Scholarships for African-American Students

DoD SMART Scholarship

SMART Scholarship Eligibility & STEM Disciplines

 

To learn more about the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship (Dellums SMART Scholarship) and to review eligibility requirements of the Dellums SMART Scholarship, visit the About Dellums page.

Eligibility Requirements

Review the below scholarship requirements to ensure you are eligible to apply for this life-changing opportunity.

Who can apply?

The SMART application is open August through December of every year, with awards being granted the following spring.

All applicants must be:

  • a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom at time of application,
  • 18 years of age or older as of August 1, 2024
  • requesting at least 1 year of degree funding prior to graduation (which starts at the program start date),
  • able to complete at least one summer internship (multi-year scholars only)
  • willing to accept post-graduation employment with the DoD,
  • a student in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale,
  • pursuing a technical undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the 24 STEM disciplines listed below,
  • able to produce a fall 2023 college transcript from a regionally accredited US college or university, OR be pursuing a graduate degree at a regionally accredited US college or university.

Active duty military members who wish to apply for the SMART Scholarship must be separated or on terminal leave on or before August 1, 2024 to be eligible. Reserve and National Guard members are eligible to apply. Current ROTC participants with a future service commitment are not eligible to apply

For more information, watch the SMART Eligibility Requirements video.

What kind of STEM?

The program focuses on students pursuing disciplines that are critical to national security functions of the Department of Defense (DoD). The following is a list of SMART’s 24 approved STEM disciplines. These disciplines are general umbrella disciplines – specific applicant majors or fields of study may fall under one or more discipline on this list.

Please note, non-technical degrees, including management, arts, or humanities, are not approved or funded by SMART.

  • Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biosciences
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Geosciences
  • Industrial and Systems Engineering 
  • Information Sciences
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Oceanography
  • Operations Research
  • Physics
  • Software Engineering

What you need to know

Scholarships are awarded for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years of funding, depending on degree requirements. SMART is a one-for-one commitment; for every year of degree funding, the scholar commits to working for a year with the DoD as a civilian employee. 

Undergraduate applicants 

  • Must be currently enrolled at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
  • Must be able to produce a fall 2023 (or earlier) college transcript at the end of the term
  • AP coursework is not considered college credit

Graduate applicants 

  • Can be either currently enrolled in a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or awaiting notification of admission
  • If awaiting admission, you must be accepted for entrance in the fall 2024 term

Scholars enter the program as either recruitment or retention. Learn more information on how scholars participate in the SMART Program through recruitment or retention. 

Learn more about the citizenship and security clearance requirements for SMART scholarship awards.

Tuskegee Distinguished Presidential Scholarship

Christopher “Xavier,” from Mauldin High School in Mauldin, South Carolina, is the President of the ASA Guide Right Kappa League, a mentoring program of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Spartanburg-Greenville SC Alumni Chapter. Xavier joined our cohort as a high school freshman and prior to COVID, he and his mother made the drive from Simpsonville, SC to our monthly cohort meeting in Marietta, GA.

Xavier notes, “While I admittedly have not achieved all of the goals that I set during each year that I have participated in the cohort, I have earned high grades in rigorous classes and scored a 30 on the ACT. Achieving these 2 goals resulted in my full college scholarship pathway!”

In addition to taking a rigorous course schedule, Xavier, who plans to major in aerospace engineering, has take such classes as AP World History, AP US History, AP English Lit, AP Physics, and AP Calculus AB, He is a 3-sport varsity athlete (football, track and field, rugby) and a proven leader on and off of the field. In addition to his leadership role as the Kappa League President, he is the defensive captain of his varsity football team, co-caption of his USA South Rugby Team, and is an officer in the STEM Club. His academic honors include the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and being recognized as an AP Scholar.

His hard work paid off with his being recruited to play rugby at the University of Notre Dame and offered the Distinguished Presidential Scholarship to attend Tuskegee University where the scholarship covers tuition, fees, room and board, and provides an $800 book allowance. Xavier also receives the South Carolina Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and has been offered admission to his state’s flagship universities—Clemson and the University of South Carolina – Columbia.

