Bard College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Bard is test-optional, but the students who submit scores tend to be strong: the middle SAT range is 1300-1412, with ACT scores around 30-32. With a 52% admit rate, your best target is aiming near 1410 if your scores can become a clear strength.
⬡ LangSmith6851912b-69f8-49d6-9acf-9e6e4c0f2a7aData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Bard College facts and stats
Bard College enrolls 2,037 undergraduates in a rural campus setting. Bard has an 85% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 67% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9.4:1.
⬡ LangSmithed1e26c0-d3c8-48d5-9650-f01aafbaa12fAnnandale-on-Hudson, NY
How do your scores compare at Bard?
Key Bard College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 1
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Bard, aim to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 1 Early Decision and Early Action deadlines, plan on October as the last SAT retake and September as the last ACT retake likely to arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith6cc6a108-aec0-4244-80f4-7f5c971d05faWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Bard College?
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What you'll actually pay
Bard’s tuition and fees are $66,436. The average merit award is $34,750, and students seeking need-based aid should submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline.
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Bard’s listed total cost of attendance is about $85,288, including $66,436 in tuition and fees and $18,852 for room and board. Merit aid can make a significant difference for students who qualify, with an average merit award of $34,750. For borrowing context, Bard graduates leave with an average debt of $29,380.
⬡ LangSmith7e05e87d-76bf-434e-861e-dbfa1ec75360Student life at Bard College
99% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Acceptance rate: 52.7%
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NYAcceptance rate: 64%
SAT: 1180–1370
ACT: 28–32
Parsons School of Design at The New School
New York, NYAcceptance rate: 56.6%
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NYAcceptance rate: 69%
SAT: 1230–1370
ACT: 27–30
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