Dell Scholars is a national award limited to students in their final year who are graduating from a Texas high school. For the 2027 cycle, applicants must participate in an approved college-readiness program in grades 11 and 12, plan to enroll at an accredited Texas public four-year university, qualify for Pell Grant, and have at least a 2.4 GPA. Attending a high school with college prep is not enough; the program must appear on the official list.
The award combines financial support with college-completion resources, wellness tools, and guidance. The foundation describes it as a scholarship and college-completion program; those services may matter as much as the award for students navigating enrollment, transition, and persistence. The cycle is specific, and it should not be confused with Dell awards for private colleges or schools outside Texas.
The 2027 application opened October 1, 2026 and is due January 12, 2027. The initial form is online. Finalists must submit a current transcript, FAFSA Submission Summary, and other materials by March 31, then confirm their college and aid letter by May 6. Record these dates at the start and use a personal email address that will remain active after graduation.
First check the approved-readiness list and ask your coordinator to verify participation in both grades; confirm Pell eligibility through FAFSA and that your intended school is a public four-year college in Texas. Meeting the rules does not guarantee selection: the foundation reviews purpose, perseverance, and preparation. Do not pay an intermediary promising to secure the scholarship; the official application guarantees no award.
Ask your program coordinator now to confirm that the program appears on the approved list and that your participation covers both grades. Start the application before December to save progress, verify Pell eligibility with your school office, and confirm your intended university is public, accredited, and located in Texas. If selected as a finalist, prepare your transcript and FAFSA Submission Summary early: March 31 is a separate deadline, and missing it can end consideration.
Read the aid-program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
For Students — Dell Scholars — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
Approved College Readiness Programs — Dell Scholars.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, funding, and dates depend on the academic year and may change. Tuition aid does not necessarily cover housing, books, transportation, or nonmandatory fees; confirm your situation and award package in writing with the program and financial-aid office.
Compare your net award and excluded costs before committing; the financial-aid office confirms the final balance.
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Dell Scholars Program — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Dell Scholars is a national award limited to students in their final year who are graduating from a Texas high school. For the 2027 cycle, applicants must participate in an approved college-readiness program in grades 11 and 12, plan to enroll at an accredited Texas public four-year university, qualify for Pell Grant, and have at least a 2.4 GPA. Attending a high school with college prep is not enough; the program must appear on the official list. The award combines financial
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Dell Scholars · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Dell Scholars Program — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation ↗
Primary source
Dell Scholars · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.