Bard College
Annandale-On-Hudson, New York · Private
Bard College admitted 52% of 6,628 applicants (IPEDS, fall 2023). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1290–1440 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 73% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Bard College
Enter a score to see whether Bard College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
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Application deadlines
Bard College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application is free. Bard College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Bard College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $84,852 a year. After grants, students paid $25,218 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Bard College’s acceptance rate?
Bard College admitted 52% of applicants: 3,466 of 6,628 (IPEDS, fall 2023).
When is Bard College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Bard College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1290 to 1440, with a median around 1370. A score at or above 1370 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Bard College’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Bard College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Bard College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Bard College have supplemental essays?
No. Bard College has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Bard College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Bard College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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