the line www.bard.edu/studentaccounts/refunds.
Refund Requests
I have a credit (negative balance) on my account, how do I submit a request for a refund check?
A refund request can be submitted electronically by the student using the link provided below. The Student Accounts office will review and process the request. During the review process, additional information may be requested. Once Student Accounts submits the request to the Finance Office, a confirmation email will be sent.
If a refund is not requested, the credit (negative balance) will remain on your account to be applied to future semester costs or will be refunded after graduation or withdrawal during account review.
If a refund is not requested, the credit (negative balance) will remain on your account to be applied to future semester costs or will be refunded after graduation or withdrawal during account review.
Credits (negative balances) created by financial aid cannot be processed until after the Drop/Add period has ended and the financial aid has been paid to the account, typically mid-September for the Fall semester and mid-February for the Spring semester. Refer to the academic calendar for the date each semester. Refund requests can be submitted after the add/drop date to be processed.
The approximate timeline for a refund check to be available is four weeks from the time that the request is submitted by Student Accounts to the Finance Office. Because of this processing time, you should plan ahead for non-educational expenses such as rent, transportation, and child care.
Note: You must be signed into Google docs with your Bard college email before clicking on the link. Please sign into Google using your Bard email as your user name and then enter your corresponding password.The approximate timeline for a refund check to be available is four weeks from the time that the request is submitted by Student Accounts to the Finance Office. Because of this processing time, you should plan ahead for non-educational expenses such as rent, transportation, and child care.
Submit Student Account Refund Request Form
Student ID and Key(s)
I lost my Bard ID and/or Key, how do I get a replacement?
If you have lost your Bard ID or key(s) and need a replacement, there is a $20.00 replacement fee per key or ID. Replacement IDs and/or key payment can be made on your online student account. Once logged into your online student account, you will select "Make a Payment" and then select the corresponding "Replacement ID Card Payment" and/or "Replacement Key Payment" option(s). Replacement ID and/or Key processing can take a minimum of 24 business hours, however we review payments throughout the day as able. A confirmation email will be sent to your Bard email address with additional information regarding your replacement ID and/or Key(s) availability/pick up.
Once your Bard ID is marked as replaced by the Student Accounts Office, your previous ID(s) will be inactivated and no longer work.
B&G ID regular office hours are 11am-11:45am; 12:30pm-3pm Monday through Friday. *Office is close on certain holidays
B&G Key regular office hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. *Office is close on certain holidays
Flex Accounts
What is a Flex account and how can I add money to it?
Students have the option of adding money to three different FLEX accounts; Flex Cafe, Flex Print, and Flex Bookstore. A flex account acts like a debit card to be used for purchases on campus. Flex accounts are managed by the Student Accounts Office.
- The Flex Cafe account is for purchases outside of the board plans, including Bard Bucks, at any of the dining outlets on campus. Students using their flex cafe account are given a discount on their purchases, in the form of tax savings! Flex accounts cannot replace a meal plan. Flex Cafe/Dining has a $50 minimum requirement
- The Flex Print account is for purchases outside of the Bard Print funds ($37.50) given by the College each semester and can be used at any of the printing outlets on campus. Flex Print has a $10 minimum requirement.
- The Flex Bookstore account is for purchases at the Bookstore located on campus in the Bertelsmann Campus Center. Flex Bookstore does not have a minimum requirement.
If you would like to add money to your Flex Cafe, Flex Print, and/or Flex Bookstore account(s), payment can be made on your online student account. Once logged into your online student account, you will select "Make a Payment" and then select the corresponding "Flex Dining Payment" "Flex Print Payment" and/or "Flex Bookstore" option(s). Flex payments will be added to the corresponding Flex account by the end of the next business day. If you need the Flex funds available before the end of the next business day, once payment is completed, please contact the Student Account office at [email protected] or 845-758-7520 to let us know.
Monies deposited into Flex accounts must be used toward purchases and cannot be refunded or transferred.
For more information about Flex accounts, please contact the Office of Student Accounts at [email protected] or 845-758-7520.
Meal Plan
Do I have to sign up for a meal plan and is it included in my semester charges?
