51²è¹Ý

The Dedman College Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with an annual, merit-based scholarship for four years - eight consecutive fall and spring semesters - or upon graduation, whichever comes first.

This four-year program is designed to expose students to the many academic and intellectual opportunities at 51²è¹Ý.

Year 1: New Scholars are introduced to the 51²è¹Ý campus resources, faculty, students and 51²è¹Ý community through events designed exclusively for them.

Year 2: Scholars are introduced to faculty in their major. They continue to participate in specially designed events and workshops. Some may begin to conduct research in their major or field of interest.

Years 3 and 4: Scholars are guided toward the completion of long term research projects that can originate from many options such as the completion of a senior distinction thesis, study abroad, study at 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos or from resources such as the Richter Fellowship Program, the Hamilton Research Fund, Mayer Interdisciplinary Fellowship Program, Tower Center Fellowship Program and Tower Scholars Program, Engaged Learning Projects and Big iDeas Grants. Scholars will be guided through career or graduate school options via on campus resources such as the Hegi Family Career Development Center.

Selection Process

A limited number of first-year students are selected to the Dedman College Scholars Program each year. Selection is competitive and based upon academic merit. To be considered, a student must be admitted to 51²è¹Ý as a first-year student with a primary major in Dedman College and qualify for the University Honors Program (UHP). After a review of all eligible prospective students, a select number are invited to submit an essay and interview with a committee of Dedman College staff and current Dedman College Scholars. 

All transfer students, including first-year transfers, are not eligible for consideration. If a candidate is reviewed as a first-year applicant and is chosen as a recipient of the Dedman College Scholars award, but elects to take a gap year, the scholarship cannot be carried over to the new entry date. The candidate will need to reinterview. Also, President’s Scholars, Hunt Leadership Scholars and Mustang Promise Scholars awards supersede the Dedman College Scholars award. Prospective students who receive one of those scholarships are not eligible to receive the Dedman College Scholars award.  

Scholarships

In addition to the information above, recipients of this scholarship must maintain at least a 3.3 GPA, full-time enrollment with a primary major in Dedman College, and membership in the University Honors Program.

Beginning in Fall 2024 with incoming first-year students (51²è¹Ý Class of 2028), Dedman College Scholars are eligible to receive up to $15,000 per year in merit-based scholarships from the program.