Published cost of attendance is $84,553. After need-based aid, low-income families pay approximately $19,012, middle-income families pay around $22,139, higher-income families pay approximately $44,873.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $84,553 |
| Tuition and Fees | $66,436 |
| Room and Board | $18,852 |
| Books and Supplies | $950 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$49,904 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $34,649 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $19,012 |
| $30–48k | $21,038 |
| $48–75k | $22,139 |
| $75–110k | $28,185 |
| $110k+ | $44,873 |
Published cost of attendance is $84,553. After need-based aid, low-income families pay approximately $19,012, middle-income families pay around $22,139, higher-income families pay approximately $44,873. Azimuth ranks Bard College #1281 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions, in the 10.1 percentile. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $24,254; families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $29,734. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $45,380, median federal debt projects to a monthly payment of about $274 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios, use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Bard College earn median 4-year earnings of $45,380, placing Bard College in the 2.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $33,567 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Bard College in the 1.9 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Bard College #1424 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Bard College's distinctive program portfolio. Fine and Studio Arts is the largest program with 138 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $34,667, representing 0.8x the national benchmark for the field. The Social Sciences program graduates 125 students earning $48,751, and the The Biological and The Physical Sciences program graduates 77 students earning $64,518. The concentration in Visual & Performing Arts — which anchors the institution's degree output — shapes both the earnings distribution and the career pathways available to graduates. English Language and Literature/Letters, Other and Music round out the top programs, each contributing to the institution's overall economic profile.
