For many ambitious high school seniors, the dream of a college degree feels just within reach, yet the financial and personal hurdles can seem immense.
The Dell Scholars Program, an initiative by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, is designed to bridge this gap.
What is the Dell Scholars Program?
The Dell Scholars Program is more than a scholarship; it’s a college completion program. Founded in 2004, it recognizes that financial aid alone is often not enough for students to overcome the systemic barriers they face.
The program provides a unique blend of financial assistance, personalized support, and essential resources to help students navigate the complexities of college life.
Each year, the program selects 500 students who demonstrate “grit, potential, and ambition.”
It specifically targets low-income, highly motivated individuals who have a clear vision for their future but may lack the financial means and support network to achieve it.
The goal is to empower these students not just to enroll in college, but to thrive and complete their degrees.
Comprehensive Benefits: Beyond the $20,000 Award
The Dell Scholarship offers a holistic support package valued well beyond its monetary award.
This structure is intentionally designed to address the academic, financial, and emotional challenges that can derail a student’s college journey.
Financial Support
$20,000 Scholarship
A significant financial award that can be used flexibly for tuition, fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.
Textbook Credits
Scholars receive $500 in Chegg credits annually for four years, which can be used for textbook purchases, rentals, or study solutions.
Financial Aid Coaching
Personalized guidance to help scholars navigate financial aid, manage debt, and make informed financial decisions throughout their college careers.
Technology and Academic Resources
Dell Laptop
Every scholar receives a new Dell laptop with a 4-year warranty, ensuring they have the necessary technology to succeed in their coursework.
Personalized Support
Consistent check-ins from the Dell Scholars team provide tailored coaching and academic planning to keep students on track.
Wellness and Emotional Support
Teletherapy Services
Scholars have access to confidential counseling services to help manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Scholars Resource Network
This network connects students and their families with resources to handle life’s unexpected challenges, such as dealing with stress, debt, and child care.
Eligibility Criteria for the Dell Scholarship 2025 – 2026
To be considered for the Dell Scholarship, applicants must meet all the following requirements. The program seeks students who have demonstrated resilience and a strong desire to succeed.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Grade Level | Be a current high school senior on track to graduate from an accredited high school. |
| Citizenship | Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. |
| GPA | Earn a minimum of a 2.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale. |
| Financial Need | Demonstrate financial need and be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant in your first year of college. |
| College Readiness | Have participated in an approved college readiness program for grades 11 and 12. |
| Enrollment Plan | Plan to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution in the fall directly after high school graduation. |
What is an Approved College Readiness Program?
A key requirement is participation in a college readiness program. These programs are designed to help students prepare for the academic and personal challenges of college.
The Dell Scholars program maintains a list of approved programs on its official website. Some examples include:
- AVID
- GEAR UP
- Upward Bound
- KIPP
- OneGoal
- Breakthrough
You must check the official Dell Scholars website to confirm if your specific program is on their approved list.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is designed to be straightforward, but it requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to submit a strong application.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Your journey begins on the official Dell Scholars website. Create an account to start your application.
Be sure to save your login information, as you will need it to check your application status and complete subsequent steps if you become a semifinalist.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
The initial application gathers information about your personal background, academic history, financial situation, and involvement in your college readiness program.
While there are no long essays, you will answer short questions about your goals, the challenges you have overcome, and your college aspirations.
Be authentic and specific in your responses. This is your opportunity to show the selection committee your grit and ambition.
Step 3: Semifinalist Stage
If you are selected as a semifinalist, you will be notified and asked to submit additional information. This typically includes:
- A copy of your high school transcript.
- Your complete Student Aid Report (SAR) from your FAFSA, which verifies your Pell Grant eligibility.
- A recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or mentor from your college readiness program.
2025 – 2026 Application Timeline
Staying on top of deadlines is crucial. Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you complete each step on time.
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | December 15, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
| Semifinalists Announced | March 1, 2026 |
| Semifinalist Materials Deadline | May 15, 2026 |
| Scholars Announced | June 1, 2026 |
Tips for a Standout Application
The Dell Scholars Program receives thousands of applications each year. Here’s how you can make yours stand out:
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Instead of saying you are determined, provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated determination in the face of obstacles. Tell a compelling story about your journey.
Highlight Your “GPA”
The program looks for Grit, Potential, and Ambition. Connect your experiences to these three qualities.
How have you shown resilience (grit)? How has your college readiness program prepared you (potential)? What are your clear goals for college and beyond (ambition)?
Start Your FAFSA Early
Your eligibility for the Dell Scholarship is tied to your Pell Grant eligibility.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it becomes available to ensure you can submit your Student Aid Report on time.
Proofread Everything
Double-check your application for any spelling or grammar errors. Ask a teacher, counselor, or family member to review it before you submit.
A polished application shows that you are serious and detail-oriented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many students are selected as Dell Scholars each year?
The program selects approximately 500 scholars annually from across the United States.
Is the Dell Scholarship renewable?
Yes. Once you are selected as a Dell Scholar, you receive ongoing support for up to six years, provided you maintain good academic standing and continue to be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
Can I use the scholarship money for anything other than tuition?
Absolutely. The $20,000 scholarship is flexible and can be used for a wide range of educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, housing, study abroad programs, and even loan repayment support after graduation.
What if my GPA is slightly below 2.4?
While the minimum GPA is 2.4, the program emphasizes that it looks for students who are “better than their numbers indicate.”
Your Path to a College Degree
If you are a high school senior who fits the profile of a Dell Scholar, don’t hesitate to apply. Start preparing your application early, reflect on your personal journey, and let your authentic story shine through.
This program could be the key that unlocks your full potential and sets you on a path to a bright and successful future.
To begin your application or learn more, visit the official Dell Scholars website at dellscholars.org.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