NC A&T Gate City Scholarship

THE GATE CITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Gate City Alumni Chapter has established a scholarship program to assist Guilford County High School students who are pursuing a college education at North Carolina A&T State University. This scholarship is offered each year to incoming Freshman and is renewable for four (4) years as long as the student meets yearly requirements.

This scholarship program is administered by the Gate City Alumni Chapter of North Carolina A&T State University.  Awards are granted without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

AWARDS

The Gate City Alumni Chapter’s scholarship is $1,250 USD per semester. Awards are for undergraduate study only.  Awards are renewable for four (4) years as long as yearly requirements are met.

NC A&T Atlanta Alumni Scholarship

Purpose: This scholarship

represents the Atlanta Alumni Chapter’s pledge and commitment to assist the University in attracting and recruiting quality students found in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas of Georgia. The alumni are convinced that high academic achievers from Georgia are needed on the campus to serve as role models for all students matriculating at the University. Level of Award: Depending upon the applications received, a minimum of two awards will be presented to the deserving students who meet the eligibility criteria. This scholarship can include books. 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to university changes in the award payment process of scholarship recipients, funds will not be dispersed until FALL semester. 

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, a candidate must:

  1. Be a high school student from the metro Atlanta area or surrounding areas of Georgia.
  2. Have been accepted for admission to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and be committed to attending, entering as a freshman in the Fall You must include a copy of your acceptance letter from the university in your application packet and your banner ID.
  3. Have accumulated a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
  4. Include two recommendation letters: one school official (teacher, counselor, or administrator) and one non-school official (mentor, coach, minister, or employer).

Options for submitting recommendation letters: Teacher/educator can submit PDF letter that has school or district logo. Teacher/educator can write/submit recommendation letter via email.Non-educators (employer, coach, mentor, etc.) can submit either PDF or email.  

Scholarships for HBCU Students

Best Colleges

For students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), scholarships, internships, and fellowships can make higher education more affordable. HBCU scholarships and grants can supplement federal financial aid to help students fund their degrees and, ultimately, launch their careers.

While the majority of college students need financial aid to afford college, HBCU scholarships recognize the merit and potential of Black students with unique financial considerations. Read on to learn more about scholarships for HBCU students and related resources.

For helpful resources posted by BestColleges click here…

Repost: Purdue Global Nursing Scholarships

March 3, 2021  |  Purdue University Global  |  Updated October 13, 2021

 

Despite making up nearly 40% of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, minorities aren’t proportionally represented in nursing. According to the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Study by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, as reported in the Journal of Nursing Regulation, only 19.5% of RN respondents were minorities.

One way to increase diversity in nursing is to lower the burden of attaining a nursing degree. Earmarking scholarship funds for minority communities including Native American, Asian, Alaska Native, and African American nursing students is key to fostering diversity in nursing.

“Diversity is critical as it brings a number of culture and belief systems together that enable us to collaborate and capitalize on our strengths and increase awareness of our patient needs and the needs of our communities, which in turns helps to improve patient outcomes,” says Melissa Burdi, DNP, dean and vice president for the School of Nursing at Purdue University Global.

Here are 12 nursing school scholarships for minorities to gain entry into higher education.

Scholarships for Minority Nursing Students

1. AAPINA Scholarship Program

Sponsored by the Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association, this $1,000 annual scholarship is for members of at least two years who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate nursing programs and meet academic and leadership requirements.

2. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Scholarships

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium offers 10 $5,000 scholarships to Alaska Native and American Indian students enrolled in training or education programs that would allow them to work in the health care field. Applicants must be permanent Alaska residents.

3. American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America offers an annual $1,500 scholarship to help students of American Indian descent complete nursing programs and work in health care.

4. IHS Scholarship Program

The Indian Health Service offers three scholarship programs of varying amounts for Alaska Native and American Indian students studying health care. Recipients must commit to working in an Indian health program for two years.

5. M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Memorial Award

Nurses Educational Fund, Inc., offers a $2,000 endowed scholarship to African American nurses in doctoral nursing programs. The award was named after M. Elizabeth Carnegie, the first Black nurse to serve as a voting member on the board of a state nursing association.

