At $43,291/yr net price, Longy School of Music of Bard College 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) | $43,291 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $173,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,543/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,543/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,254 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $43,291/yr |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at Longy School of Music of Bard College 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
Longy School of Music of Bard College delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of just $46,543 ten years after graduation against a net price of $43,291 annually. The numbers get worse when you consider the 44% graduation rate, meaning over half of students pay for an expensive music education they never complete.
Your debt load will likely remain manageable at $24,254 median, but the low earnings make even this modest debt burden problematic. Music performance and composition majors face the harshest reality, entering industries where steady income remains elusive. Music education majors have better prospects in Massachusetts public schools, though still limited by teacher salary scales.
The biggest financial risk here is the dropout rate. If you're among the 56% who don't graduate, you'll carry debt without the credential. The 87% retention rate from first to second year suggests most academic struggles happen later, often when students realize the career challenges ahead.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family wealth or come from the small 10% receiving significant aid. The low aid percentage means most students pay close to full price. Merit scholarships exist but remain limited given the small student body and specialized programs.
Skip Longy if you need your degree to generate income quickly after graduation. Consider it only if music is truly your calling and you can afford the financial hit, or if you plan to pursue graduate study where the Bard College connection might open doors. The Cambridge location offers networking opportunities, but not enough to justify the cost-to-earnings ratio for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Longy School of Music of Bard College worth the cost?
With a net price of $43,291 and median earnings of $46,543 ten years after graduation, Longy provides a poor return on investment. The low 44% graduation rate adds significant risk to an already challenging financial picture.
What is the average debt for Longy School of Music of Bard College graduates?
Graduates carry a median debt of $24,254, which is relatively manageable compared to the high tuition costs. However, the low post-graduation earnings of $46,543 make repayment challenging even with this moderate debt load.
Do Longy School of Music of Bard College graduates get good jobs after graduation?
Graduate earnings average $46,543 ten years out, which is low considering the high cost of attendance. The music industry's limited high-paying opportunities make financial success difficult for most graduates regardless of program quality.
What is the graduation rate at Longy School of Music of Bard College?
Only 44% of students graduate, meaning more than half drop out without completing their degree. This high dropout rate represents a major financial risk, as students may accumulate debt without gaining the credential needed for career advancement.