Bennington College has created a new scholarship for PTK members transferring to their university.
Previously, members were not eligible for the scholarship if they took a break between attending community college and transfer to NAU, but NAU has removed that stipulation from the eligibility criteria, which allows PTK members with breaks in enrollment to qualify for the scholarship.
The scholarship amount is $10,000 per academic year. The scholarship is stackable and renewable.
Learn more about this transfer option in the Q&A below.
Tell us about your college’s new transfer scholarship for members of Phi Theta Kappa.
For members of Phi Theta Kappa, Bennington offers a guaranteed scholarship of $10,000 per year, in addition to full consideration for other merit scholarships and need-based aid.
Why does your college feel that it is important to offer a scholarship opportunity for members?
Bennington College offers a scholarship for PTK transfer students because it recognizes the academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement that PTK members embody. The college values these qualities and seeks to make a Bennington education accessible to students who have already demonstrated a commitment to intellectual growth and achievement at the community college level.
Are there other transfer scholarships that could be stacked with your Phi Theta Kappa award?
Yes. Transfer students who receive the $10,000 guaranteed PTK scholarship are also eligible for other merit scholarships and need-based aid.
What other opportunities are available for transfer students at your institution to assist them in successfully transitioning from community college?
Bennington offers an integrated transfer orientation and transfer-focused academic advising. Dozens of interest-specific clubs and organizations help students find like-minded students to vibe with. Discussion-based learning and individualized plans of study value transfer students’ life experiences, multidimensional identities, and unique points of view.
What other opportunities are available for transfer students at your institution to assist them in successfully transitioning from community college?
Understanding what Bennington offers means talking to our students. Transfer student Ken Keeney ’27 found a community where “weird, wacky, and unapologetic” is embraced, and faculty, staff, and peers took him seriously from day one.
Transfer student Jay Clark ’26 just wanted to write his thesis at the intersection of literature and environmental studies without having to take general education requirements, but he also ended up finding a great faculty mentor and a tight-knit circle of friends. “We spend a lot of time together,” he said.
Jen Nash ’26 transferred from a community college in Los Angeles and found that she never felt as valued as she does at Bennington. “I work hard, and now I’m around people who work as hard and maybe even harder, and so that inspires me,” she said.
Former transfer and recent graduate Rachel McCauley ’25 wrote and directed her first play at Bennington and landed her first playwriting residency directly after graduation.
And Sophie Locke’ 26 experienced life-changing hands-on work during a dance internship in France. Now, she’s considering a career as a dance scholar. Whatever you want to study, whatever project you want to pursue, Bennington gives you the structure, the support, and the freedom to make it happen.
Are there any special events or deadlines on your recruitment calendar that you would like to share?
Fall Transfer Priority Deadline is April 7, 2026. Applications submitted by April 7 will be given maximum consideration and have priority in fall course registration. Transfer applications are accepted until April 30. The Spring Transfer Deadline is November 1. Applicants will receive a decision notification by November 30. Visit this link for more information and to access the link to apply.
Find more colleges and transfer scholarships like this one through PTK Connect.
