Truman Scholarship

The supports future public servants by providing funding for graduate school along with leadership development programming.  Awardees receive up to $30,000 for graduate school and have unique opportunities for internships and professional growth.  Truman applicants can major in any discipline likely to lead to a public service career.  Applications are evaluated on three criteria: demonstrated leadership, commitment to a career in public service, and likelihood of success in graduate school.  Between 55 and 65 Truman Scholars are awarded each year.

Truman permits participating universities to nominate four applicants to each year’s competition.  Three additional nominees are permitted if they transferred from another institution.  All applicants must submit their completed application materials by the SMU deadline in order to participate in the campus nomination process.

Eligibility Criteria

  • U.S. citizen or national
  • Currently enrolled at a U.S.-based four-year institution
  • In the penultimate year (if graduating in four years) or final year (if graduating in three or fewer years) of study
  • Received nomination from current institution
  • Planning to attend graduate school in preparation for a public service career

SMU Deadline

December 31, 2023

Contact Dr. Brandon Gray Miller for more information on applying for the Truman Scholarship.

SMU Application Workshop

October 12, 2023