A private college in the public interest.
Bard College seeks to inspire curiosity, a love of learning, idealism, and a commitment to the link between higher education and civic participation.
Photo by Karl Rabe
Commencement 2025
Bard will hold its 165th commencement on Saturday, May 24.
Join us May 23–25 as we celebrate the Class of 2025 and returning alumni/ae for Reunion. See you in Annandale!
Bard by the Numbers
Academics at Bard
Academics at Bard focus on giving students a strong scholarly foundation with our core curriculum, then encouraging them to explore individual academic interests.
In the classroom, the level of academic discourse is high, and students are in close contact with scholars who are active in their disciplines alongside teaching. The College provides a beautiful setting in which students pursue their academic interests and craft a rich cultural and social life.
Watch: Annie, a premed biology major at Bard, explores the Reem-Kayden Center for Science and Computation.
Campus Life
Inside and outside the classroom, the focus of student life at Bard College is on campus. From its historic Hudson Valley setting to its state-of-the-art science and arts facilities, the College offers an idyllic environment where students can enjoy a rich social life interwoven with their cultural and intellectual pursuits.
Photo by Jonatha Asiedu ’24
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is at the core of Bard College’s institutional mission, reflecting the fundamental belief that higher education institutions can and should operate in the public interest. Bard uses its resources to develop partnerships that address local, national, and global problems, reach underserved populations, and tackle critical issues of education and public policy.
What’s New at Bard
Bard Student Grace Miller-Trabold ’26 Awarded Davis Projects for Peace Grant
“The artistic medium of textile is inherently peacebuilding as it cultivates a multigenerational, community centered experience that is grounded in intentionality, gratitude, and reciprocity.”
Pocketbook Issues Such as Raising Minimum Wages, Paid Leave, and Protecting Public Education Could Sway the American Electorate, New Levy Economics Institute Report Says
"Americans are far more progressive than either party gives them credit for. Whatever path forward Democrats choose, winning back the working class would be a long process without a big and bold vision,” says coauthor Pavlina R. Tcherneva.
CCS Bard’s 2025 Graduating Class Critically Reimagines the Present in 15 Curatorial Projects
The projects point, in the students’ words, “to a deep engagement with histories that reverberate back and forth in time to critically reimagine the present.”
Photo by Chris Kayden
Arts at Bard
Bard College offers the best of both worlds: a traditional liberal arts college with exceptional programs in the fine and performing arts. In small classes taught by notable faculty, students work closely with top professionals in their fields. All students, whatever their major, are encouraged to take advantage of the College’s high-level arts programming and to cultivate their artistic abilities.
Upcoming Events
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3/13ThursdayFood and Memory Exhibition Stevenson Library
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3/13ThursdayRace 2 Zero Waste: Week 6 of 8 Achebe House
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3/13Thursday
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3/13Thursday
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3/15SaturdaySpring Recess Bard College Campus
Explore Bard
Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate students can earn a bachelor of arts degree in one of approximately 35 programs.
Graduate Programs
Bard’s Graduate Programs offer specialized study in human rights, environmental policy, and more.
Bard Early Colleges
Bard has been a national leader in early college education since 1979.
International Programs
Bard offers its students a wide range of opportunities to engage in international dialogue.
Bard Network
Bard envisions the liberal arts institution as the hub of a network that spans the globe.
Open Society University Network
The Open Society University Network works to integrate higher-ed teaching and research worldwide.