6. NAANA Scholarships for Nursing Study

The National American Arab Nurses Association offers an annual scholarship program for applicants of Arab descent who are members of NAANA and enrolled at any level of nursing program. This can include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or RN-to-BSN programs.

7. NAHN United Health Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is for members of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), who have enrolled full-time in a nursing program. The scholarship awards $5,000 for three years.

8. Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program

The National Health Service Corps, part of the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, offers this scholarship to native Hawaiians pursuing careers in health care. The scholarship covers tuition and other school-related costs and provides a monthly stipend. In return, you must work in a medically underserved area within Hawaii for every year of funding you receive.

9. NBNA Nursing Scholarships

The National Black Nurses Association offers a number of scholarship programs for NBNA members. Applicants must have at least one year of school remaining and awards vary from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the specific scholarship.

10. Philippine Nurses Association of America Scholarship

One $1,000 scholarship is offered to PNAA members who are graduate students pursuing a doctorate or post-master’s degree. Other academic requirements may apply.

11. Thomara Latimer Cancer Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship for African American students under 30 who live in Michigan is designed to help students attend health care programs. Award amounts vary and students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

12. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

This award of up to $7,000 is earmarked for Native American and Alaska Native college students who are studying a health care field and plan to work with native communities during their careers.

Minority Nursing Associations

Whether you’re looking for more scholarships or just want some fellowship in the nursing community, consider these minority nursing associations.

Tips for Applying for Nursing Scholarships

When dealing with something as serious as paying for nursing school, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Here are some things to know before applying:

  • Consider past winners. By looking at previous winners, you can get an example of the types of candidates the scholarship committee is looking for.
  • Check eligibility requirements. When looking for minority nursing scholarships, there are very obvious eligibility requirements. But also check for GPA and career goal requirements and don’t waste time with scholarships where your career goals don’t align.
  • Follow instructions. Because so many people apply for scholarships, simple mistakes like not saving your files together or missing an essay can cost you real money. Follow instructions closely when applying for scholarships.
  • Carefully craft your essay. An essay, if required, is a great way to stand out to a scholarship committee, but it is also an opportunity to lose out on a scholarship if you don’t thoroughly understand the prompt. Make time for research and writing.
  • Proofread your essay and materials. Bad grammar and poor punctuation could cost you an award for nursing school. If possible, have someone else edit your essay to make sure it flows and is grammatically correct.
  • Deadlines matter. Be organized when applying for scholarships and make sure to track deadlines carefully. You don’t want to be preparing materials at the last minute. Consider creating a checklist of all the awards you are applying for so you don’t miss any important dates or information.

Earn a Nursing Degree Online

If you’re considering earning an online RN-to-BSN, a master’s degree in nursing, or a DNP, consider Purdue University Global. We offer nursing programs for busy working nurses who need the flexibility of online learning. Request more information to get started.

HBCU Study Abroad Scholarship

Open to students who are currently attending an HBCU, a historically black college or university.

A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded as follows:

  • $1,500 credit toward the IES Abroad program fee
  • $500 reimbursement toward the purchase of an overseas airline ticket for the IES Abroad program. After confirming your place in an IES Abroad fall, spring, academic year or calendar year program, you must present a valid, overseas airline itinerary in order to receive the $500 reimbursement.  Please email itinerary to admissions@IESabroad.org. Reimbursement check will be mailed to the home address on file.
  • Consecutive term students will receive one $1,500 scholarhip plus one $500 airfare reimbursement.
Amount:
$2,000
Eligibility:
  • Open to students who attend an HBCU that is a Member or Associate member of the IES Abroad consortium and that transfers at least 75% of home school aid to IES Abroad. Student must have applied to and attend an IES Abroad fall, spring, academic year or calendar year program.
  • Return Requirement: If awarded one of these scholarships, at the conclusion of the IES Abroad program you agree to submit a 1-page statement about your experience abroad, including how it has affected you personally, professionally, and academically and how this scholarship supported your endeavors.  Once submitted, this statement becomes property of IES Abroad and excerpts may be used in any/all IES Abroad electronic and printed publications.
  • Standard programs only.  Customized programs are not eligible for IES Abroad financial aid.

