Nationally Competitive Scholarships

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: December 1; Deadline: Mid-January
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually.

David Boren Awards for International Study – Wartburg Deadline: December 1; Deadline: early January
The Boren Awards emphasize less commonly taught languages and long-term linguistic and cultural study as well as research and academic internships abroad. Study of a foreign language appropriate to the country or region is an integral part of each Boren Scholar and Fellow’s plan. The Boren Awards focus on countries, languages, and fields critical to U.S. national security, recognizing a broad definition that includes traditional concerns of protecting American well-being, as well as challenges of a global society, such as sustainable development, environmental issues, disease, migration, and economic competitiveness. The program provides awards both to undergraduate students and to recent graduates.

The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program – Deadline: Late February
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 and paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation. 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.

Thomas Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowships – Deadline: Late January
The Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. The fellowship award includes tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees during the junior and senior years of college and during the first year of graduate study, with reimbursement for books and for travel (one round trip per academic year, up to a set maximum amount). Fellows must commit to pursuing a graduate degree in international studies at one of the graduate schools participating in the program. Participating graduate schools provide financial support in the second year of graduate study based on need. Each successful candidate is obligated to a minimum of four-and-one-half years’ service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer. Candidates who do not successfully complete the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements may be subject to a reimbursement obligation to the Department of State.

Harry S. Truman Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: December 1; Deadline: February 1
The Truman Scholarship is a $30,000 merit-based grant awarded to undergraduate students, who wish financial support to attend graduate or professional school in preparation for careers in government, the non-profit sector or elsewhere in public service in public service at a leadership level. The Foundation seeks candidates who have extensive records of public and community service, are committed to careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills. Financial need is not a consideration.

Morris K. Udall Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: December 1; Deadline: Early February
Morris K. Udall Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit to two groups of students: (1) Those who are college sophomores or juniors in the current academic year, have outstanding potential, and who study the environment and related fields; and (2) Native American and Alaska Native students who are college sophomores or juniors in the current academic year, have outstanding potential, and are in fields related to health care or tribal public policy. Two-year and four-year institutions are eligible to nominate a total of six students from either or both categories, although it is recommended that the total be equally divided between them. To be considered, a student must be nominated by his or her college or university using the official nomination materials provided to each institution. Each scholar receives up to $5,000, or the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board, whichever is less. Scholarship recipients are eligible for one year of scholarship support per application year. Scholarship monies not used during one academic year are not transferable to the succeeding academic year. Scholars selected during their sophomore year may be renominated during the next year’s competition. Junior nominees may not be renominated. Freshmen are not eligible.

Leonard M. Rieser Fellowships in Science, Technology, and Global Security – Deadline: Early March
The Rieser Fellowships support undergraduate students who want to pursue projects that explore issues at the intersection of science, global security and public policy. Any undergraduate student studying at a U.S. college or university is eligible to apply for the Fellowships.

The American-Scandinavian Foundation – Deadline: Early November
The American Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers fellowships and grants to individuals to pursue research or study in one or more Scandinavian countries for up to one year. Applicants must have a well-defined research or study project that makes a stay in Scandinavia essential. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education by the start of their project in Scandinavia. The ASF considers it desirable that candidates have some ability in the language of the host country.

DAAD Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships – Deadlines: Several throughout the year
The German Academic Exchange Service (known by its German acronym “DAAD”) provides undergraduate scholarships to study, do research for senior projects, or participant in internships in Germany. DAAD graduate fellowships support study, research, and language study in Germany.

Davies-Jackson Scholarships – Deadline November 1
The Davies-Jackson Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for students with exceptional academic records, who are among the first in their families to graduate college, to participate in a course of study at St. John’s College at the University of Cambridge. After two years of study, candidates are awarded a Cambridge B.A. degree, often referred to as the Cantab degree, which is the equivalent of a Master’s degree in the U.S.

