At $36,684/yr net price, Bard College at Simon's Rock graduates earn $46,543/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,543/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,684 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $146,736 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,543/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,543/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,254 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $34,687/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,473/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,431/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,425/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,758/yr |
The Risk Factor
54.2% of students at Bard College at Simon's Rock graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bard College at Simon's Rock delivers below-average financial returns despite its premium price tag. With median earnings of just over $46,000 ten years after enrollment and a net price approaching $37,000 annually, you face a challenging payback period that many comparable liberal arts programs handle more efficiently.
The 54% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk at Simon's Rock. Nearly half of students who start here never finish their degree, yet still carry debt from their time enrolled. This completion rate sits well below national averages and means your chances of seeing any return on investment depend heavily on finishing what you start.
Liberal arts and creative writing majors dominate the curriculum here, but these fields typically generate lower starting salaries that make the debt load harder to manage. Students planning careers in social work, arts, or nonprofit sectors should carefully consider whether taking on debt at this price point makes sense given typical entry-level wages in these fields.
Simon's Rock works financially for wealthy families who can pay without borrowing, or for students who plan to pursue graduate school in higher-paying fields like law or medicine where the undergraduate major matters less than the graduate degree. The early college program appeals to academically advanced students, but academic readiness does not guarantee financial returns.
Financial aid covers relatively few students here, with less than 25% receiving assistance. This suggests the school expects most families to pay close to full price, making Simon's Rock a poor financial fit for middle-class families who earn too much for aid but cannot comfortably afford the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bard College at Simon's Rock worth the cost?
With graduates earning $46,543 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $36,684 per year, the financial return is weak compared to most colleges. The low graduation rate of 54% means many students pay without finishing their degree.
What is the return on investment for Bard College at Simon's Rock?
The ROI is poor, with graduates earning below the national average while paying above-average tuition costs. Students typically graduate with $24,254 in debt, which is difficult to pay off on the median starting salary.
Does Bard College at Simon's Rock provide good financial aid?
Despite financial aid, students still pay an average of $36,684 per year out of pocket. This high net price combined with modest post-graduation earnings creates a challenging financial situation for most graduates.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Bard College at Simon's Rock?
Graduates earn $46,543 annually ten years after enrollment, which is below the national median for college graduates. The school's 95% acceptance rate and 54% graduation rate suggest academic and career preparation may be inconsistent.