Admission Deadlines
Early Decision | January 15th, 2026
Regular Decision | April 15th, 2026*
Regular Decision | April 15th, 2026*
*International Student should apply by March 15th to allow time for securing a visa.*
All applicants are eligible for financial aid. Financial aid is awarded based on each individual's merits and accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.
Who Should Apply
- We recommend that applicants have completed 300-level courses in economic theory and have a solid understanding of statistics, econometrics, and knowledge of multivariate calculus.
- We welcome applications from students who have not completed the recommended courses as long as they intend to take them before the start of the program or are able to demonstrate the required level of knowledge through other means, such as research or work experience.
- The MA and MS programs offer admission to international students and United States residents.
Admission Checklist
Click on each step below for more details.
-
1. Complete your application online +
- Create an account to start a new application.
- Once your student portal is created, you will be able to upload the required documents.
- When you are ready, pay the $65 application fee and submit it for consideration.
- We offer application fee waivers! Attend an information session/webinar, schedule an interview, or visit the Levy Economics Institute. Email [email protected] for more details.
2. Write a statement of purpose +
Tell us about your professional and/or educational interests in relation to an economic policy issue and how you feel graduate school will help you achieve them. This is your opportunity to show us how you think and write, a reflection of your personality and intellect, and one of the best ways for you to distinguish yourself.3. Upload your CV +
Upload a PDF of your CV to the application portal.4. Submit your transcripts +
In order to expedite the admission process, we accept unofficial transcripts and applicants are encouraged to submit directly by email. However, if you're offered admission an official transcript is required for enrollment.
Both the official and unofficial transcript contain the same information about a student's academic record: classes, grades, and credits. Unofficial transcripts are printed on plain paper and cannot be used to confirm education or other credential verification. Official transcripts are printed on special watermarked paper and contain the college seal, the registrar’s signature, and the date it was issued. Official transcripts are legal documents mailed in a sealed envelope and therefore cannot be faxed or emailed. Paper copies should remain in the unopened, sealed envelope and mailed to :
Levy Economics Institute of Bard College
Graduate Programs in Economic Theory and Policy
PO BOX 5000
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504
Some institutions now offer the option of official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts). The content of the official transcript is converted into a PDF document and delivered by an authorized delivery agent selected by the issuing institution. We consider this the most secure and quickest method to deliver an official transcript. Please submit official e-transcripts to: [email protected].5. Submit two letters of recommendation +
At least one must be academic. Your recommenders will be able to submit their letter directly online.6. Standardized test scores are not required +
Standardized test scores are not required for applicants to the Graduate Programs in Economic Theory and Policy.Alum Spotlight: Lara Merling MS ’16
What You Need to Know about “Austerity”Lara Merling MS ’16, an economist at the International Trade Union Confederation, talks about austerity policies on Marketplace.