All undergraduate students who live on campus are required to be enrolled in a meal plan. All regular semester meal plans are the same cost. This cost is included in the board portion of the room and board charge on your student account. There is an additional meal plan cost charged to those student accounts who are enrolled in the Language and Thinking, Citizen Science, and/or Transfer Orientation Workshop. A breakdown of the cost can be found under Undergraduate Tuition and Fees.
How do I select a meal plan?
Each semester all meal plan eligible students will receive an email from the Office of Residence Life and Housing with information regarding the Meal Plan Selection process. Meal Plan selection generally takes place during the summer months for the Fall semester selections and during the month of December for Spring semester selections. For questions regarding how to select a meal plan, please contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing at [email protected] or 845-758-7455
I have particular dietary needs, who should I speak to?
Students with particular dietary needs or preferences should consult with the General Manager and Executive Chef from Parkhurst Dining; reasonable requests will be accommodated. Special requests for religious holidays should be discussed in advance.
I would like to be exempt from the meal plan, who should I speak to?
All undergraduate resident students are required to be on a meal plan. In rare instances due to documented medical reasons, an exemption may be granted. Your first step is to please complete the Disability Offices registration form as well as forward documentation of your needs. You can email documentation to [email protected]. Typically, documentation should include: diagnosis, history of treatment, current functional limitations, and recommendations for accommodations around dining access needs.
Once the Office of Disability Services has that information, they can set up a meeting for you to discuss dining accommodations with the Director of Disability Access Services, as well as Parkhust Dining General Manager and Executive Chef. Please know that documentation does not automatically grant a meal plan exemption. Director of Disability Services always work with Parkhurst dining to see what accommodations options are available for students first.
Once the Office of Disability Services has that information, they can set up a meeting for you to discuss dining accommodations with the Director of Disability Access Services, as well as Parkhust Dining General Manager and Executive Chef. Please know that documentation does not automatically grant a meal plan exemption. Director of Disability Services always work with Parkhurst dining to see what accommodations options are available for students first.
What dining locations are available on campus?
Kline Commons Dining Hall
Down the Road Cafe (DTR)
Manor House Dining Room
Which meal plans are available?
The various meal plan options available can be located in a few places: Below, ResLife Resources, and Parkhurst Dining.
2022-2023 Regular Semester Resident Meal Plan Options
For the 2022-2023 academic year, all plans, except the Anytime Access Plan, have the ability to swipe for a Board “Meal Exchange” or "Cash Equivalency" at DTR and Manor during the Fall and Spring semesters up to three times a day, during associated meal periods.
Meal exchange includes a choice from a predetermined Board list of an entree, side, beverage, and dessert. Board Cash Equivalency will allow up to $6.00 to be applied as Board. If your purchase goes beyond the $6.00 cash equivalency limit, it will require payment for the overage to be paid with Bard Bucks, Flex Cafe funds, cash, or Credit/Debit card.
Meal exchange includes a choice from a predetermined Board list of an entree, side, beverage, and dessert. Board Cash Equivalency will allow up to $6.00 to be applied as Board. If your purchase goes beyond the $6.00 cash equivalency limit, it will require payment for the overage to be paid with Bard Bucks, Flex Cafe funds, cash, or Credit/Debit card.
