Truman Scholarship

The Truman Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for juniors who “want to make a difference.” The Scholarship is open to juniors in any field of study who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service, broadly defined.

Scholars receive up to $30,000 toward their graduate/professional school education in any field, anywhere worldwide.  (The funding from Truman may be combined with other awards.)

Additionally, Scholars are invited to participate in leadership and professional development programs, summer institutes, the year-long Truman-Albright Fellows Program in DC, the Truman Governance Fellows Program in DC, career and graduate school counseling, internship placement and employment with the federal government, etc. A list of opportunities and special programs are provided on the scholarship website’s Scholars tab.

Scholars may defer update of their award for up to 4 years after completion of their undergraduate education.  Scholars in graduate school programs supported by other means (e.g., other scholarship/fellowship programs) or who are in the Armed Forces may request an additional 2 years deferral.

Scholars are required to work in public service for 3 of the 7 years following completion of their graduate/professional degree program.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria:

  • US citizens or US nationals from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  • Juniors (including 3rd year students who intend to graduate “early”)
  • 0+ GPA
  • Extensive record of public and community service
  • Outstanding leadership record and potential to “make a difference”
  • Commitment to a career in public service broadly defined to include government at any level, uniformed services, public interest organizations, non-governmental research and/or educational organizations, public &/or private school education, public services NGOs/NPOs, environmental organizations, etc.

The College may put forward up to 4 students for official consideration. We hold an on-campus application process to determine our 4 candidates. Selected students will be able to further revise their applications prior to officially submitting their applications to the Truman Foundation.