Bard College at Simon's Rock
Bard College at Simon's Rock is a private nonprofit university in Great Barrington, MA earning an overall grade of Unranked, enrolling about 237 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 97.2%. Students most often pursue Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies and Humanities and Fine and Studio Arts.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.6% first-year retention, and 54.2% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $36,684, about $19,686 more than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $31,072. That's about $12,616 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Bard College at Simon's Rock Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Bard College at Simon's Rock's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $66,594 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,888 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $82,465 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.5% of Bard College at Simon's Rock students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $34,687 to $43,758 depending on family income. Use Bard College at Simon's Rock's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $37,425/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $43,758/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $31,072
- 10-Year Median Earnings $46,543
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.1%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Bard College at Simon's Rock graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Bard College at Simon's Rock vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Bard College at Simon's Rock's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Bard College at Simon's Rock's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 237
- Full-Time Students 98.7%
- Part-Time Students 1.3%
- Retention Rate 76.6%
- Graduation Rate 54.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1
How to Get Into Bard College at Simon's Rock
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Bard College at Simon's Rock requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 97.2%, Bard College at Simon's Rock is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 97.2% acceptance rate, Bard College at Simon's Rock is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Bard College at Simon's Rock undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Biology, General, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 58.5%
- Biology, General 4.8%
- Psychology, General 4.3%
- Computer Science 3.7%
- Fine and Studio Arts 3.7%
- Engineering, General 2.7%
See more majors
- Mathematics 2.7%
- Economics 2.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Associate Degree Programs
- 1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $22,547
- 2. Fine and Studio Arts $19,327
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities grads earn $22,547—17% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($19,327). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Bard College at Simon's Rock. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 110 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 8 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (42 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Social Sciences, Other
- Mathematics
- Engineering, General
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Music
- Literature
- Applied Mathematics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Chemistry
- Area Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Natural Sciences
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International/Global Studies
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- History
- Geography and Cartography
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 237
- Full-Time Students 98.7%
- Part-Time Students 1.3%
- Male Students 38.0%
- Female Students 62.0%
- Caucasian 43.9%
- Asian 6.8%
- Hispanic 7.6%
- Black 8.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Bard College at Simon's Rock's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Bard College at Simon's Rock's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Bard College at Simon's Rock support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bard College at Simon's Rock, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Bard College at Simon's Rock has a diverse student body, with 43.9% identifying as White. Women make up 62.0% of undergraduates. About 23.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Bard College at Simon's Rock support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bard College at Simon's Rock, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Bard College at Simon's Rock offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #9999 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $36,684 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $31,072 median earnings. With 54.2% graduating within six years and 76.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Bard College at Simon's Rock's Positioning
With a Unranked grade and #9999 ranking, Bard College at Simon's Rock competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $36,684 annually, Bard College at Simon's Rock charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 76.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $25,679 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $31,072 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $26,684+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Bard College at Simon's Rock ranks #9999 of 6272 institutions, with 0 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 54.2% six-year graduation rate sits 8.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.6% first-year retention is 0.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $31,072 run about 29% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $36,684 is roughly $19,566 higher than the national median of $17,118.
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
Helpfulness for Students
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Average net price of $36,684 is about $19,566 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.5% trails the national share by 15.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- 46.0% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Bard College at Simon's Rock—a private nonprofit university in Great Barrington, MA—at Unranked overall. Completion earns Unranked, Support Unranked, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability Unranked.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 76.6% retention and 54.2% six-year graduation. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $36,684 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $82,465.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $45,781 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $31,072 six years after enrollment. That sits about 29% below the national median.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
97.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Bard College at Simon's Rock admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230-9702
- Website www.simons-rock.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$2.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate23.8%