| RESIDENT 19 | Our Resident 19 plan gives each resident 19 meals each week at Kline Commons, plus $100 Bard Bucks to spend throughout the semester at the Down the Road Cafe & Coffee Shop and Manor Cafe. The weekly meal total resets each Tuesday, and unused meals do not roll over to the next week. The 19 meal plan was designed to allow for 5 days of 3 meals and 2 days of 2 meals, but you can use them as you need to up to 19 meals for the week. - just be careful not to run out! | All students are eligible for this plan. If you do not select a plan by the selection deadline, your plan will default to this plan automatically. |
| ANYTIME ACCESS PLAN | Our Anytime Access plan gives each resident Unlimited meals each week at Kline Commons, plus $50 Bard Bucks to spend throughout the semester at the Down the Road Cafe & Coffee Shop and Manor Cafe. This plan does not include “Meal Exchange” or "Cash Equivalency". | All students are eligible for this plan. |
| RESIDENT 14 | Our Resident 14 plan gives each resident 14 meals each week at Kline Commons, plus $200 Bard Bucks to spend throughout the semester at the Down the Road Cafe & Coffee Shop and Manor Cafe. The weekly meal total resets each Tuesday, and unused meals do not roll over to the next week. The 14 meal plan was designed to allow for 2 meals per day, but you can use them as you need to up to 14 meals for the week. - just be careful not to run out! | All returning students are eligible for this plan. First-Year students are not eligible for this plan. |
| BLOCK 65 | The Block 65 plan offers students 65 meals to spend whenever they choose throughout the semester as well as $850 Bard Bucks to spend throughout the semester at the Down the Road Cafe & Coffee Shop and Manor Cafe. Students may use up to 4 meals per day on weekdays and up to 3 meals per day on weekends. Only one meal can be used per meal period (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Late Night). This plan offers maximum flexibility for students to spend all of their meals throughout the semester- just be careful not to run out! | Students must live in a suite, Tree house, or Sands to be eligible for this plan. |
| BLOCK 175 | The Block 175 plan offers students 175 meals to spend however they choose throughout the semester as well as $200 Bard Bucks to spend throughout the semester at the Down the Road Cafe & Coffee Shop and Manor Cafe. Students may use up to 4 meals per day on weekdays and up to 3 meals per day on weekends. Only one meal can be used per meal period (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Late Night). This plan offers maximum flexibility for students to spend all of their meals throughout the semester- just be careful not to run out! | All returning students are eligible for this plan. First-Year students are not eligible for this plan. |
| BLOCK 265 | The Block 265 plan offers students 265 meals to spend whenever they choose throughout the semester as well as $100 Bard Bucks to spend throughout the semester at the Down the Road Cafe & Coffee Shop and Manor Cafe. Students may use up to 4 meals per day on weekdays and up to 3 meals per day on weekends. Only one meal can be used per meal period (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Late Night). This plan offers maximum flexibility for students to spend all of their meals throughout the semester- just be careful not to run out! | All returning students are eligible for this plan. First-Year students can select this plan in their second semester. |
For questions regarding how to select a meal plan, please contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing at [email protected] or 845-758-7455.
For questions regarding the meal plan options, please contact the Student Accounts Office or the General Manager with Parkhurst at Bard College, Frederick Aichelmann at [email protected]
1098-T Tax Information
What is a 1098-T?
The IRS Form 1098-T is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service by eligible education institutions to report qualified tuition and related expenses, adjustments, and scholarships and grants during the calendar year.
- Related expenses do not include room and board, Language and Thinking meal plan, Citizen Science meal plan, Transfer Orientation meal plan, health insurance, tuition insurance, or security deposit.
- Scholarships and grants does not include loans
- Payments are applied on the date received in office of the calendar year. Please be advised that if payments are received during the time the College is closed for holiday break in December, they may not be processed until January of the following calendar year.
- Fall charges are applied in May and Spring charges are applied in October of the calendar year. Fall scholarships and grants are paid to the account in August/September and Spring scholarships and grants are paid to the account in January/February of the calendar year.
Example: Fall 2021 charges are applied in May 2021 and Spring 2022 charges are applied in October 2021. Fall 2021 scholarships and grants are paid to the account in August/September 2021 (are reflected on 2021 1098-T) and Spring 2022 scholarships and grants are paid to the account in January/February 2022 (are reflected on the 2022 1098-T, not the 2021 1098-T)
Do I have to file my 1098-T?
There is no IRS requirement that you must claim education deductions or credits on your personal taxes. Claiming education tax benefits is a voluntary decision for those who may qualify and should be discussed with a tax preparer or advisor.
Neither Bard nor ECSI can answer tax questions or provide tax advice, you must contact your tax professional.
In January, Bard College sends the IRS Form 1098-T to students whose accounts were billed for tuition and applicable fees, as well as payments received during the calendar tax year. Bard will no longer be reporting charges billed. The IRS tax laws state that all tax documents must be mailed by January 31st.
I lost or did not receive my 1098-T in the mail, how can I obtain a copy?
If you have a US address and a 1098-T has been generated, you can obtain a copy online at https://heartland.ecsi.net. You do not need to create an account to view the 1098-T form. Once you are on the Heartland website, about three quarters of the way down the page you will see "Access Your 1098-T Tax Documents" click there. On the next screen you will see, "Want to look up your 1098-T or 1098-E tax form? Click here to start your search." please click that link to continue. The next screen will appear and you will select, "I need my 1098-T Tuition tax statement." Then you will provide the information it requests.
