Bard College at Simon's Rock: 95.5% Acceptance Rate

95.5%Acceptance

$66,594Tuition

237Students

54%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,543Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Bard College at Simon's Rock

Bard College at Simon's Rock welcomes high school sophomores and juniors ready to skip ahead to college-level work. The school enrolls just 237 students in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. This early college program attracts academically gifted teenagers who feel constrained by traditional high school. Students design their own liberal arts curriculum with unprecedented freedom. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally.

The sticker price of $85,482 intimidates most families, but financial aid brings costs down . Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $34,687 annually. Those from middle-income families ($30,000-$75,000) typically pay around $25,000. Graduates earn a median of $46,543 ten years after starting college. They leave with $24,254 in typical debt and monthly loan payments of $257. The math works better for students who use Simon's Rock as a stepping stone to top graduate programs.

The school's mascot is the llama, which perfectly captures its quirky personality. Only 76.6% of students return for sophomore year, reflecting the challenge of college at age 16. Women make up 62% of the student body. Most students come from out of state, drawn by the chance to fast-track their education.

Academics & Faculty

Bard College at Simon's Rock operates as the nation's only four-year liberal arts college designed specifically for students who enter after 10th or 11th grade. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely personalized academic environment where 237 early college students work closely with professors. This experimental approach to higher education emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning typical of top liberal arts programs. The 59% four-year graduation rate reflects the unique challenges these younger students face transitioning to college-level work. Students pursue rigorous coursework in humanities, sciences, and arts while developing the intellectual maturity that comes from starting college years ahead of traditional timelines.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Full-Time Faculty: 69.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 59.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.2%
Retention Rate: 76.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,543
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Campus Life

The Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts provide a stunning backdrop for this unique campus, located 30 miles from Albany and 130 miles from Boston. With housing for 443 students and total enrollment of just 237, the residential experience feels intimate and close-knit. You'll definitely need a winter coat for the snowy New England winters, but fall foliage season offers spectacular hiking opportunities in the surrounding hills.

The 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely academic environment where 15 and 16-year-olds dive into college-level discussions alongside slightly older peers. With 62% women and students from across the country (only 18% are Massachusetts residents), the campus culture celebrates intellectual curiosity and creative expression. The Llamas nickname reflects the school's quirky, non-traditional spirit. Weekends often involve outdoor activities in the rural setting, campus events that bring the small community together, or trips to nearby Tanglewood for summer music festivals. The isolation encourages deep friendships and collaborative learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 443 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–32°F
July Avg: 59°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.6"
Annual Snowfall: 61.0"

Student Demographics

Simon's Rock draws strongly bright teenagers ready to skip their junior and senior years of high school. The student body of 237 consists primarily of out-of-state students, with only 18% from Massachusetts, reflecting the school's unique national appeal to academically accelerated youth. Women make up 62% of enrollment, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize critical thinking and creative expression. About a quarter receive Pell Grants, showing the college attracts gifted students across economic backgrounds. These early college pioneers create an intensely intellectual community of young scholars eager to dive into university-level academics.

Men: 38.0%
Women: 62.0%
White: 43.9%
Black: 8.4%
Hispanic: 7.6%
Asian: 6.8%
In-State Students: 18.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.5%

Location

Great Barrington sits in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, about 135 miles from Boston and 150 miles from New York City. This rural town of roughly 7,000 residents offers a quintessential New England setting with rolling hills and seasonal foliage. The area attracts tourists for its summer music festivals and winter skiing, creating a culturally rich environment despite its small size. With only 237 students enrolled, Simon's Rock integrates closely with this intimate mountain community. The rural-distant setting means students experience true small-town living while pursuing their accelerated liberal arts education. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Bard College at Simon's Rock with similar schools in the region.

Address: Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230-9702

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,543
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,767
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 79.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,254

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bard College at Simon's Rock?

Bard College at Simon's Rock accepts 95.45% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. This liberal arts college specializes in early entry, welcoming students who complete 10th or 11th grade rather than finishing traditional high school.

How much does Bard College at Simon's Rock cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $36,684 after aid, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $75,000 typically pay around $25,000, while the sticker price reaches $85,482 including room and board.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bard College at Simon's Rock?

The student-faculty ratio is 6:1, ensuring exceptionally small classes and close mentorship. With only 237 total students, this creates an intimate academic environment where younger students receive intensive support as they transition to college-level work.

What are the graduation rates at Bard College at Simon's Rock?

The four-year graduation rate is 59.11% and six-year rate is 54.20%, reflecting the unique challenges of serving younger students. Graduates earn a median of $46,543 ten years after graduation, with 88.2% finding employment after completing their degrees.

Where is Bard College at Simon's Rock located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in rural Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in the Berkshire Mountains. Housing capacity of 443 exceeds total enrollment of 237, ensuring most students can live on campus in this close-knit community of academically accelerated young scholars.

Does Bard College at Simon's Rock really admit high school sophomores and juniors?

Yes, this college specifically targets students ready to leave high school after 10th or 11th grade. The retention rate of 76.60% shows most young students successfully adapt to this accelerated path, though the unconventional timing requires significant maturity and academic readiness.