Wells Scholars Program

Created in honor of the late IU Chancellor Herman B Wells and first enrolling scholars in 1990, this is one of the most competitive and prestigious merit scholarships offered by any American university. It uses a nomination process rather than a direct application — high schools nominate students, students can self-nominate if not selected by their school, and current IU Bloomington students can be nominated by faculty. The program looks for students who want to contribute to and make an impact on their community, nation, and world, rather than students purely focused on career advancement. Wells Scholars have gone on to win more than 40 national and international awards such as the Rhodes, Truman, Marshall, Soros, Mitchell, Churchill, Fulbright and Goldwater.

Full cost of attendance for eight semesters (four years) of undergraduate study at IU Bloomington, including fall/spring tuition and mandatory/course-related fees for a standard 12–18 credit course load

A living stipend during fall and spring sufficient to cover a standard double dorm room and meal plan (same stipend whether living on or off campus)

Financial support for a summer experience such as an internship, research project, volunteer project, or creative activity

Optional additional funding for summer courses on the IUB campus

Optional year of study abroad support

Special seminars, close interaction with faculty, and academic/career advising

Access to accelerated pathway programs (e.g., a 3+3 JD program with the Maurer School of Law, and a 5-year BA/MA in International Studies with the Hamilton Lugar School), each with additional funding structures

Awards can be combined with other campus scholarships, though the total package cannot exceed IU's official cost of attendance

Open to incoming high school seniors (both Indiana residents and out-of-state/international students) as well as current IU Bloomington undergraduates (via internal faculty nomination)

Must be nominated — each high school may nominate up to two seniors per year; students not selected by their school can self-nominate (e.g., homeschooled students)

Past successful nominees have typically ranked in the top 5% of their class, held a GPA of at least 3.9/4.0, and (optionally) scored 1430+ SAT or 32+ ACT — though the program follows IU's test-optional policy and reviews files whether or not scores are submitted

Students who apply Early Decision (binding) to another institution are not eligible; Early Action or other non-binding applications elsewhere do not affect eligibility

Must complete IU Bloomington's admission application by November 1