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships for Minorities – Deadline: Mid-November
To increase the presence of underrepresented minorities on the nation’s college and university faculties, to enhance diversity on campuses, and to address the persisting effects of past discrimination, the Ford Foundation offers predoctoral fellowships to members of six minority groups whose underrepresentation in the professoriate has been severe and long-standing. The fellowship program identifies individuals with demonstrated ability and provides them the opportunity to engage in graduate study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) degree. These successful scholars then inspire other students of color to pursue an academic career in teaching and research.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Deadline: Mid-October
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers three types of post-graduate awards: study and/or research abroad, practical training in the creative or performing arts, or the English Teaching Assistant Program.

Gates/Cambridge Scholarships – Deadline: October 15
Gates/Cambridge Scholarships are full-cost awards for graduate study and research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded to citizens of any country outside of the United Kingdom on the basis of the candidate’s academic excellence, a good fit between the Scholar and the University of Cambridge, evidence of leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowships – Deadline: Late October
The Hertz Foundation’s Graduate Fellowships award, which is based on merit (not need) consists of a cost-of-education allowance and a personal-support stipend to pursue a doctoral degree in a STEM field.

Intercollegiate Studies Institute Fellowships – Deadline: Early January
The ISI funds a variety of Fellowships, including the Richard M. Weaver Fellowship, the Western Civilization Fellowship, the Salvatori Fellowship and the William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purposes. In order to qualify for ISI graduate fellowships, applicants must engage in graduate studies for the purpose of teaching at the college level. Those attending pre-professional (medical, law) schools are ineligible. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and college seniors or graduate students who are familiar with ISI’s purposes and programs and who receive The Intercollegiate Review. Applicants may apply for more than one fellowship, but an applicant may receive only one ISI fellowship during his academic career.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships – Various Deadlines in November
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has several scholarship programs, three of which are open to current or prospective Wartburg students: the College Scholarship Program for high school seniors to attend college (deadline: early November); the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship to enable community college students to transfer to four-year institutions (deadline: early November); and the Graduate arts Award to support graduate student in the creative or performing arts or creative writing (deadline: late November).

Lilly Graduate Fellowships – Wartburg Deadline: October 15; Deadline: Early November
The Lilly Graduate Fellows program supports, during the course of their graduate education, exceptionally well-qualified young men and women who have bachelor degrees from Wartburg College and other LFP Network schools who are interested in becoming teacher-scholars at church-related colleges and universities in the United States.

Marshall Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: September 1; Deadline: October 1
Marshall Scholarships finance approximately 40 young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom each year. The Scholarships are tenable at any British university and cover two years of study in any discipline, at either undergraduate or graduate level, leading to the award of a British University degree.

R.J. McElroy Fellowships – Wartburg Deadline: January 5; Deadline: Late January
Every year the R.J. McElroy Trust offers two R.J. McElroy Fellowships to graduating liberal arts seniors from ten undergraduate institutions located in Northeast Iowa who intend to pursue graduate study toward a Doctor of Philosophy Degree. The goal of the fellowship is to encourage persons of accomplishment, intelligence, integrity, and leadership ability to pursue challenging academic careers and to provide financial assistance to candidates with outstanding graduate school potential.

George J. Mitchell Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: September 1; Deadline: October 1
The US-Ireland Alliance has established the George J. Mitchell Scholarships to educate future American leaders about the island of Ireland and to provide tomorrow’s leaders with an understanding about, an interest in, and an affinity with, Ireland. Scholars are eligible to attend institutions of higher learning in Ireland, including the seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and the two universities in Northern Ireland for one academic year of graduate study.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships – Deadlines vary
The NCAA awards 174 postgraduate scholarships annually, 87 for men and 87 for women. The scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who excel academically and athletically and who are at least in their final year of intercollegiate athletic competition. The one-time grants of $7,500 are awarded for fall sports, winter sports and spring sports. Interested students should contact the Wartburg Faculty Athletic Representatives, Dr. Todd Reiher or Dr. Stephanie Toering Peters.

Rotary International Peace Fellowships – Deadline: July 1
Rotary International offers Peace Fellowships for graduate study in peace studies and conflict resolution at Rotary Peace Centers around the world, including Duke University in North Carolina. In addition, local Rotary clubs offer a variety of scholarships.