Click here to apply…

Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST) is an endowment fund which provides scholarships to African-American undergraduate students who enroll in scientific or technical fields of study at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Selection Process ] [ Eligibility Criteria ] [ Evaluation Criteria ]
Award Determination ] [ Obtaining a Scholarship Application ]

Selection Process

DFBSST identifies students through the assistance of Engineering and Science Department deans and professors at pre-selected, predominantly Black colleges and universities.  DFBSST requests the deans and faculty members to identify a specified number of students that they would like to be considered for scholarships, and to pass on DFBSST scholarship application forms to these students.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for scholarships offered by DFBSST, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • African-American, undergraduate student majoring (or intending to major) in a technical field of study (i.e., engineering, math, science, etc.),
  • Be enrolled (or identify his or her intention to enroll) at one of the predominantly Black colleges or universities listed below, and
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  1. Academic achievement (grades and SAT scores, especially science/math),
  2. Personal essay describing career goals, current and past relevant extracurricular activities, etc.,
  3. Recommendations (teachers and guidance counselors), and
  4. Financial need.

Applicants are first ranked based on consideration of items 1, 2 and 3 above. If two (2) applicants are considered to be equal, the candidate with the greatest financial need is ranked higher.

Award Determination

The amount of the scholarships awarded each student is determined by the DFBSST Scholarship Committee. Scholarships are based on merit and financial need. Scholarship awards are up to $3,000 per year. Support is renewed annually, for a maximum of four (4) years, as long as the students remains in good academic standing at the same institution, maintains at least a 3.0 in their major, enrolled in a full-time, undergraduate science or engineering curriculum, and submits a renewal application.

Obtaining a Scholarship Application

Applications can be obtained by contacting the science or engineering department at one of the schools listed below. We do not distribute applications directly to students. All applications must be obtained through and pre-screened by the schools.  There can be no exceptions. Scholarship applications are currently available at the following schools:

Bennett CollegeMorehouse College
Clark Atlanta UniversityMorgan State University
Elizabeth City State UnivNorth Carolina A&T State Univ
Fisk UniversityPrairie View A&M University
Florida A&M UniversitySouthern University
Fort Valley State CollegeSpelman College
Hampton UniversityTennessee State University
Howard UniversityTuskegee University
Langston UniversityWilberforce University
Lincoln University (PA)Xavier University of Louisiana

Scholarship applications become available April 15th and must be submitted by June 15th. Scholarship recipients will be notified in early September.

 

Minority Scholarships and Engineering Scholarships for Minorities

NACME STEM Minority Scholarships Overview

NACME is responsible for more than $4 million in scholarships awarded annually to underrepresented minority (URM) students, with more than $1.6 million awarded in NACME’s funded scholarships and $2.4 million more through our partner institutions’ in-kind support. In 2016, NACME expects to support approximately 1,300 underrepresented minority engineering students.

NACME Scholars (Block Grant) Program

Through the NACME Scholars Program, NACME provides block grants to colleges and universities that, in turn, award the money to talented African American, American Indian, and Latino students enrolled in engineering programs as part of their financial aid packages.

The NACME’s Scholars (Block Grant) Program provides minority college scholarship support in the form of a lump sum grant to partner institutions who enroll students from three sources – first year students identified by NACME or the partner universities, transfer students from two-year colleges, and currently enrolled students who have completed at least one year of engineering study.

University Eligibility

Academic institutions that wish to participate in the scholars grant program must demonstrate a commitment to minority student success that is evidenced in their recruitment, admission, retention, education, and graduation (RAREG) of African American, American Indian, and Latino engineering students.

Student Eligibility

To be eligible for the NACME Scholars Program students must enroll in an engineering program at a partner university, be a URM, and maintain a minimum required GPA (from 2.5 – 2.8). For Fellowships, GPA requirements differ according to the fellowship. Click here for more details about underrepresented minority scholarships (African American, American Indian, and Latino) and other special scholarship programs for minorities.

Academic performance criteria for NACME support differs somewhat for each student stream.

