Students come from across the country and around the globe to study at Bard.
They undertake a broad range of academic programs in Annandale. While pursuing their degrees, they volunteer in the community, develop their career goals, and bring their talents to the campus and the region. They share a love of learning and the leadership to make their mark on the world.Bard by the Numbers
Our Students
Photo by Karl Rabe
Class of 2027
Bard College’s Class of 2027 was selected from a large and competitive applicant pool, indicating their extraordinary promise. They are a high-achieving group, with wide-ranging interests and varied backgrounds. Our first-year students come to Annandale-on-Hudson from 38 states and 26 countries, bringing with them their passion, creativity, and intellectual engagement.
Who Is the Class of 2028?
Joelle Powe
Abundant opportunities at Bard have supported Jamaican filmmaker and anthropology major Joelle Powe.
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Levi Lakota Lowe came to Bard sight unseen and fell in love with the campus as soon as he arrived. -
Christina Kiser knew in high school that she wanted to go to medical school and become a surgeon. -
Trumpet player Viveca Lawrie was discovered by a Bard College Conservatory of Music faculty member, who encouraged her to apply to Bard.
Academic Snapshot: Time and Credits at Bard
The academic year is divided into two 15-week semesters.
Most classes are 4 semester hours of academic credit.
128 credits are required for the bachelor's degree.
The average semester course load is 16 credits.
About Campus: Rachel Explores Ward Manor
Rachel is a Bard College student in the Psychology Program. She visits one of the landmarks of Bard's campus: Ward Manor, often called simply "Manor." The porch behind Manor is a prime spot to study, enjoy a meal from the Manor Cafe, or connect with friends. The porch boasts a view of the iconic Stargon sculpture (affectionately called "The Bunny Ears"), the Bard Farm, and the Catskill Mountains in the background.
Why I Chose Bard
Why choose Bard College? The unique and rigorous curriculum, stunning campus, and close relationships with faculty are a few of the reasons our students decided to make Bard their home. Hear them talk about what drew them to the college in the beginning and the scholarly, creative community they've found on campus since.
Student News
Twelve Bard Soccer Players Named to 2024 Division III Academic All-District Team
Twelve members from the Bard College women’s and men’s soccer teams were named 2024 Division III Academic All-District honorees, an award that recognizes student-athletes who have excellent academic and athletic performance. Six members of each team were honored, representing students from chemistry, written arts, economics, and more.
Twelve members of the Bard College women’s and men’s soccer teams were named 2024 Division III Academic All-District honorees, an award that recognizes student-athletes who have excellent academic and athletic performance. To be recognized as a member of the Academic All-District Team, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or above while also competing in 90 percent of an institution’s games.
Six members of each team were honored, representing students from chemistry, written arts, economics, and more. Honorees include Mailia Slaiby ’27, who was recruited to Lebanon’s national womens’ soccer team in September, and Robbie Boyd ’25, a three-time Liberty League All-Academic honoree who played in all 17 games in the 2024 season. "Being a student-athlete is never easy. It’s amazing these twelve could find that balance, and their being recognized as the nation's top student athletes is prestigious and unique,” said Bard’s Sports Information Director Pearllan Cipriano.
Post Date: 11-25-2024
Twelve members from the Bard College women’s and men’s soccer teams were named 2024 Division III Academic All-District honorees, an award that recognizes student-athletes who have excellent academic and athletic performance. Six members of each team were honored, representing students from chemistry, written arts, economics, and more.
Twelve Bard Soccer Players Named to 2024 Division III Academic All-District Team
The 2024 Bard women’s soccer team. Photo by Pearllan Cipriano
Six members of each team were honored, representing students from chemistry, written arts, economics, and more. Honorees include Mailia Slaiby ’27, who was recruited to Lebanon’s national womens’ soccer team in September, and Robbie Boyd ’25, a three-time Liberty League All-Academic honoree who played in all 17 games in the 2024 season. "Being a student-athlete is never easy. It’s amazing these twelve could find that balance, and their being recognized as the nation's top student athletes is prestigious and unique,” said Bard’s Sports Information Director Pearllan Cipriano.
Post Date: 11-25-2024
Bard College Recognized as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting
Bard College has been named a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. ALL IN’s Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognizes colleges and universities making intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and college student voting. Over 300 Bard students were newly registered to vote this fall due to the direct assistance of the Election@Bard team.
Bard College has been named a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. ALL IN’s Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognizes colleges and universities making intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and college student voting.
"We are so proud of the work that the Center for Civic Engagement and the Election@Bard teams have been able to do to maintain this award!” said Center for Civic Engagement Special Events Administrator Sarah deVeer. “As we head out of the 2024 Election cycle, we will continue to work within Bard’s mission of being a private institution working for the public good.”
