Higher Education Opportunity Program

Bard’s Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), which began in 1969, is one of the oldest and most successful programs of its kind in New York State.

Apply to HEOP

About Program Scholars

HEOP is sponsored jointly through a grant from the New York State Education Department and Bard College. Many students aspiring to attend college face a reality of few options and fewer opportunities due to a lack of economic and educational resources. HEOP seeks to confront this reality. In this regard, Bard’s Equity and Inclusion Programs office is unsurpassed in its financial commitment to its students. (HEOP and its activities are supported, in whole or in part, by the New York State Education Department.)

Scholarship Benefits

Financial and Academic Support

The College retains and graduates a high percentage of the students admitted with a HEOP scholarship through support tailored to the specific needs of individual students. A full-tuition scholarship equal to more than 70 percent of the entire cost of attending the College, together with grants and minimal loans, meet the full financial cost of attendance for a HEOP scholar. HEOP Scholars also receive a small stipend each semester to use for purchasing books and supplies. In addition, Bard College faculty and staff provide guidance in the development of skills that will ensure academic success at Bard.

Eligibility Requirements

There are three (3) qualifications a student must meet for admission into HEOP:

The student must be a resident of New York State.
A student is eligible if he or she is not admissible under Bard's regular admission guidelines due to an under-resourced academic background. This standard changes each year as Bard adapts to the national standards of each year's high school graduating class.
A student is eligible if he or she meets the financial criteria for economic disadvantage set by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). See chart below for details.

For students entering college after July 1, 2022:

Number in household including head of household)	2022–2023 income under	2023–2024 income under	2024–2025 income under	2025–2026 income under
1	$23,828	$25,142	$26,973	$27,861
2	$32,227	$33,874	$36,482	$37,814
3	$40,626	$42,606	$45,991	$47,767
4	$49,025	$51,338	$55,500	$57,720
5	$57,424	$60,070	$65,009	$67,673
6	$65,823	$68,802	$74,518	$77,626
7	$74,222	$77,534	$84,027	$87,579
8	$82,621	$86,266	$93,536	$97,532

**For 2025–26, add $9,953 for each additional family member in excess of 8.

NY State Eligibility Income Requirement

Applying to HEOP

To apply for the HEOP or BOP scholarships, you will need to complete the following:

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.
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 scholarship, 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 HEOP →

Scholar Highlight

Karla Z. (she/her)
Class of ’26

Major:
Computer Science

OEI Scholarship:
Higher Education Opportunities Program (HEOP)

Why Bard?
I chose Bard because of the seminar style classrooms. I work best in small groups, so Bard offered a more personal experience, not just with students, but with professors and overall creating a relationship with them. It is also very close to home! So as someone who has always been close to my mom, closeness was a major priority for me. The distance is just enough of living a college experience but also knowing home is a bus ride away.