Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.7%
- Retention Rate
- 84.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,543
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,254
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
Outcomes Overview
Bard graduates earn a median of $46,543 ten years after graduation, which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52. Monthly loan payments of $257 consume about 6.6% of typical graduate income. The college's strong liberal arts foundation sends many alumni into creative fields, nonprofit work, and graduate school, explaining the modest initial earnings of $21,735 in year one. Bard's 88.2% employment rate shows graduates find work, though often in lower-paying but fulfilling careers in arts, education, and social services. With 79.06% successfully repaying loans and the school's reputation opening doors to strong graduate programs, Bard offers an average return on investment for students prioritizing intellectual growth over immediate earning potential.