Bard College joins 471 campuses in being recognized by ALL IN for participating in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, sharing its voting data with ALL IN, and submitting a 2024 democratic engagement action plan to ALL IN.
Over 300 Bard students were newly registered to vote this fall due to the direct assistance of the Election@Bard team. This means that 635 students overall were on the rolls and able to vote locally (40% of eligible students at Bard). An additional 323 students were registered to vote non-locally or via mail-in ballot and were registered to vote in over 30 states.
Lead Campus Initiatives Intern at Election@Bard Sierra Ford ‘26 added that “It is a great privilege to attend an institution that makes meaningful investments in the democratic expression of our student community. I cannot wait to continue this work of voter advocacy and education and I am grateful to ALL IN for this recognition”
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items, with the support of ALL IN staff, to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning and voter participation on their campus. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages 10.8 million students from more than 1,075 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Campuses can join the ALL IN Challenge here.
“The research is clear: colleges and universities that make intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement have higher campus voter registration and voter turnout rates," said Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Jennifer Domagal-Goldman. “This year we saw more colleges than ever before step up their efforts to ensure that their students were registered and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box. These Most Engaged Campuses are setting the standard for nonpartisan civic engagement work for colleges and universities across the country.”
Post Date: 11-20-2024
Bard College has been named a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. ALL IN’s Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognizes colleges and universities making intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and college student voting. Over 300 Bard students were newly registered to vote this fall due to the direct assistance of the Election@Bard team.
Bard College Recognized as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting
Bard student voter on Election Day 2024. Photo by Joseph Nartey ’26
"We are so proud of the work that the Center for Civic Engagement and the Election@Bard teams have been able to do to maintain this award!” said Center for Civic Engagement Special Events Administrator Sarah deVeer. “As we head out of the 2024 Election cycle, we will continue to work within Bard’s mission of being a private institution working for the public good.”
Bard College joins 471 campuses in being recognized by ALL IN for participating in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, sharing its voting data with ALL IN, and submitting a 2024 democratic engagement action plan to ALL IN.
Over 300 Bard students were newly registered to vote this fall due to the direct assistance of the Election@Bard team. This means that 635 students overall were on the rolls and able to vote locally (40% of eligible students at Bard). An additional 323 students were registered to vote non-locally or via mail-in ballot and were registered to vote in over 30 states.
Lead Campus Initiatives Intern at Election@Bard Sierra Ford ‘26 added that “It is a great privilege to attend an institution that makes meaningful investments in the democratic expression of our student community. I cannot wait to continue this work of voter advocacy and education and I am grateful to ALL IN for this recognition”
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items, with the support of ALL IN staff, to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning and voter participation on their campus. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages 10.8 million students from more than 1,075 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Campuses can join the ALL IN Challenge here.
“The research is clear: colleges and universities that make intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement have higher campus voter registration and voter turnout rates," said Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Jennifer Domagal-Goldman. “This year we saw more colleges than ever before step up their efforts to ensure that their students were registered and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box. These Most Engaged Campuses are setting the standard for nonpartisan civic engagement work for colleges and universities across the country.”
Post Date: 11-20-2024
Bard College Celebrates Student Excellence at Annual Scholarship Reception
Bard College faculty, staff, and students gathered at Blithewood Manor for this year's Annual Scholarship Reception on Monday, November 11. This annual event honors students who have excelled in their studies and contributed to academic and campus life. The evening’s awardees, who were nominated by faculty from across the four divisions of the College, represent excellence in the arts; social studies; languages and literature; and science, mathematics, and computing.
Bard College faculty, staff, and students gathered at Blithewood Manor for this year's Annual Scholarship Reception on Monday, November 11. This annual event honors students who have excelled in their studies and contributed to academic and campus life. The evening’s awardees, who were nominated by faculty from across the four divisions of the College, represent excellence in the arts; social studies; languages and literature; and science, mathematics, and computing.
“We are pleased to recognize this year’s Bard Scholars, who represent the very best of what we are and what we do,” said Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Studies David Shein. “These students, who were selected by their faculty and deans in recognition of their contributions in the classroom and to the campus community, have demonstrated not only excellence in their work but deep care and commitment to that work and to the life of the College. We are proud of them and look forward to seeing what they will do next.”
Many of the named scholarships are made possible by generous contributions from Bard donors. Thank you to all supporters for believing in the value of a college education, and for investing in the future of Bard students.
Further reading:
Learn More about Postgraduate Scholarships and Fellowships through Bard's Dean of Studies Office
Learn More about Scholarships, Prizes, and Awards at Bard
Post Date: 11-15-2024
Bard College faculty, staff, and students gathered at Blithewood Manor for this year's Annual Scholarship Reception on Monday, November 11. This annual event honors students who have excelled in their studies and contributed to academic and campus life. The evening’s awardees, who were nominated by faculty from across the four divisions of the College, represent excellence in the arts; social studies; languages and literature; and science, mathematics, and computing.
