Truman

The Truman Scholarship is open to full-time junior-level students (i.e. students who expect to receive a baccalaureate the following year). Candidates must have demonstrable leadership abilities and the potential for influencing public policy, a record of public service, potential to perform well in a premier graduate or law school and intent to pursue a career in public service. Scholars are eligible to receive up to $30,000 in funding to pursue advanced studies (graduate or professional school). Scholars also receive priority admission to premier graduate or professional schools and internship opportunities with federal agencies. https://www.truman.gov/apply

Candidates must be:

• A US Citizen, US National residents of American Samoa, or expecting their citizenship by the date of the award.
• Currently enrolled at a US-based accredited institution
• In the penultimate year of school (for candidates graduating in 4 or more years) or their final year for those graduating in three or fewer years.
• Nominated by either their current institution of study of their former institution of study for transfer or community college applicants. Schools are limited to four nominees.
• Planning to attend graduate or professional school with an interest in pursuing a career in public service (note an MBA does NOT count for this requirement).

Deadlines:

• Application Cycle Open House: October 7, 2026 @ 1:00 PM CT
  • Zoom Link for Open House
• Open House Series:
  • 2026-2027 Announcements
• Truman Application Deadline:
  • February 2, 2027
  • Submit materials by 11:59 pm, your time zone
• Foundation Confirms Receipt of Materials by:
  • February 8, 2027
• Finalists Notified:
  • February 15, 2027
• Finalist Confirmation Due:
  • February 18, 2026
  • Must be received by 9:00 am ET
• Finalist Posting:
  • February 19, 2026
• Regional Review Panels:
  • March 2027 through mid-April 2027
• Scholar Posting:
  • April 23, 2026
• Truman Scholars Leadership Week:
  • May 25 through May 30, 2027

If you are interested in learning more or applying for this scholarship, please contact our NDSU liaison at: matthew.thomas.smith@ndsu.edu