“Scholarships at MTSU changed the trajectory of my education. Funding for my degree provided more than just financial relief. It gave me the freedom to pursue four years of undergraduate research and three life-changing programs abroad. I am incredibly thankful for scholarships from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and the MTSU Honors College. These awards ensured that my entire collegiate experience and every professional development opportunity remained entirely cost-free.”
Ariel Nicastro, Buchanan Fellow, 2026 Physics alumna
National scholarships and fellowships are competitive awards that support research, graduate study, public service, leadership development, and international experiences. Unlike MTSU scholarships or financial aid, these opportunities are funded by external organizations such as government agencies, foundations, and educational institutions.
Examples include the Goldwater Scholarship for STEM research, the Truman Scholarship for public service, and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for teaching, research, and study abroad opportunities. In addition to funding, the application process helps students develop writing, interview, and professional skills while clarifying future goals. There are typically two kinds of options.
Nominated or Campus-Reviewed Scholarships
Some scholarships require review, endorsement, or nomination by MTSU before students may apply nationally. These opportunities often have campus deadlines that occur well before the national deadline.
Examples include:
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program
• Goldwater Scholarship
• Truman Scholarship
• Marshall Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship
Open Scholarships
Open scholarships do not require nomination from MTSU. Students apply directly to the sponsoring organization, though the Undergraduate Fellowships Office can provide guidance throughout the process.
Examples include:
• Gilman Scholarship
• Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)
• DAAD RISE
• Boren Awards
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
Students are encouraged to begin exploring opportunities early. Strong applications take time to develop and benefit from reflection, revision, and feedback.