top of page
Search Schools

Bard College
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, USA
ACTIVISM AT [INSERT SCHOOL NAME]
Value Reasoning

Bard College's campus is nestled in the Hudson Valley, offering a mix of historic and contemporary buildings surrounded by natural beauty. Take a virtual tour to discover its picturesque rural setting!

Bard College offers a unique athletic experience in a liberal arts setting, with emphasis on balance between academics and athletics. The college participates in the NCAA Division III, fostering a competitive but student-first approach to collegiate sports. Athletes are encouraged to engage fully in campus life and contribute to a diverse academic community.

Northeast, Rural area: Bard College is renowned for its idyllic setting in the Hudson Valley, New York. The campus is nestled among rolling hills and lush forests, offering stunning views of the Catskill Mountains. Bard's campus exudes a rural, artsy atmosphere with a combination of historic and contemporary architectural styles.

For the most accurate and up-to-date cost of attendance, please click the link below!
Bard College has around 79% of students receiving financial aid. Bard is committed to meeting full demonstrated need, and it also offers a range of merit-based scholarships.


Bard challenges you to redefine what the arts can be. Imagine yourself performing in a cutting-edge dance piece at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing your mixed-media installation in a student gallery space, or collaborating on an interdisciplinary performance that blends music and literature. Bard nurtures fearless creators and a vibrant arts community in its picturesque Hudson Valley setting.

Bard College does not have a traditional Greek Life system. The college's focus on liberal arts and individualized education has led to alternative forms of student organizations and communities that align with its academic philosophy.

Bard College's internship program is deeply integrated with its emphasis on experiential learning and social engagement. The Center for Civic Engagement at Bard facilitates unique internship opportunities with local and global organizations, focusing on social justice, environmental sustainability, and community development. Bard's proximity to New York City provides students with access to internships in major cultural institutions, financial firms, and media companies. The college's innovative Bard Works program offers career development workshops and networking events, connecting students with alumni and potential employers across various fields.

Bard encourages interdisciplinary study, with students designing their own majors. Popular areas include the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and STEM fields. Rather than traditional minors, Bard offers concentrations that allow for focused study within a broader major. For a full list of academic programs, click the link below.

A college campus might lean a certain way politically, but the surrounding community can have a very different cultural and political vibe. Exploring the area beyond campus can give you a better picture of the local political landscape. Use the link below to research the location of any college you're considering.

Bard College emphasizes undergraduate research with senior projects being a core requirement. Students have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research or develop independent projects, often showcasing their work in exhibitions or publications.

Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.

Bard College is a very small school with 1900 undergraduate students on campus.

Bard College offers a diverse array of student-run clubs and activities, reflecting its commitment to creativity, intellectual curiosity, and social engagement. The Old Gym, a student-run space, serves as a hub for alternative music performances, art exhibitions, and avant-garde events, showcasing Bard's vibrant arts scene. Environmental consciousness is a key theme in many student organizations, with groups like EcoReps leading sustainability initiatives on campus. Bard's unique location in the Hudson Valley inspires outdoor-focused clubs, including the Bard Hiking Club and the Bard Farm, where students can engage in sustainable agriculture practices. The college's emphasis on global awareness is evident in its numerous cultural organizations and language clubs, which often collaborate to host international festivals and discussions.

Bard College has a majority White student body (around 65%), with smaller populations of Asian, multiracial, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino students. Bard also has a notable international student population of around 10%. Geographically, Bard College draws students from throughout the United States, primarily from the Northeast.

Bard College provides a variety of on-campus housing options, ranging from historic stone houses to modern residence halls, each with its own unique character. The college's commitment to fostering intellectual communities is reflected in its themed housing options, such as the Ecology House and the Transnational Projects House. Bard's housing system encourages students from all years to live together, promoting a diverse and integrated residential experience.
Dining services at Bard prioritize sustainability and local sourcing, with a significant portion of produce coming from the student-run Bard Farm and other Hudson Valley producers. Kline Commons, the main dining hall, offers a wide range of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free choices, and hosts regular themed meals celebrating diverse cuisines. The college's Down the Road Café, a student-run cooperative, serves as a popular spot for fair-trade coffee, local baked goods, and community gatherings. Bard's commitment to reducing food waste is evident in its composting program and reusable container initiative, aligning with the college's overall environmental ethos.

Bard College offers a diverse range of undergraduate majors across four divisions: Arts; Languages and Literature; Science, Mathematics, and Computing; and Social Studies. Students at Bard have the flexibility to design interdisciplinary programs of study, with popular majors including Written Arts, Environmental and Urban Studies, and Human Rights. The college's unique "Moderation" process, typically undertaken in the sophomore year, requires students to formally declare their major and present their academic plans to a faculty board for approval. Bard also offers numerous minor and concentration options, allowing students to complement their primary field of study with additional areas of expertise. For a full list of academic programs, click the link below.


Bard College is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students. They offer various need-based scholarships and grants, such as the Bard Grant and the First-Generation Scholarship. The college also provides support services like the Center for Student Success and the Writing and Thinking Center, which offer academic and personal support for all students, including first-generation and low-income students.

Are you curious about admission data at this school? Check it out, but remember that you are so much more than a number.

bottom of page