By the Scholarship editorial desk · Last updated 25 June 2026 · Verified against official program sources · 4 min read
The Dell scholarship, formally the Dell Scholars Program from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, rewards grit over perfection. It is built for low-income students who have pushed through obstacles, and it pairs $20,000 with years of practical support designed to get them to graduation.
Core eligibility and award details
Beyond the flexible $20,000 that can cover tuition and housing, Dell Scholars receive a laptop, book credits, emergency funds, academic and career advising, and free teletherapy plus discounted legal, financial, and health services. The program emphasises determination over test scores, and supports scholars through their full undergraduate journey.
| Key detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Award | $20,000, plus laptop, credits and support |
| Recipients | 500 per year |
| Who applies | Graduating high school seniors |
| GPA | 2.4 minimum |
| Need | Pell Grant eligible, demonstrate financial need |
| Required | Approved college-readiness program in grades 11 and 12 |
The Dell Scholars Program began in 2004 and has supported thousands of students, with a focus on college completion rather than access alone. The $20,000 is flexible and can cover tuition or housing, and it comes with a laptop, textbook credits, emergency aid, advising, and free teletherapy. The foundation states plainly that determination matters more than grades or test scores, which shapes what reviewers look for.
Deadlines and timeline
The application deadline falls in mid-February. For the 2026 cycle it was 15 February 2026, with finalist documents (FAFSA Submission Summary and transcript) due by 15 May 2026 and new scholars announced around 1 March. The next cycle will follow a similar mid-February deadline, so prepare materials over the prior summer and autumn.
| Stage | When |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | Mid-February (e.g. 15 Feb) |
| Scholars announced | Around 1 March |
| Finalist documents due | Mid-May (FSS and transcript) |
| Funds disbursed | Before the fall semester |
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm you took part in an approved college-readiness program in grades 11 and 12.
- Check you meet the 2.4 GPA and Pell eligibility requirements.
- Complete the application with your background, responsibilities, and challenges.
- List a recommender, who provides the required online recommendation.
- If named a finalist, submit your FAFSA Submission Summary and official transcript by the May deadline.
Required documents
- Online application (personal, academic, and financial details)
- Online recommendation from your listed recommender
- Official high school transcript (finalists)
- FAFSA Submission Summary showing Pell eligibility (finalists)
Selection criteria and renewal conditions
Reviewers focus on determination, sense of purpose, a career mindset, and resilience rather than top grades or scores. Financial need, evidenced by Pell eligibility, is central. The award is not renewed by reapplying; instead, scholars keep benefits across college by staying enrolled full time, remaining in good standing, completing the FAFSA each year, and finishing regular online check-ins with the foundation.
Your application is built around your story, so be specific about the obstacles you have faced and the steps you have taken to prepare for college, not just your achievements. Line up your recommender early, and if you reach finalist status, have your FAFSA Submission Summary and official transcript ready before the May deadline so nothing stalls. Check the foundation’s list of approved college-readiness programs before you start, because participation in one during grades 11 and 12 is a hard eligibility gate, not a preference.
Official source and application link
Always apply through the official source below and confirm current-cycle dates there before you submit.
Apply on the official Dell Scholars site
Supporting trust and usability notes
Because it weighs grit over polish, the Dell scholarship is a strong fit for students whose story is bigger than their transcript. It complements other need-aware programs like the Equitable Excellence scholarship and the Coca-Cola First Generation scholarship. Tennessee students should also see the TN Promise scholarship for tuition-free options.
