Scholarships and Awards

The University of Hartford awards academic merit scholarships called President’s and Regents’ Awards to qualified students based on SAT or ACT scores and class rank. Receipt of one of these scholarships means you have also qualified for the Honors Program.

The Hartt School and the Hartford Art School award talent scholarships based on artistic achievement rather than academic qualifications.

These scholarships are open to current UHart sophomores and juniors. Where UHart has a campus representative, they are listed with each scholarship and are your best first contact.

The Herbert P. Schoen Endowed Scholarship Fund

A full-tuition scholarship covering a student's final two years at UHart, awarded to students in the College of Arts and Sciences with a commitment to community and public service.

Eligibility

• Matriculated in the College of Arts and Sciences
• Minimum 30 credits completed at UHart
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Majoring in sociology, politics, criminal justice, psychology, foreign languages, communication, history, or English
• Demonstrated interest in community and public service

How to Apply

Application forms are available from the Dean's Office, College of Arts and Sciences. Materials include biographical data, a brief essay, a list of community and extracurricular activities, and two letters of recommendation.

Contact the Dean's Office for the application deadline (spring semester).

Morris K. Udall Scholarship

A $5,000 award for sophomores and juniors who demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental improvement or preservation and show potential for significant future contributions in their field. Native American students and Alaska Natives may also apply by demonstrating a commitment to health care or tribal public policy.

UHart must nominate finalists. Check the Udall website for current deadlines—the application typically closes in early February.

How to Apply

Contact Dr. Katharine Owens in the Department of Politics and Government to begin the nomination process.

UNCF Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Award

This scholarship supports full-time African American students majoring in life or physical sciences, and includes two summers of paid internship experience at a Merck research facility.

Eligibility

• Full-time African American undergraduate student
• Majoring in life or physical sciences
• Minimum GPA of 3.3
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Commitment to intern for two summers at a Merck research facility

Visit the UNCF scholarship page for application details and deadlines.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

The Goldwater Scholarship recognizes sophomores and juniors who excel in mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering and are committed to a career in these fields. Students planning to attend medical school are eligible if they intend to pursue a research career. UHart may nominate up to four students annually. Each scholarship provides an annual stipend of up to $7,500.

Eligibility

• Full-time matriculated sophomore or junior
• Minimum GPA of B or equivalent, upper quarter of class
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
• Permanent residents must include a letter of intent to obtain U.S. citizenship and a copy of their Permanent Resident Card
• Sophomores may receive up to two years of support; juniors up to one year

How to Apply

Contact Brian Wells, Associate Professor of Physics, to begin the nomination process.

Andrew W. Mellon Fellowships in Humanistic Studies

This fellowship covers the first year of graduate study leading to a Ph.D. in the humanities.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizens
• Strong GPA and GRE scores

How to Apply

Applications are submitted directly to the foundation. Visit the Mellon Fellowship website to apply.

Truman Scholarship

The Truman Scholarship offers a $26,000 merit-based award to undergraduates planning to attend graduate or professional school in preparation for careers in government or the nonprofit sector.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizens who ranked in the top 25% of their junior class
• Demonstrated record of public and community service
• Outstanding leadership potential and communication skills

How to Apply

Candidates must be nominated by UHart's faculty representative. The application deadline is in February. To begin the nomination process, contact Dr. Jilda Aliotta, Politics and Government.

• Email: aliotta@hartford.edu
• Phone ext: 4218

John G. Martin Scholarship for Graduate Study in the UK

The Martin Scholarship funds one University of Hartford graduate to pursue a one-year Master's program at Oxford University or another top UK university, contingent on acceptance.

Browse top UK Master's programs—including Oxford University's graduate degree programs.

How to Apply

Submit all application materials by Friday, October 9, 2026, to Ms. Angel McNiel at mcniel@hartford.edu. Faculty letters of recommendation should be sent directly to Ms. McNiel by the recommending faculty member.

Questions?

Contact Dr. James C. Shattuck, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Coordinator of the Martin Scholarship Program.

• Email: shattuck@hartford.edu
• Phone: 860-768-4407
• Office: CC330

These four scholarships fund graduate study in the UK and Ireland and are among the most competitive awards available to graduating seniors. All require early planning and a formal endorsement from UHart—we encourage you to reach out to the appropriate campus contact as soon as you begin considering an application.

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most competitive national scholarships available. UHart must formally endorse all applicants, so early contact is essential—don't wait until the deadline to reach out.

Deadline: October 1, 2026

How to Apply

UHart must review your completed application before submitting, so reach out as early as possible to begin the process.

Contact Dr. Amy Schoenecker, Honors Program Director and Assistant Professor of Politics, Economics, and International Studies.

• Email: schoeneck@hartford.edu
• Phone: 860.768.4698
• Office: Hillyer 126C

Fulbright Student Scholarship

The Fulbright Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State, funds graduate study and research abroad for graduating seniors, young professionals, and artists. Operating in 140 countries, the program allows applicants to design their own experience—university coursework, independent research, conservatory study, or special projects in the social or life sciences.

Eligibility requirements vary by country. The Fulbright website lists country-specific requirements and application details.