If you have an international address and a 1098-T has been generated, you can obtain a copy online at https://heartland.ecsi.net. You will need to create an account on the Heartland website (https://heartland.ecsi.net) and then call (888-549-3274) or online chat with Heartland to obtain a "key". They will email you the key once you contact them. When calling or chatting, you will need to provide the following information to them:
- Let them know you are trying to access your 1098-T, however you do not have a zip code and would need a "key" to link to your account
- Provide the last 4 of your SSN or your student ID number
- Provide the address that is on your 1098-T form. If you are unsure of the address, please email [email protected] for more information.
Per IRS regulations Bard is not required to send a 1098-T form to students if:
- The student is not a US citizen, unless the student requests Bard to file the 1098-T with the IRS
- The students' scholarships and grants exceed the reportable payments
- Students whose qualified tuition and related expenses are entirely waived or paid entirely with scholarships
If a 1098-T was not generated, but you would like one, an emailed request to [email protected], must be received on or before March 1 of the 1098-T tax year that was processed in January that the form was generated. Please note that once the 1098-T is generated it cannot be retracted, as it is sent to the IRS.
Example: 2021 1098-T tax year, mailed January 2022; email required by March 1, 2022.
The Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on my 1098-T is missing or incorrect. What should I do?
- The IRS reporting requirement is that we include your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification (ITIN) when reporting Form 1098-T data. It is important that we have your complete and accurate information on file. The IRS requires that an institution files the statement without the individual’s SSN or ITIN, but with all other required information. We will leave the SSN box blank in cases of invalid SSN or ITIN numbers.
- To update your SSN or ITIN, complete the IRS Form W-9, “Request for Student’s or Borrower’s Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification” and fax or mail it to our office. This form allows students to provide their correct SSN or ITIN to an educational institution. The form can be located on the IRS website at: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
- For students who do not have an SSN or ITIN on file by January 1st, the 1098-T may be generated with a blank in the SSN field and this information will be reported to the IRS.
- If you do not provide a valid SSN or ITIN, the IRS may fine you or require you to return the credits claimed if you fail to update your SSN or ITIN.
Additional information
Information regarding 1098-T, can be found at:
IRS Publication 970, page 9
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1098-t
Student Accounts Policies under the "1098-T Tax Information" drop down.
IRS Exceptions: Eligible educational institutions do not have to file Form 1098-T or furnish a statement for:
• Courses for which no academic credit is offered, even if the student is otherwise enrolled in a degree program;
• Nonresident alien students, unless requested by the student;
• Students whose qualified tuition and related expenses are entirely waived or paid entirely with scholarships; and
• Students for whom you do not maintain a separate financial account and whose qualified tuition and related expenses are covered by a formal billing arrangement between an institution and the student’s employer or a governmental entity, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense.
IRS Publication 970, page 9
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1098-t
Student Accounts Policies under the "1098-T Tax Information" drop down.
IRS Exceptions: Eligible educational institutions do not have to file Form 1098-T or furnish a statement for:
• Courses for which no academic credit is offered, even if the student is otherwise enrolled in a degree program;
• Nonresident alien students, unless requested by the student;
• Students whose qualified tuition and related expenses are entirely waived or paid entirely with scholarships; and
• Students for whom you do not maintain a separate financial account and whose qualified tuition and related expenses are covered by a formal billing arrangement between an institution and the student’s employer or a governmental entity, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense.
IRS: Qualified tuition and related expenses.
Qualified tuition and related expenses are tuition, fees, and course materials required for a student to be enrolled at or attend an eligible educational institution. The following are not qualified tuition and related expenses.
• Amounts paid for any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies, unless the course or other education is part of the student’s degree program or is taken to acquire or improve job skills.
• Charges and fees for room, board, insurance, medical expenses (including student health fees), transportation, and similar personal, living, or family expenses.
Contact Bard Financial Aid
| Bard College Office of Financial Aid PO Box 5000 (30 Campus Road) Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000 | Location: Physical Plant, Rm 108 Phone: 845-758-7526 or 845-758-7525 Fax: 845-758-7336 E-mail Undergraduate: [email protected] E-mail Graduate: [email protected] |