Simon’s Rock Financial Aid + Scholarships

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Scholarships for Entering Students

All first-year applicants are considered for scholarship awards.



Simon’s Rock Scholarships
In addition to the named scholarships below, Simon’s Rock Scholarships in varying amounts are typically awarded to more than one-third of first-year students.

Clark Early College Fellows
This fellowship recognizes bright, talented students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership ability and potential. It was endowed by Overseer and alumnus James McConnell Clark ’76, who believes that access to an outstanding liberal arts education should not be determined by a student’s age or financial resources but by their ability and motivation.

W.E.B. Du Bois Scholarships
The W.E.B. Du Bois Scholarships meet a significant portion of the financial need of eligible students of color who are underrepresented in higher education and have a record of academic achievement and motivation.

Young Writer’s Workshop Scholarship
This award (renewable annually) helps to meet the financial need of students who have participated in this renowned summer creative writing program held at Simon’s Rock.

Berkshire Regional Scholarships
This scholarship supports eligible students from 14 surrounding counties. Students must be under age 19 at entry and may choose to live at home if their families reside within commuting distance. Eligible counties are:

Massachusetts	Berkshire Franklin Hampden Hampshire
Connecticut	Hartford Litchfield
New York	Albany Columbia Dutchess Greene Rensselaer Ulster
Vermont	Bennington Windham

Mason Hirst Scholarship
Established in 2009 by the Mason Hirst Foundation and alumnus Jeremy Hirst ’92.

The Vince Finisdore Family Scholarship
Established in 2006 by Marcia Finisdore, mother of alumna Susan Finisdore Higgins ’81, this scholarship assists students who qualify for financial aid and who have a hearing loss as measured by professional audiological testing.

Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Scholarship
This scholarship helps to meet the financial need of students who have completed two CTY residential summer courses after completing the 9th or 10th grade, or two CTY online courses in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. Students must be applicants new to Simon’s Rock, have earned a minimum of a B in the courses taken, and must submit all CTY transcripts and comments at the time of application.

Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) Scholarship
Students who have completed two SIG residential summer courses, or two 8-week SIG online courses, are considered for the SIG Scholarship. To be eligible, students must be applicants new to Simon’s Rock, and documentation must be sent by SIG to Simon’s Rock indicating successful participation in and completion of the two courses.

Bard Queer Leadership Project Scholarships
The Bard Queer Leadership Project (BQLP) Scholarship is designed to assist students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree program designed for, and by, LGBTQIA+ college students to elevate LGBTQIA+ students and college graduates into leadership roles in school and across the workforce.

Early College Opportunity Scholarship
https://simons-rock.edu/admission/how-to-apply/bhsec.php
BEC and BHSEC applicants who demonstrate significant financial need and intellectual engagement can apply for Early College Opportunity (ECO) Scholarships, which provide grants covering up to full tuition. Two full-tuition ECO scholarships are awarded each year.

Alumni Scholarship
https://simons-rock.edu/alumni/refer/index.php
Each admitted student that is referred by a Simon’s Rock alumna or alumnus receives a $1,000 scholarship

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Scholarships for Returning Students

Scholarships to support students who have demonstrated academic commitment and achievement in their first two years, have made significant positive contributions to the life of the College, and/or have financial need. 

The Returning Student Scholarships include a variety of awards, with total amounts ranging from $2500 to $10,000 per year for the semesters students are in residence (not on leave to study away and enrolled full time) at Simon’s Rock. Most scholarships support students during their junior and senior years, although a few are dedicated to supporting students in their sophomore year.

Distinguished Faculty Scholarship
This fund collectively honors the legacies of accomplished faculty scholars and their contributions to the Simon’s Rock community. It is awarded to a returning student who has done outstanding work in and outside of the classroom.