Deadline: Early October 2026

How to Apply

Contact Nicole Kurker-Stewart, Director of International Studies, as soon as you are considering applying.

• Email: kurkerste@hartford.edu
• Phone: 860.768.5101
• Office: Gengras 309

George J. Mitchell Scholarship

The Mitchell Scholars Program, sponsored by the U.S.-Ireland Alliance, funds one year of postgraduate study at institutions in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Up to 12 scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are selected annually from any discipline.

Named in honor of Senator George Mitchell's role in the Northern Ireland peace process, the program is designed to connect future American leaders to the island of Ireland.

What It Covers

• Tuition
• Housing
• Living expenses stipend
• International travel stipend

Eligibility

Applicants are evaluated on three criteria: academic excellence, leadership, and a sustained commitment to service and community.

Deadline: Early October (confirm current date on the Mitchell Scholarship website)

Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship funds one or two years of graduate study at any university in Britain. The program seeks candidates with the potential to excel as scholars, leaders, and contributors to stronger UK-US relations.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizens
• Four-year degree from a U.S. institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.7

What It Covers

University fees, cost of living, and airfare.

How to Apply

UHart must endorse your application before it is submitted, so contact your academic advisor early to begin the process.

Check the Marshall Scholarship website for current deadlines and application details.

University Alumnus and Regent Dick Cardin has made available funds to support research conducted by Arts and Sciences Honors students in humanities fields. These funds can be used to help defray costs associated with thesis research or with doing independent honors research. For example, a student might requests funds to support travel to a research library or to purchase special supplies or equipment needed for research.

Honors students should be nominated by a faculty sponsor, and the normal expectation is that Cardin funds will support independent study during the academic year, although summer research under formal faculty supervision will also be eligible. Not-for-credit projects may also be submitted. The maximum grant for any individual student projects will be $1,250. There will be two opportunities each academic year to submit proposals. All fall deadlines are the third Friday in October and the spring deadlines are the third Friday in February.

Inquiries and proposals should be directed in electronic form to Dean Katherine Black, College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Hartford at pamasi@hartford.edu. Selection of successful proposals will be the responsibility of the Dean, in consultation with the Associate Deans.

Proposals should:

• Be 1-2 pages in length
• Describe the nature of the proposed activities
• Include a summary budget and brief budget narrative

The Harrison Libraries and Honors Program invite applications for the Elizabeth Williams Cathles Award in support of student research.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Cathles volunteered in the University Library Archives for many years. She had a lifelong love of natural history and human cultures, a unique sense of the importance of travel, and a great appreciation for the adventure of learning. A fund has been established in her honor to support student research projects. 

Undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Hartford with an overall GPA of 3.25 or above are eligible for the Cathles Award. Ideally, the students will research topics in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Research projects that have a cross-cultural component are particularly valued.

Applicants must include a one- to two-page description of the proposed research project. Additionally, applicants must include a letter of support from a faculty sponsor.

Recipients of the award must submit a paper that synthesizes the research at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year. Additionally, students are expected to present at the Graduate or Undergraduate Colloquium in April 2025.

The application deadline is October 2024. 

The Research Award Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate students with at least a 3.25 GPA at the University of Hartford are eligible for the Cathles Award. The desired areas of research are the humanities and the social sciences, with a preference given to cross-cultural or international research.

This prize is awarded annually to an exemplary graduating senior who has completed their junior year at the University of Hartford. Academic excellence is the primary criterion for this award. A cumulative grade point average at the University of Hartford of at least 3.7 is required. If the candidate is a transfer student, they must have a strong academic transcript from the institution or institutions previously attended. The prize will also recognize intellectual curiosity and originality of thought. Students must be full-time to be eligible.

Applying for the Ribicoff Award

In order to apply, please create a document that responds to the criteria for the Ribicoff award described above and email to Ms. Angel McNiel.

Applicants for the Ribicoff should include: (1) a cover letter (in which you describe your academic excellence as demonstrated by activities, awards, projects, and possibly a senior thesis); (2) a copy of your transcript (a student copy will do); and (3) a faculty letter of support.

Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are due by February 13, 2026.

The William E. Simon Fellowship is designed to encourage students as they complete their undergraduate education to pursue lives that will benefit themselves and their fellow men and women–that is, lives of "noble purpose." The Fellowship is an unrestricted cash grant that will be awarded to those graduating college seniors who have demonstrated passion, dedication, a high capacity for self-direction, and originality in pursuit of a goal that will strengthen civil society.

Each year ISI will award three Fellowships for Noble Purpose. The top award will be for $40,000. Two additional fellows will be chosen each year to receive grants of $5,000 each. Over the coming five years, ISI will award $250,000 to graduating college seniors who are named Simon Fellows. Examples of how recipients may use their award include: engage directly in the civic life of their community; help to create opportunity for others, including job creation; advance their expertise; and/or fund the ultimate realization of their noble purpose.

In addition to their mature conception of and passion for what they hope to accomplish, nominees for the prize will be evaluated on the basis of their academic record and extracurricular activities. The deadline for applications is in early February. For more information and an application, visit Intercollegiate Studies Institute.