Results

The Bard Early Colleges equip students with the tools they need to succeed in four-year colleges — especially those who have been historically excluded from higher education.

Our Students

  • Eligible for Federal Pell Grants: 63% (Class of 2019)
  • First Generation College Students*: 50% (Class of 2020)

* Defined as students with neither parent having attained a four-year college degree

Bard Early College Alumni/ae

Bard Early College alumni/ae have a head start towards a four-year degree. 85% of alumni/ae report successfully transferring college credits to their next institution of higher education.

Increasing access to four-year degrees

Bard Early College alumni/ae enroll in college after high school and earn 4-year degrees at higher rates than college-goers nationwide, especially alumni/ae from historically excluded groups.

Bar chart showing rates of immediate college enrollment (within 6 months of high school graduation)
Rates of immediate college enrollment (within 6 months of high school graduation) and rates of 4-year degree completion within six years of college enrollment

Rates of immediate college enrollment (within 6 months of high school graduation):

  • BEC Network: 72.6% (2023)
  • First Gen: 79% (127/161) BEC; 58% nationally
  • Black: 75% BEC;  62% nationally
  • Latinx: 78% BEC; 63% nationally

Rates of 4-year degree completion within six years of college enrollment:

  • 60% nationally
  • 79% BHSEC alumni/ae

Policy Publications & Resources

Early College, Lasting Success: How BHSEC Boosts Education Outcomes

A summary of two studies by Metis Associates on the impact of Bard High School Early Colleges on students’ post-secondary outcomes. The studies found that attending BHSEC increased students’ chances of enrolling in and completing four-year colleges.

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Bard High School Early College: A Case Study

Researched and written by Ithaka S+R, this case study highlights the promise of the Bard Early College model in addressing inequities in higher education, as well as practical considerations for creating rigorous early college programs.

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From High School to College Success

The Education Trust of New York analyzed outcomes for college students receiving TAP assistance — a form of college financial aid available to families making less than $80,000 a year — and found that BHSEC Manhattan and Queens alumni/ae had higher on-time college graduation rates than any other high school in the state of New York.

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