Bard Opportunity Program (BOP) Scholarship

In 2008, Bard expanded its commitment to access and to equity in higher education through the creation of the Bard Opportunity Program (BOP) Scholarship.
Apply to BOP
About Program Scholars

About Program Scholars

Bard Opportunity Program Scholars may come from all 50 states and possess a high level of achievement in academics, leadership, and the potential for success in a competitive academic environment. Often BOP scholars exhibit a nontraditional profile, and do not possess the financial means to afford a college such as Bard.

Scholarship Benefits

  • Financial Support
    The Office of Equity and Inclusion commits to providing BOP scholars with the academic and financial support necessary for success at Bard. A full-tuition scholarship, with grants and loans cover the cost of attendance. BOP recipients also receive a small stipend each semester to help purchase books and supplies.
  • Academic Support
    Equity and Inclusion fulfills this commitment through sustained academic support in the form of a precollege summer program, workshops, and tutoring, as well as through career development, internships, and alumni/ae networks.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered for a Bard Opportunity Program (BOP) Scholarship, a student must:
  1. Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
  2. Be a high school graduate by June 30 of the school year you in which you will begin at Bard College.
  3. Have a high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 85/100 or 3.0/4.0.
  4. Demonstrate significant financial need. To qualify for the BOP Scholars program, families must apply for financial aid and meet the following estimated earning guidelines:
Number in household (including head of household) Total annual income preceding calendar year
1 $34,470
2 $46,530
3 $58,590
4 $70,650
5 $82,710
6 $94,770

Equity and Inclusion Programs considers each applicant on an individual basis. The financial and academic guidelines shown above should be used as approximate estimates only. Please contact us with questions at [email protected].
Applying to BOP
To apply for the HEOP or BOP scholarships, you will need to complete the following:
  1. Fill out and submit all the required materials for general admission. This process (Common Application) and all documents can be found on the Admission website. Bard’s admission deadline is January 1.
  2. Fill out and submit the HEOP/BOP Supplemental Form. This form is how you let us know that you are interested in being considered for the HEOP or BOP scholarships, and is therefore very important. Be sure to complete and submit the Supplemental Essay (it’s part of the Supplemental Form). Please contact us with any questions! Supplemental forms and essays submitted by February 1 will receive priority review.
Once you have successfully submitted all required paperwork, your application will be reviewed. After review, if you are selected as a potential candidate, you will be invited to a phone/video interview and possibly an on-campus interview. Applicants are typically notified about their application status in late March to early April.
Apply to BOP →

Image of scholar Emily J.
Emily J. (she/her) 
Class of ’24

Scholar Highlight

Emily J. (she/her) 
Class of ’24
Major:
Human Rights

OEI Scholarship:
Bard Opportunities Program (BOP)

Why Bard?
When looking into colleges, I wanted to attend a school with small classes and a supportive environment; that is what Bard was for me. While visiting the beautiful campus for finalist day, I looked up at the sky and saw how beautifully the stars aligned and knew this was where I needed to be. Bard would allow me to continue my education with the BOP scholarship and have the tools to support me through my college journey.