Bard College Celebrates Student Excellence at Annual Scholarship Reception
2024 Annual Scholarship Reception. Photo by Karl Rabe
“We are pleased to recognize this year’s Bard Scholars, who represent the very best of what we are and what we do,” said Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Studies David Shein. “These students, who were selected by their faculty and deans in recognition of their contributions in the classroom and to the campus community, have demonstrated not only excellence in their work but deep care and commitment to that work and to the life of the College. We are proud of them and look forward to seeing what they will do next.”
Many of the named scholarships are made possible by generous contributions from Bard donors. Thank you to all supporters for believing in the value of a college education, and for investing in the future of Bard students.
Further reading:
Learn More about Postgraduate Scholarships and Fellowships through Bard's Dean of Studies Office
Learn More about Scholarships, Prizes, and Awards at Bard
Post Date: 11-15-2024
Life After Bard
Photo by Karl Rabe
Bardians Are Everywhere
Whether working in Annandale or Berlin, in sustainable agriculture or in a tech startup, Bard alumni/ae make a difference. Bardians are changing the way the world works, taking Bard's commitment to innovation and engagement worldwide. Being a Bardian means having an impact, wherever you may be and whatever type of work you're called to do. Look for members of the Bard community. You'll find us in your favorite films, your most ambitious business ventures, and your most innovative educational institutions.
Bard Awards 2019, photo by Karl Rabe.
Staying Connected After Graduation
Bardians take great pride in their alma mater and support Bard in any way they can, whether by recommending new students, making a gift to the College, or offering professional mentoring to current students and young alums. There are lots of ways to stay connected to Bard after graduation:
Career Development On Campus and Beyond
Bard supports students' professional development during their years in Annandale and after graduation. The Career Development Office offers a range of internship and job resources, and hosts events that connect students with various professions, alumni/ae, and employers. Bard Works is an intensive, weeklong program for juniors and seniors at Bard College that prepares them for work after graduation. The Center for Civic Engagement helps students secure internships, find service-learning opportunities, and design their own projects.
ALUMNI NEWSROOM
Art, Film, and Music: The Artful Animation of Bard Alum Jeff Scher ’76
Print magazine profiles animator Jeff Scher ’76 and looks at his most recent work: a video for Tom Petty’s “Call Me the Breeze,” from the late musician’s recently released Live at the Fillmore compilation. “All Scher needs to make his movie magic is some live-action film, a chromatic supply of watercolor and pastels and a rotoscope to get his cinematic juices boiling,” writes Steven Heller. “His films can be joyful, unforgettable and heartbreaking.”Bail Reform Is Working. Why Are Democrats Running Away from It? Dyjuan Tatro ’18 for NBC News
Eliminating bail for low-level offenses has proved that you can maximize freedom while not endangering public safety, write Dyjuan Tatro ’18 and Scott Hechinger. Cash bail and the pretrial detention system disproportionately penalize poorer defendants; eliminating the requirement allows people to continue to work and support their families while fighting their charges. Yet in spite of bail reform successes, including in New York State, some Democrats have allowed Republicans to control the narrative around the policy and have even blamed bail reform efforts for midterm losses.Bail Reform Is Working. Why Are Democrats Running Away from It? Dyjuan Tatro ’18 for NBC News
Photo by Bob Jagendorf, cc-by-2.0
Post Date: 12-06-2022
Bard Alumna Lexi Parra ’18 for the Washington Post: As Gang, Police Violence Rages, a Caracas Neighborhood Tries to Connect
On January 7, 2021, Venezuela’s Special Action Forces raided the La Vega neighborhood of Caracas, leaving 23 people dead in what the community calls the “La Vega massacre.” The special police unit has been accused of targeting working-class neighborhoods, criminalizing young men for where they live as it attempts to root out gang activity. As part of an ongoing project supported by the Pulitzer Center and a Getty Images Inclusion Grant, Bard alumna Lexi Parra ’18 gets to know the women of La Vega who are maintaining their community and pushing back against state and gang violence.Bard Alumna Lexi Parra ’18 for the Washington Post: As Gang, Police Violence Rages, a Caracas Neighborhood Tries to Connect
Nayreth holds her newborn daughter, Salomé, in her home in La Vega. Photo by Lexi Parra ’18
Lexi Parra majored in human rights and photography at Bard College.
Further Reading
- As gang, police violence rages, a neighborhood tries to connect (Washington Post)
- Venezuelan-American Photographer Lexi Parra ’18 Named Recipient of a 2022 Getty Images Annual Inclusion Grant
- Bard College Student Wins Davis Projects for Peace Prize
Post Date: 10-18-2022