Longy School of Music of Bard College
Longy School of Music of Bard College is a private nonprofit university in Cambridge, MA earning an overall grade of Unranked, and enrolling about 10 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Music.
Day to day, students benefit from a 4:1 student-faculty ratio, 85.7% first-year retention, and 77.8% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $38,530, about $21,532 more than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $31,072. That's about $12,616 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Longy School of Music of Bard College 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 Longy School of Music of Bard College'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 | $55,275 |
| Books and Supplies | $500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $72,450 |
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 5.9% of Longy School of Music of Bard College 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 $40,055 to $37,005 depending on family income. Use Longy School of Music of Bard College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
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 Longy School of Music of Bard College 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.
Longy School of Music of Bard College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Longy School of Music of Bard College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Longy School of Music of Bard College'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 10
- Full-Time Students 80.0%
- Part-Time Students 20.0%
- Retention Rate 85.7%
- Graduation Rate 77.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 4:1
How to Get Into Longy School of Music of Bard College
1. Meet Program Requirements: Longy School of Music of Bard College focuses on practical skills and career readiness. Review the specific program requirements, which may include a high school diploma or equivalent, and any prerequisite coursework.
2. Prepare for Your Program: Focus on demonstrating your interest in the field and readiness for hands-on training. Some programs may require interviews or portfolio submissions.
3. Understand Admissions: Trade and certificate programs typically have open or moderately selective admissions focused on program fit rather than academic competition.
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.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Longy School of Music of Bard College undergraduates. Music draws the most students.
- Music 100.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Music (Master's Degree) $30,660
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Music programs lead with $30,660 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Longy School of Music of Bard College. 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
- Music (Master's Degree, 85 graduates)
- Music (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 27 graduates)
- Music (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 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 Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Music
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Music
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 10
- Full-Time Students 80.0%
- Part-Time Students 20.0%
- Male Students 60.0%
- Female Students 40.0%
- Caucasian 20.0%
- Asian 10.0%
- Hispanic 0.0%
- Black 0.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 5.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Longy School of Music of Bard College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Longy School of Music of Bard College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Longy School of Music of Bard College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Longy School of Music of Bard College has a diverse student body, with 20.0% identifying as White. About 5.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Longy School of Music of Bard College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Longy School of Music of Bard College 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 $38,530 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $31,072 median earnings. With 77.8% graduating within six years and 85.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Longy School of Music of Bard College's Positioning
With a Unranked grade and #9999 ranking, Longy School of Music of Bard College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $38,530 annually, Longy School of Music of Bard College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.7% 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 $26,971 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 $28,530+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Longy School of Music of Bard College ranks #9999 of 4204 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
- 77.8% six-year graduation rate sits 15.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.7% first-year retention is 8.9 points above 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 $38,530 is roughly $21,218 higher than the national median of $17,312.
- 4:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
Helpfulness for Students
- 4:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.7% 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 $38,530 is about $21,218 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 5.9% trails the national share by 34.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Longy School of Music of Bard College is a private nonprofit university based in Cambridge, MA and earns a Unranked overall grade. Category results include Completion (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: 85.7% retention and 77.8% 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 $38,530 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $72,450.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $33,920 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 5.9% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $31,072 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 29% lower.
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
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
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 Longy School of Music of Bard College 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 27 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Website longy.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$8.5M