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 is a hard financial bet. You pay a $36,684 net price each year to reach a median earning of $46,543 ten years out , a gap that means the sticker cost outpaces what a typical graduate earns. That imbalance is the central fact you should weigh.
The graduation rate sits at 54%, so almost half of students who start don't finish here on the expected track. If you leave without a degree, you keep the debt without the credential that justifies it. The 77% retention rate tells you a quarter of first-year students don't return for a second year, which is the earliest sign of that risk.
The median debt of $24,254 is manageable in isolation, but against a $46,543 median salary it eats a real share of your early-career income. There is no bachelor-level program salary data listed here, so treat any promise about which major pays off as unproven for this school. Make the school show you outcomes for your specific field before you commit.
The net price tiers reward middle incomes and punish the ends. If your family earns $30k-$75k, you pay around $24,000-$25,000. But if you earn under $30k, you pay $34,687 , more than families making twice as much. Above $110k, you pay $43,758, close to full freight.
This school fits you if you land in that $30k-$75k income band, know you'll finish, and value the early-college model enough to accept the weak earnings return. If you're paying the under-$30k or high-income price, or you're chasing a strong salary payoff, look elsewhere.
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.