Scholarships

Obtaining Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarships

• Andrew W. Mellon Fellowships in Humanistic Studies - For one year of graduate study at most U.S. and Canadian universities for students preparing for careers in college teaching and scholarship in humanistic fields of study (but not the creative and performing arts). Must be citizen or permanent resident of U.S. or Canada, college senior or recent graduate who has not yet begun graduate study. GRE scores required. 85 scholarships nationwide.
• Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships - For undergraduates preparing for research-based careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or resident aliens and must be currently enrolled sophomores or juniors in the top quarter of their class with at least a 3.0 GPA. Pays up to $7,500 for up to two years. Approximately 300 given nationwide.
• Beinecke Scholarship Program - For graduate study in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Applicants must be outstanding juniors, US citizens or nationals, and have received need-based financial aid. Amount of award is approximately $32,000. 22 awards nationwide.
• Carnegie Endowment for Peace Junior Fellows Program - Supports one year at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington D.C., conducting research and outreach on policy issues. Applicants must be seniors or have graduated within the past year, have strong academic records and substantial coursework in such areas as international affairs, political science, economics or history. 10 awards nationwide.
• Ford Foundation International Fellows Program - For three years of graduate study leading students to further development in their own countries and greater economic and social justice worldwide. For international citizens/residents. Must demonstrate superior academic achievement and leadership potential and have substantial experience in community service.
• Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships - Provides individuals the opportunity to engage in graduate study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) degree. Must be a U.S. citizen and have completed senior year or graduated. GRE test scores required. Pays annual stipend of $16,000 for three years. Approximately 60 awarded nationwide.
• Fulbright Program - For one year of graduate study or research in one of approximately 100 foreign countries. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with the majority of their undergraduate education in the U.S.; must have language proficiency; must have a bachelor's degree by the beginning of the award.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship - Established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2002, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships are intended for scholars of outstanding academic merit and leadership potential who are committed to serving their communities. One or more years graduate study at the University of Cambridge in England; apply as a senior.
• Harry S. Truman Scholarships - For undergraduate through graduate study leading to a career in government, non-profit, or advocacy. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, currently enrolled juniors in the upper quarter of their class, and should have a strong record of public and community service. Truman Scholars receive up to $3,000 for the senior year and up to $27,000 for graduate/professional school. Approximately 80 scholarships awarded nationwide.
• James Madison Graduate Fellowships -For two years of study in the U.S. in a master's degree program leading to a career in secondary school teaching of American history, government, or social studies. Graduate program must include coursework in constitutional history. Must be U.S. citizen or national. Approximately 24 fellowships to new and recent college graduates nationwide.
• Marshall Scholarships - For two years of study at any British university, leading to graduate or second undergraduate degree. Must be U.S. citizen with undergraduate degree completed by the beginning of the award. May not be more than two years beyond graduation. Requires 3.7 GPA beyond freshman year. Up to 40 scholarships awarded annually.
• Mitchell Scholarship - The Mitchell Scholarship was initiated in 1998 to honor Maine native George W. Mitchell, who chaired peacekeeping efforts in Northern Ireland after a distinguished career in the U.S. Senate. Awards are for one year of post-undergraduate study at any Irish university-northern or southern-and include tuition, room, a generous allowance for food and expenses, and travel. Twelve awards are given annually; the 20 finalists are interviewed in Washington, D.C., in late November. Requirements: Mitchell candidates should have distinguished academic and extracurricular records and have a special reason for wanting to study in Ireland. All application materials must be post-marked no later than the established deadline, which occurs annually in mid-October; apply as a senior.
• National Scholars Honor Society - Open to undergraduate and graduate students in all areas of study. One application covers four scholarships:
  • Abraham Lincoln Scholarship ($5,000)
  • Alexander Bell Scholarship ($4,000)
  • Thomas Jefferson Scholarship ($5,000)
  • Benjamin Franklin Scholarship ($5,000)
  • No pre-set GPA requirement.
• Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans - For up to two years of graduate study in the United States, in any field, for New Americans (i.e. resident alien with more than 1 year of IRS filings, a naturalized US citizen, or the child of two parents who are naturalized citizens). Must also be under 31 years old at time of application and hold bachelor's degree or be in final year of study. Must submit scores from appropriate graduate aptitude test (GRE, GMAT, MCAT or LSAT). 30 fellowships given annually.
• Rhodes Scholarships - For two years of study at Oxford University, leading to graduate or second undergraduate degree. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must hold a bachelor's degree by the beginning of the award. 32 scholarships nationwide.
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship - Rotary International each year awards Ambassadorial Scholarships worth up to $25,000 for a year's post-undergraduate study at major universities around the world. Applicants must be sponsored by a Rotary club either in their hometown or where they are attending college. Requirements. The deadline for applications is in March; up to three candidates representing Tennessee are selected during May interviews. Since the scholarship begins 16 months after selection, current juniors as well as seniors may apply. Students from out of state may wish to apply through their hometown clubs, since Tennessee students may have a slight advantage in the Tennessee competition. Applicants need not have studied abroad or be fluent in a foreign language. One year post-graduate study at major universities around the world; apply as a junior or senior.
• Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose - An unrestricted cash grant of up to $40,000 for a project that will "strengthen civil society"; apply as a senior. The Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose is named for a former Treasury secretary under presidents Nixon and Ford and recognizes graduating seniors who seek to live lives of "noble purpose." The award is funded by the Templeton Foundation through the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. Three will be awarded each year: two for $5,000 and one for $40,000. Requirements: The Simon Fellowship is awarded to graduating college seniors who have "passion, dedication, a high capacity for self direction, and originality in pursuit of a goal that will strengthen civil society." Academic record and extracurricular activities are also important.