Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program is a scholarship administered by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students who demonstrate strong personal determination alongside demonstrated financial need. Rather than selecting recipients based primarily on test scores or grades alone, the program evaluates applicants on qualities such as resilience, readiness for college, and the drive to persist through challenges. This means competitive consideration depends on the full picture of a student's circumstances and motivation, not a single academic metric.
What distinguishes the Dell Scholars Program from a standard one-time award is its longer-term commitment to student success. Recipients receive financial support applied toward college costs, along with ongoing resources that may include advising, technology assistance, and access to emergency aid designed to help students navigate unexpected hardships that might otherwise interrupt their education. The program's focus is not simply on enrollment but on helping recipients reach graduation.
Students apply directly through the official program website at no cost. The application process is competitive, with eligibility requirements tied to financial need, academic preparation, and other defined criteria—selection is neither automatic nor guaranteed for any applicant who meets the basic threshold.
Prospective applicants should approach the process with realistic expectations. Legitimate scholarship programs like this one never charge an application fee, and any third-party service requesting payment in connection with a Dell Scholars application should be treated as a potential scam. Thorough research through official sources remains the most reliable path to accurate, current eligibility and application information.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: Michael & Susan Dell Foundation — Dell Scholars Program. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for dell scholars program?
Motivated low-income students who show grit and the potential to graduate college, often identified through approved college-readiness programs. Open to women and men alike..
Does dell scholars program have to be repaid?
This is scholarship (not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for dell scholars program?
Apply directly through the program during its annual cycle; details at dellscholars.org.
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