Rhodes Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: September 1; Deadline: First Wednesday of October
Rhodes Scholars are elected for two years of study at the University of Oxford, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. All educational costs, such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory and certain other fees, are paid on the Scholar’s behalf by the Rhodes Trustees. Each Scholar receives in addition a maintenance allowance adequate to meet necessary expenses for term-time and vacations. The Rhodes Trustees cover the necessary costs of travel to and from Oxford, and upon application, may approve additional grants for research purposes or study-related travel.

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships – Deadline: November 1
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished New Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields and to partake of the American dream. Fellows must have shown potential in the fields for which they seek further education; the capacity for creativity, persistence and work; and the commitment to the values of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which protect the American dream. Each year the Fellow receives a maintenance grant of $25,000 (paid in two installments) and a tuition grant of one-half the tuition cost of the U.S. graduate program attended by the Fellow.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: December 1; Deadline: Mid-January
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually.

The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program – Deadline: Late February
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 and paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation. 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.

Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity – Deadline: Early November
Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD) is a partnership between federal agencies & laboratories, industry, and higher education institutions. (Click to view a list of partner universities). Formerly known as the National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC), this fellowship was founded in 1989 “To increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in STEM fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool.” Applicants should be in their senior year with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Dr. George and Emma J. Torrison Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: March 15; Deadline: April 15
The Dr. George and Emma J. Torrison Scholarship Fund provides grants for men and women who intend to pursue careers in medicine and have been accepted in a medical school. The donors had a particular concern to encourage persons whose careers would lead them toward working to alleviate currently incurable diseases. Applicants must hold membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and be graduating seniors (or a continuing student in an advanced study program) who have been accepted in a program for further study.

Leonard M. Rieser Fellowships in Science, Technology, and Global Security – Deadline: Early March
The Rieser Fellowships support undergraduate students who want to pursue projects that explore issues at the intersection of science, global security and public policy. Any undergraduate student studying at a U.S. college or university is eligible to apply for the Fellowships.

David Boren Awards for International Study – Wartburg Deadline: December 1; Deadline: early January
The Boren Awards emphasize less commonly taught languages and long-term linguistic and cultural study as well as research and academic internships abroad. Study of a foreign language appropriate to the country or region is an integral part of each Boren Scholar and Fellow’s plan. The Boren Awards focus on countries, languages, and fields critical to U.S. national security, recognizing a broad definition that includes traditional concerns of protecting American well-being, as well as challenges of a global society, such as sustainable development, environmental issues, disease, migration, and economic competitiveness. The program provides awards both to undergraduate students and to recent graduates.

Madison Fellowships – Deadline: early March
James Madison Junior Fellowships are awarded to students who are about to complete, or have recently completed, their undergraduate course of study and plan to begin graduate work on a full-time basis to become teachers of the American constitution at the secondary school level.

Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program – Deadline: Mid January
The Rangel Program awards up to twenty (20) fellowships of up to $32,500 annually towards tuition, room, board, books and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master’s degree. At the conclusion of two years of study, the Rangel Fellow is expected to obtain a degree in international affairs or another area of relevance to the work of the Foreign Service (such as public administration, public policy, business administration, foreign languages, economics, political science, communications) at a graduate or professional school approved by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center. Awardees are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 throughout their period of study. Fellows who successfully complete the Rangel Program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer, embarking on one of the most exciting and rewarding careers available.

Thomas Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowships – Deadline: Late January
The Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. The fellowship award includes tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees during the junior and senior years of college and during the first year of graduate study, with reimbursement for books and for travel (one round trip per academic year, up to a set maximum amount). Fellows must commit to pursuing a graduate degree in international studies at one of the graduate schools participating in the program. Participating graduate schools provide financial support in the second year of graduate study based on need. Each successful candidate is obligated to a minimum of four-and-one-half years’ service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer. Candidates who do not successfully complete the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements may be subject to a reimbursement obligation to the Department of State.

Harry S. Truman Scholarships – Wartburg Deadline: December 1; Deadline: February 1
The Truman Scholarship is a $30,000 merit-based grant awarded to undergraduate students, who wish financial support to attend graduate or professional school in preparation for careers in government, the non-profit sector or elsewhere in public service in public service at a leadership level. The Foundation seeks candidates who have extensive records of public and community service, are committed to careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills. Financial need is not a consideration.

Nationally Competitive Scholarships

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