  • High school seniors must be accepted by the university’s college of engineering (at the end of the freshman year, NACME assumes a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0).
  • Currently enrolled students must have completed a calculus, physics, or chemistry course, earning at least a “B,” and be accepted into engineering.
  • Two-year community college transfers, i.e., those accepted for their third year of engineering study, must enter with at least a 2.7 cumulative GPA on a scale of a 4.0 and an Associate Degree in engineering science (or the equivalent program of study).

For more information about the NACME’s Scholars (Block Grant) Program contact Dr. Chris Smith, Director, Scholarships and University Relations, at 914-539-4316, or email at  scholars@nacme.org.

Payment Distribution

NACME distributes grant payments in two installments each academic year. Under the scholars program, each entering freshman scholar is eligible for $12,500 for up to five years. Two-year transfers and currently enrolled sophomores and beyond are eligible for the identical annual support for up to three years. Scholarship amounts may vary based on the scholar’s financial need to cover the cost of education.

Reporting Requirements

The academic institution provides NACME with a report at the end of the grant period that includes graduation and retention rates as well as biographical information, GPA, and dollar amount of support for each NACME Scholar.

Expectations for Continuance

Partnership agreements are reviewed at the end of five years. Grants are renewed annually to compare institutional performance against established enrollment and graduation goals. NACME expects evidence of continuous improvement toward parity. Such indicators of success would include in the aggregate rising GPAs, reduction in retention rate between NACME Scholars and comparison group (e.g., other minority engineering students or non-minority engineering students), and stable or decreasing time to degree.

NACME In-Kind/Associate Programs

We also encourage universities and colleges not already engaged in our NACME Scholarship Programs to provide in-kind scholarship support to underrepresented minority engineering students attending your school.

Fellowships (Special Scholarships)

The NACME Fellows Program was created to provide an opportunity for individuals and companies interested in establishing a named minority scholarship program in support of NACME’s mission to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in engineering. This will be accomplished by ensuring that more engineering scholarships for minorities are available.

For more information about how to apply for a fellowship, contact Dr. Chris Smith, Director, Scholarships and University Relations, at 914-539-4316, or email at scholars@nacme.org. For specific information on how to establish a fellowship e-mail, scholarships@nacme.org.

Current NACME Fellowships and Endowments

George Campbell, Jr. Fellowship in Engineering
Dr. George Campbell, Jr. served as NACME’s president and CEO for 11 years. This scholarship honors Dr. Campbell’s service to the mission and vision of increasing the representation of underrepresented minority students in engineering. One student is selected in the sophomore year. The recipient is awarded $5,000 for up to three years. The minimum grade point average required is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Sidney and Katherine Friend Scholarship
Joint endowment established between NACME and Polytechnic University. One first-year student is selected and supported for a maximum of five years. The recipient is awarded $2,500 each year. The minimum grade point average required is 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

William Randolph Hearst Endowment Scholarship
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation supported the creation of this endowed scholarship. Two students are selected in either the first or second year. The recipients are awarded $2,500 each for up to four years. The minimum grade point average required is 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

Phillip D. Reed Undergraduate Endowment Fellowship
Philip D. Reed endowment fellowship is made possible through an endowment from the Philip D. Reed Foundation. One student is selected in the sophomore year. The award provides $5,000 for up to three years.

The Bechtel Undergraduate Fellowship Award
The Bechtel Undergraduate Fellowship Award is financial support program that encourages and recognizes high academic achievement of students interested in pursuing a corporate career in a construction-related engineering discipline. The award is accompanied by internship and mentoring opportunities. Two students are selected in their junior year. The recipients are awarded $2,500 each for up to two years. The minimum grade point average required is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

NACME Contact

For more information about the NACME’s Scholars (Block Grant) Program or how to apply for a fellowship, contact Dr. Chris Smith, Director, Scholarships and University Relations, at 914-539-4316, or email at scholars@nacme.org.

Additional Minority Scholarship Resources

Scholarships.com – A listing of scholarships for minorities.

Finaid.com – Information about scholarships and fellowships for minority students. Native American students should also visit the Financial Aid for Native American Students page.

U.S. Department of State – Scholarships, financial aid and student internships.

