Financial Aid

Bard seeks to assist qualified students who might not be able to attend a private college because of the cost.
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Bard will meet 100% of the full demonstrated need (Tuition, Food and Housing, First Year Academic Programming if applicable and Required Fees) for students admitted in the early rounds (Early Action I and Early Decision I). The College makes every effort to meet demonstrated need, no matter which application option students choose. In recent years, almost 70% of all Bard students have received financial support from the College.

How We Calculate Financial Need

Net Price Calculator →

  • A student’s financial need is calculated after their family contribution, federal student loans, federal grants, outside grants, scholarships, and work study eligibility are considered. Once a student’s need is calculated, the College provides a financial aid award that is designed to meet the gap between the cost of Tuition, Housing and Food, First Year Academic Programming, if applicable, and required fees and the sum of a family's contribution, federal student loans, federal grants, work study (if eligible), and other outside grants and scholarships.

    Bard is need-aware in admissions at the margins; meaning that if we do not feel that we can adequately package a student for success, we would encourage that student to seek more affordable paths to college. Bard does accept transfer students and has ample pipeline programs for students that would consider lower costs options for the first year or two of their education. If you feel your package is not sufficient to meet your need, please contact Student Financial Services and/or Admission to discuss alternatives.

Bard College Fees 2024–25

First-Year Students
$86,239		 Returning Resident
$84,936		 Returning Off-Campus
$66,436
Visit Student Accounts to learn more about tuition, fees, billing, and payment.

Log in to Bard Self-Service Student Accounts

Bard Financial Aid by the Numbers

Bard College awarded almost $73 million in institutional undergraduate aid for 2023–24.
  • 77%
    of undergraduate students receive Bard aid
  • 69%
    average portion of costs covered by Bard aid
  • $54,213
    average Bard scholarship
  • $25,218
    average annual cost before outside aid
Download Financial Aid Brochure →

Information for Graduate Students
Prospective and current graduate students should submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to the federal processor and indicate Bard College (code 002671) as one of the selected schools. For additional information regarding applications, scholarships, and grants, please visit the graduate program's website in which you are applying.

Graduate students who have completed a FAFSA and need to borrow more than the maximum unsubsidized loan amounts may be eligible to receive a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Interested students must complete the Grad PLUS loan application and required documents at the link below.  Once we receive notice of your approved application we will email a Bard College document to complete in order for us to process the Grad Plus loan.

Bard Graduate Programs
Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan Application
Equity and Inclusion Programs at Bard College

Equity and Inclusion Programs at Bard College

Equity and Inclusion Programs at Bard College support scholars from a variety of backgrounds who seek to attain a rigorous liberal arts education. With the guidance of professional staff and peer mentors, scholars create a path of personal and academic success at Bard.

Complete the form below if you qualify for one of the following: Bard's High School Early College Opportunity (ECO) program; the New York State Higher Education Opportunity (HEOP) program; or Bard’s Opportunity (BOP) program. You can find more information within the scholarship form or on the Office of Equity and Inclusion website.
Apply Now →

ECMC Resources

Contact the Office of Student Financial Services