Simon's Rock is Bard's early college: students start a degree after the 10th or 11th grade, usually around 16. It opened in 1966 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Bard announced in 2024 that the college would move to its main campus at Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, so check where classes run for your intake. Teaching happens in small seminars.
Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, United States
Official website: simons-rock.edu
1966
Early college of Bard College
Usually after 10th or 11th grade
Associate and bachelor's
$60,000 – $66,000
Before aid; confirm current fees with admissions
$16,000 – $20,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on simons-rock.edu before you apply.
Associate of Arts
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Literature
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Mathematics
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
College entry for students ready before finishing high school.
Seminar classes, usually with small groups.
An associate degree after two years, or a bachelor's after four.
Many graduates go on to selective universities and graduate schools.
Some students transfer to other colleges after the associate degree.
Bachelor's graduates can usually work 12 months in the US on OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Bard's Annandale campus sits on the Hudson, with woods, trails and the Fisher Center for performances. Red Hook and Tivoli are small villages nearby.
Residence halls have extra staff support for younger students. New York City is about two hours away by Amtrak from Rhinecliff.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Simon's Rock accepts applications on a rolling basis, with priority dates in winter for fall entry. International students should apply early, as students under 18 need extra paperwork.
New students start in late August.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Bard College at Simon's Rock issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Students begin with core seminars, then pick a concentration such as literature, mathematics or biology. Admission looks at maturity, grades, essays and an interview; non-native speakers need strong English, around TOEFL 100.
Simon's Rock offers merit scholarships and need-based aid. Ask admissions which awards are open to international students.
