The Dell Scholars Program scholarship, run by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, gives 500 students a year a $20,000 flexible scholarship plus a laptop, book credits and emergency funds. For the 2027 cycle it is open to Pell-eligible Texas high school seniors in an approved college readiness program, and applications are due January 12, 2027.
The figures and dates below come from the program’s scholarship page, checked in November 2026.
Who is eligible for the Dell Scholars Program scholarship
For the 2027 cycle, you must:
- Be a high school senior graduating from a Texas high school.
- Have participated in an approved college readiness program in grades 11 and 12.
- Plan to enroll in an accredited four-year public college or university in Texas.
- “Be Pell Grant eligible.”
- “Have at least a 2.4 GPA.”
Two of these rules shape everything else. The 2.4 GPA floor is low on purpose: Dell is looking for grit, not perfect grades. And the Pell requirement means your FAFSA matters. Finalists must submit a FAFSA Submission Summary, so file the 2027-28 FAFSA early. Our Pell Grant eligibility guide explains how Pell is determined.
The college readiness program rule is the one students miss. These are school or nonprofit programs that support students through the college process. If you are not sure whether yours counts, ask your counselor or program coordinator; the eligibility quiz on the Dell application site also checks it.
The scholarship page we checked does not state a citizenship rule. Confirm it in the application before you start.
What the award pays
In the program’s words, “A $20,000 flexible scholarship covers tuition and housing—plus a laptop, book credits, and emergency funds.” The program says 500 students become Dell Scholars each year.
“Flexible” is the key word. Many scholarships pay tuition only. Dell’s can go toward housing, which is often the bigger gap for low-income students at a public university where Pell and state grants already cover much of tuition. Ask your aid office how the award will appear on your aid offer.
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How selection works
After applications are assessed, “a group of finalists will be selected.” Finalists then provide a current high school transcript, a FAFSA Submission Summary and other required information. Scholars are chosen from that finalist group.
The program says strong candidates show:
- “A strong sense of purpose”
- “A career-driven mindset”
- “Perseverance”
- “Self-motivation and determination”
Dell does not publish an acceptance rate.
Deadlines and timeline
| Step | 2027 cycle date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | October 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | January 12, 2027 |
| Finalists announced | January 21, 2027 |
| Finalist materials due | March 31, 2027 |
| Finalist college choice and award letter due | May 6, 2027 |
| Scholars announced | May 20, 2027 |
Notice the May 6 step. Finalists must send their chosen college and its award letter, so you need an aid offer from a Texas public four-year school by then. File the FAFSA and respond to any verification request early, or the letter may not arrive in time. Our award letter guide helps you read it.
How to make a strong application
- Write to the four traits. Purpose, career drive, perseverance and self-motivation are the stated criteria. Give one concrete story for each, such as a job you held while keeping your grades up, or a setback you planned around.
- Connect school to a career. “Career-driven” means the program wants to see where you are heading. Name the field and the step you have already taken toward it.
- Get your FAFSA done before January. You will need the FAFSA Submission Summary as a finalist, and the Pell rule depends on it.
- Lean on your readiness program. Your coordinator knows the application and can confirm your program qualifies.
Similar programs to consider
- Texas college grants, which can stack with Dell at a public university.
- The BURGER KING Scholars Program, which also weighs work experience and need.
- The Hagan Scholarship for students with substantial financial need.
- Our first-generation scholarships guide and the scholarship finder.
Dell Scholars FAQ
Can I use Dell at a private college or outside Texas?
Not in the 2027 cycle. The program requires plans to enroll at an accredited four-year public college or university in Texas.
What GPA do I need?
At least 2.4. The program weighs purpose and perseverance alongside grades.
Do I have to be Pell-eligible when I apply?
The program requires Pell eligibility, and finalists prove it with the FAFSA Submission Summary.
When will I hear back?
Finalists are announced January 21, 2027, and scholars on May 20, 2027.