Academic Transcripts

What are the payment options?

The first official transcript is free; thereafter, the required fee is $3.00 per copy. Please contact us if you need to verify payment. We accept cash, check, or money order made payable to Bard College. We do not wait for payment. Payment may be mailed separately if you fax or scan the request. We cannot accept payment by credit card or charge to your student account.

How long does the process take?

Transcript requests are typically processed within one or two days, but may take up to five days during peak times. Official transcripts are mailed using USPS first-class mail. Postage and envelopes are included in the transcript fee.

We can expedite the mailing of transcripts using FedEx delivery services for overnight or two-day deliveries. You will need to purchase a FedEx label, so check their website at fedex.com for a rate quote (our area code is 12504), then contact us at transcripts@bard.edu for instructions. FedEx cannot deliver to P.O. boxes.

What is the difference between the official and unofficial transcript?

The official transcript is printed on special watermarked paper and contains the College seal and the registrar’s signature. It is mailed in a sealed envelope and therefore cannot be faxed or sent electronically. If an institution requires you to upload an official transcript, you may need to request one to be mailed to yourself for you to scan.
 
The unofficial transcript contains the same academic information, but is not sealed and signed. It is normally sent as a PDF to your email address, as indicated on the transcript request form. Current students with a Bard email address can request the unofficial transcript by sending an email to transcripts@bard.edu. Requests from non-Bard email addresses must be made with the transcript request form.

Can I request a digital official transcript?

Unfortunately, we do not offer digital official transcripts at this time. If an institution is requesting that you upload an official transcript, you may need to request one to be mailed to yourself for you to scan.

What if I cannot print the transcript request form?

All transcript requests must be made in writing. If you cannot print the form, you can write a letter to us and submit it using the methods listed above. The letter should contain the following information:

• Full name
• Student ID number (if known) or date of birth
• Telephone number and email address
• Dates of attendance and year of graduation, if applicable
• Address where each transcript is to be mailed
• Handwritten signature and date
• Payment, if applicable