Commitment to Access
Commitment to Access
Barnard College has been committed to expanding educational opportunity since its founding in 1889, when it opened the doors of rigorous higher education to young women previously excluded from such spaces. More than 130 years later, Barnard continues to challenge inequity by removing barriers to access for historically underrepresented groups. Today, 61% of Barnard students identify as students of color, and 16% are the first in their families to attend college. Through a wide range of supportive programs, the Office of Inclusion and Belonging collaborates across the College to advance equity and foster a community where all students can thrive.
Barnard Bound
Barnard Bound provides a taste of Barnard College for promising and high-achieving young women who will be part of the first generation in their families to attend a 4-year college and/or come from a low-income background. The program is open to students attending high school in the United States and is offered in both virtual and on‑campus formats.
SIGN UP TO INDICATE YOUR INTEREST IN THE BARNARD BOUND PROGRAM
The application will open in early summer 2026. We will email students who have completed the interest form to let them know when it is live.
What to Expect?
Barnard Bound features panels, presentations, and conversations with current students, faculty, and staff, all centered on the unique lens of what it means to be a first‑generation/low‑income student in college. Participants also gain access to virtual workshops throughout the fall to deepen their understanding of Barnard and the application process.
Program Highlights
- Financial Aid: Clear guidance on navigating the financial aid process, including sessions designed for parents and guardians.
- Mentorship: Insights from Barnard Student Admissions Representatives (BSARs), who share their experiences and serve as ongoing resources.
- Campus Resources: An introduction to the many support services available on campus through Access Barnard, Beyond Barnard, and other campus partners.
- Scholars Community: Opportunities to connect with fellow Barnard Bound Scholars and campus leaders through community‑building activities.
How to Apply
There are two application rounds: July 11 and August 8. Students interested in the on‑campus program are encouraged to apply in the first round. Admission is offered on a rolling basis.
If You Miss a Deadline
Students who do not apply in time can still explore Barnard through campus tours, open houses, and virtual programming listed on our Visit page.
Questions?
Email the Admissions team at barnardbound@barnard.edu
Access & Support Programs
Barnard recognizes academic excellence and leadership in students from all backgrounds. Our access programs support students who demonstrate the curiosity, drive, and motivation that define the Barnard community. Participants join a close‑knit cohort and receive individualized mentorship throughout their four years at the College. Housed within the broader Access Barnard community, students benefit from tailored advising, programming, and support.
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program, funded by New York State, provides access to higher education for talented students who are economically disadvantaged. Students are selected at time of admissions and, as HEOP Scholars, they receive comprehensive academic support and resources beginning at admission and continuing throughout their time at Barnard.
CSTEP is an enrichment program that prepares students for careers requiring professional licensure or advanced study in STEM, social work, law, teaching, or health‑related fields. Barnard launched its CSTEP program in 2006, as a partnership with the New York State Education Department.
Barnard is a proud partner with QuestBridge, a non-profit that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds on their path to a top college. Scholars receive support from Access Barnard and our student-led QuestBridge chapter create a spaces for Scholars to build friendships with peers from similar backgrounds and share knowledge about helpful resources.
Identity and Inclusion Initiatives
Barnard believes that exploring and embracing one’s intersecting identities is essential to personal empowerment and community belonging. Our identity‑based initiatives bring students together with peers, faculty, and staff to build networks of support, solidarity, and celebration.
From Heritage Month programming to the Students of Color Leadership Retreat, these initiatives create opportunities for students to explore the richness of their cultural and ethnic identities.
First-Generation/Low-Income Student Initiatives (FLI), an integral part of Access Barnard, provides specialized advising and support to all students who identify with the first-generation and/or low-income college experience. Access Barnard seeks to empower and enrich the experience of FLI students both inside and outside of the classroom as they navigate Barnard.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and allied students engage in programs that foster community, celebrate identity, and promote empowerment.
Social Justice Programs
Building an equitable and inclusive community is a shared responsibility. Barnard’s social justice initiatives equip students with the tools to lead, engage in dialogue, and advocate for meaningful change.
The Barnard BLUE Series invites students into intentional conversations about identity, leadership, and the creation of inclusive communities.
A two‑part program for students, faculty, and staff that deepens understanding of social justice issues and builds practical skills for equity‑centered work.