Gabriel V. Asfar Scholarship
The recipient of the Gabriel V. Asfar Scholarship, which was established in 2012, is an international student or one who has been raised in a culturally and linguistically diverse home; has significant merit as well as need, with merit being the primary consideration, and need being an important secondary consideration; and shows strong evidence of volunteerism and civic engagement. Students who have made significant contributions to residence life and student affairs are given priority.

Galen Crotty Gibson Scholarship
This scholarship was established by people at the College and alumni to honor and help remember a student described by his teachers as “fresh, idiosyncratic, astute, original, engaging, lively, informed, and creative.” It is awarded to a returning student deeply involved in theater or one uniquely and enthusiastically committed to the good of the Simon’s Rock community.

Jane Rodgers Scholarship
Established in 2002 in memory of Jane Rodgers, wife of Dean Bernard Rodgers, by their friends within and beyond the Simon’s Rock community, this scholarship is awarded annually on the basis of need and merit to support an Upper College student concentrating in literary or environmental studies.

Lena Liebowitz Scholarship
Established by the late Overseer Murray Liebowitz and his late wife, Patti, in memory of his mother, this two-year scholarship is awarded annually on the basis of need to a student entering the Upper College who is a first- or second-generation American or a transfer to Simon’s Rock from Bard High School Early College.

Leslie R. Sander Scholarship
Established in memory of Leslie R. Sander ’87, this scholarship is awarded annually to a candidate for the BA degree who has demonstrated academic excellence and has served the Simon’s Rock community in a meaningful way.

Martin B. C. Simpson Scholarship
Established in 1996 in memory of Martin Simpson by his wife, Patricia, and son, David '86, this scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding student with financial need. Preference is given to first-generation United States immigrants, with equal gender representation (including male, female, and nonbinary and transgender students) among the recipients of this award.

Ñacuñán Sáez Scholarship
Established by the Faculty Senate and the Board of Overseers in memory of Dr. Ñacuñán Sáez, faculty member in Languages and Literature at Simon’s Rock from 1984 to 1992, this scholarship is awarded annually to a returning student who exemplifies Ñacuñán Sáez’s qualities of wit, breadth of interest, and delight in learning.

Sarah E. Prusoff Scholar
Established in 2005 by the Prusoff family and honoring the academic commitments and insights of alumna Sarah Prusoff, this scholarship provides financial support to an AA graduate pursuing a BA degree at Simon’s Rock. It is awarded every other year to a meritorious student with financial need, and provides support for two years.

Taylor Horn Global Studies Scholarship
Established by his friends and family in 2020 in memory of Taylor Horn ’09, this two-year scholarship is intended for B.A. students with an interest in conflict resolution. Students of foreign languages, world geography, politics, activism, social justice, international relations, and conflict resolution through use of the arts are eligible for this annual award.

Senior Award Scholarships
Each student in the senior class receives a one-year, $1000 award to support them in their work during their senior year. The award can be used to support their senior thesis or other professional development activities directly related to their area of academic focus such as attending a conference, going to a job interview, or other networking opportunities.

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Study Away Scholarships and Fellowships

Need-based scholarships to support study abroad, study away, and travel opportunities.



Rodney Christopher Scholarships for Study Abroad or Away
This endowed fund, established by Chairman of the Board of Overseers Emily H. Fisher, gives students need-based scholarships for study abroad and study away. The fund is inspired by and named in honor of alumnus Rodney Christopher ’86, who remains a constant champion for equal academic and social opportunity. These scholarships are primarily intended for students in the BA program, but all students may apply. The scholarships will be awarded based on a student’s academic achievements, financial need, and the merits of the proposed study abroad or away program in the context of the student’s program of study. To receive the scholarship, the recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student at Simon’s Rock for one semester after their studies abroad or away.

Marian Greenberg Memorial Travel Scholarship
To honor the life and spirit of Marian Greenberg, grandmother of Antonia Greenberg ’16, one fellowship will be awarded on a competitive, application basis each spring for a student who has moderated and whose advanced studies and thesis require immersive travel and deep understanding of place and for whom additional financial resources would be impactful.