Your Journey
Starts Here

Coaching and Support From College to Career

The Dell Scholars program helps you earn your degree and launch your career. Each year, 500 students nationwide become Dell Scholars, gaining financial assistance, academic advising, career coaching, and a team of dedicated experts who support them every step of the way.

Jump to:

The challenges of navigating higher education while worrying about basic needs like food and housing felt overwhelming. Becoming a Dell Scholar gave me the support, stability, and resources I needed to create a new path—not just for myself, but for future generations.

Marjorie
Class of 2019

Going into college, I didn't know what I wanted to do. But through the Dell Scholars program I was able to meet people that guided me through making that decision.

Margarita
Class of 2009

The teletherapy service is so helpful…knowing that there's a program out there that is always open to talk to is very helpful.

Anh
Class of 2021

With the help and support of the Dell Scholars career team, I received an offer for my first summer internship that aligned with my career goals. This opportunity has provided me with invaluable experience and confidence, setting a strong foundation for my future career in technology.

Christian
Class of 2021

A Program Built for You

We know that every student’s college experience is different. That’s why our program takes a personalized approach.

Academic

Success in college starts with people who’ve got your back. Regular check-ins with advisors and resources help you stay on track—balancing classes, setting goals, and making big decisions.

Financial

College is expensive, but we’re here to help. A $20,000 flexible scholarship covers tuition and housing—plus a laptop, book credits, and emergency funds—so you can focus on learning, not expenses.

Professional

We provide guidance and resources to explore careers and build connections, helping you navigate options and prepare for your first job after college.

Wellness

Your well-being matters. Dell Scholars get free teletherapy plus discounted legal, financial, health, and personal services—helping you stay strong through college and into your career.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

Be a high school senior participating in an approved college readiness program
Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited college or university right after high school
Be Pell Grant eligible
Have at least a 2.4 GPA

Strong candidates demonstrate:

A strong sense of purpose – They set clear goals and take steps to achieve them.
A career-driven mindset – They see their bachelor’s degree as a stepping stone to a fulfilling career.
Perseverance – They turn obstacles into opportunities, finding ways to move forward and succeed.
Self-motivation and determination – They take initiative, seek opportunities, and keep pushing forward.

Important Dates

2024

Oct 1

Application Opens

DEC 1

Application Deadline

DEC 10

Semifinalists Announced

2025

Jan 27

Semifinalist Materials Due

Mar 18

Dell Scholars Announced

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to often asked questions about the Dell Scholars program.

The Dell Scholars program is a scholarship and college completion program that nurtures and empowers students on their path to a college degree. Since starting the program in 2004, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has supported 5,000 scholars, including more than 2,000 college graduates.

To apply for a scholarship from the Dell Scholars program, the first step is completing the online application. See key application dates here. Once submitted, all applications will be assessed and a group of semifinalists will be selected. Semifinalists are asked to submit a current copy of their high school transcript, a complete Student Aid Report (SAR) from their FAFSA, and an online recommendation. After the semifinalist information is submitted, all information is reviewed by an independent selection committee. View a sample application here.

Our scholarship is designed to be flexible so that scholars can use award money for the many costs that arise during their college career. In addition to funding tuition, fees, and full cost of attendance for undergraduate study, scholarship awards may be used towards graduate school, loan repayment, study abroad, and internship stipends.

Through our partnership with The University of Texas at Austin, qualifying first-year students will become Dell Scholars. Dell Scholars at UT Austin will be notified of their award with their initial financial aid package in March. There is no separate application. To maintain eligibility, students must maintain full-time enrollment, remain in good standing, and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Eligibility will be determined at the point of entry in their freshman year.

Once a student is included in the program, as long as they meet the continuing student criteria to remain in good standing, they will continue to receive program benefits. If you’ve applied to UT Austin but haven’t received your acceptance letter or made your final college choice, we strongly encourage you to complete a Dell Scholars application. If selected, this support will follow you throughout your time at college no matter where you attend.

Dell Scholars Connect is a private website for Dell Scholars to stay in contact with each other as well as with the foundation. Only those who have been awarded the scholarship will have access to this site. Log in here.

If you’re applying for a scholarship and don’t find the answer to your question in the links above, you can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-294-2039. Phone lines are open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time (CT).

For media or press inquiries please email us at [email protected]. Due to the proliferation of spam and junk mail we kindly request that all emails relate to the Dell Scholars program. Please do not send attachments; they will not be opened.

From Ambition to Achievement

Dell Scholars’ stories show how the right support fuels success. See how they’re building careers that empower them to give back to their families and communities.