Dell Scholars Program - Eligibility, Award & 2026 Deadline

Dell Scholars 2026: Application Outlook

The Dell Scholars Program is the flagship scholarship of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, designed specifically for first-generation and low-income high school seniors who have overcome significant adversity. In 2026, the program awards $20,000 per recipient (paid over 6 years to support degree completion) plus a laptop, textbook credits, and ongoing 4-year advising. The program selects 500 Dell Scholars annually from a pool of approximately 14,000 applicants.

2026 Application Strategy

Applications open October 2026 and close December 1, 2026. Eligibility requires (1) 2.4+ GPA, (2) Pell Grant eligibility, (3) participation in an approved college-readiness program (KIPP Through College, College Forward, OneGoal, AVID, etc.) OR a 7th-12th grade school in their network, and (4) demonstrated grit through documented adversity. Importantly, Dell does NOT require a 4.0 GPA — the program prioritizes resilience and trajectory over polished credentials. The selection process has 3 rounds: written application, essay submission, and finalist interview.

Why Dell Scholars Matters in 2026

The Dell Scholars 6-year graduation rate is 80% (vs 17% national rate for similar demographics) — the program's success comes from sustained advising, emergency support funds, and laptop replacement. Dell Scholars receive priority funding for emergency expenses (medical bills, family crises) that often derail Pell-eligible students mid-degree. The Dell network now exceeds 7,000 alumni across all 50 states, with Foundation-funded internship and career placement support continuing post-graduation. For students fitting the eligibility profile, this is one of the highest-leverage scholarships available because of the wraparound support, not just the dollar amount.