Bard College
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$254,448
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-3,928/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-131%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition cost at Bard College is $63,612. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $21,735. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $31,072, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $46,543. The median debt for Bard College graduates is $24,254.
The debt-to-income ratio can be calculated by dividing the median debt by the median annual earnings. Using the one-year earnings data, the debt-to-income ratio is 1.12. Using the five-year earnings data, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.78. Using the ten-year earnings data, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.52.
To calculate the break-even timeline, the median debt must be divided by the difference between the annual tuition cost and the annual earnings. Using the one-year earnings data, the break-even timeline is negative, indicating that the annual earnings are less than the annual tuition cost. Using the five-year earnings data, the break-even timeline is approximately 2.3 years. Using the ten-year earnings data, the break-even timeline is approximately 0.8 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$63,612
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,254
Median Earnings (5yr)
$31,072
Graduation Rate
72%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Music. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Music. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $254,448 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.