Annandale-On-Hudson, NY · Private University
Is Bard College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$46,543
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$63,612
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,612
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$254,448
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.73x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
22 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
72.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,254
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,771
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Bard College graduates earn $1,543 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Bard College ranked by graduate earnings
62 graduates
129 graduates
119 graduates
64 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Bard College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical SciencesBest ROI(1yr data) | $39,296 | 0.6x |
| Social Sciences, General(1yr data) | $23,302 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bard College | 0.73x | $46,543 | Below Average |
| Sarah Lawrence College | 0.84x | $53,603 | Below Average |
| Pratt Institute-Main | 0.91x | $54,295 | Below Average |
| The College of Wooster | 1.00x | $59,629 | Average ROI |
| Bennington College | 0.59x | $38,289 | Below Average |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | 1.06x | $55,624 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Bard College carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $46,543 10 years after starting, $1,543 above the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 22 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.