 

NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. The program offers:

  • Scholarship support
  • Paid research training at the NIH during the summer
  • Paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation

In order to determine if you meet the financial need eligibility guidelines, the UGSP encourages all students to complete the Exceptional Financial Need (EFN) form and submit it to your financial aid office. This form can be filed prior to completion of the online application. Since your eligibility will have to be updated with your 2017 financial aid application data, completion and submission of this form is for informational purposes only. If you choose to submit the form prior to application, please notify the UGSP at ugsp@od.nih.gov, and we will contact you after your university has indicated your eligibility. However, if you do not receive notification of eligibility prior to the application opening date, we encourage you to go ahead and begin the application process.

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

The NIH UGSP will pay up to $20,000 per academic year in tuition, educational expenses, and reasonable living expenses to scholarship recipients. Scholarships are awarded for 1 year, and can be renewed up to 4 years.

RESEARCH TRAINING AT THE NIH

For each full or partial scholarship year, you are committed to two NIH service obligations. The obligations are actually benefits of the UGSP, providing you with invaluable research training and experience at the NIH.

  1. 10-week Summer Laboratory Experience. After each year of scholarship support, you will train for 10 weeks as a paid summer research employee in an NIH research laboratory. This employment occurs after the receipt of the scholarship award. Each scholar will work directly with an NIH Principle Investigator or an NIH postdoctoral fellow, who will serve as mentors.
  2. Employment at the NIH after Graduation. After graduation, you will continue your training as a full-time employee in an NIH research laboratory. You must serve 1 year of full-time employment for each year of scholarship.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

You must meet all of these requirements in order to be eligible for admission into the UGSP.  Please take a moment to use our Eligibility Wizard.

  • U.S.A. citizen or U.S.A. permanent resident
  • Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited 4-year undergraduate institution located in the United States of America
  • Undergraduate University Grade Point Average of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0-point scale or within the top 5 percent of your class
  • Having ‘Exceptional Financial Need’ as certified by your undergraduate institution financial aid office – see table below (updated 8 November 2017).
Persons in Family
(Includes Only Dependents Listed on Federal Income Tax Forms)
Family Income Level
(Adjusted Gross Income for Tax Year 2016)
Federal Register: Volume 81, Number 15, 25 January 2016, Page 4036
Family Income Level
(Adjusted Gross Income for Tax Year 2017)
Federal Register: Volume 82, Number 19, 31 January 2017, Page 8831
1$23,780.00$24,120.00
2$32,040.00$32,480.00
3$40,320.00$40,840.00
4$48,600.00$49,200.00
5$56,880.00$57,560.00
6$65,160.00$65,920.00
7$73,460.00$74,280.00
8$81,780.00$82,640.00
More than 8 Persons$8,320.00 for Each Additional Person$8,360.00 for Each Additional Person

You are not eligible for the UGSP if any one of the following items pertains to you:

  • You are a high school senior
  • You have been awarded an undergraduate degree
  • You are enrolled in an advanced degree program, such as a master’s degree
  • You are unable to fulfill the payback requirements

APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Application for the 2018-2019 academic year is now open.  To learn more about the application process and requirements, review the videos “How to Apply to the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program” and “How to Find an NIH Mentor“.  Your university must also determine whether you meet the required exceptional financial need (EFN) criteria.  To do so, download the EFN form, complete the top section and submit it to the financial aid office at the university you will attend during the 2018-2019 academic year.  Your university will determine your eligibility and forward the form to us.  We strongly advise you to complete the application while waiting for your university to determine your eligibility.

KEY DATES FOR ADMISSION CONSIDERATION IN FALL 2017-2018 ACADEMIC YEAR

(Dates updated 1 November 2017)

  • January 2, 2018 – Application Opens
  • March 15, 2018 – Application Deadline
  • March 30, 2018 – Letter of Recommendation Deadline
  • May 11, 2018 – EFN Form with 2016 Tax Year Information Deadline
  • Mid-June 2018 – Invitations to Phone Interview Distributed
  • Mid-July 2018 – Phone Interviews for Admission
  • Late-July 2018 – Selection of Scholars

This program is administered without discrimination on the basis of age, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or other nonmerit factors.

NIH is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.  NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.