Scholarships and Fellowships

Since Johns Hopkins enrolled its first class in 1876, scholarships—a condition of Johns Hopkins’ founding gift—have helped support exceptional students who otherwise might not have the means to attend. In addition, a select few graduate students—those deemed “scholars of promise” by founding president Daniel Coit Gilman—were given cash stipends in addition to free tuition. It was an innovation that eventually became standard practice at American universities.

Thanks to hundreds of individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations, the tradition of philanthropy and promise of scholarship support on which Johns Hopkins was founded has grown stronger every year. Today, more than 1,000 named scholarship and fellowship funds exist across every academic division of the university.

Donors who endow scholarships and fellowships make an enduring difference in the lives of students and help to secure the future of the university. Donors may choose to name endowed funds for themselves or in honor or memory of someone else.

Donors may decide to focus the fund’s support on students in a particular school or academic discipline, or suggest other guidelines for the award. Depending on the donor’s wishes and the needs of eligible students, an endowed fund can provide full or partial scholarships or fellowships to students attending full time or part time. Endowed funds also can support other scholarly pursuits, including internships, summer programs, and research. Awards are based on need and/or merit, reflecting the wishes of the donors.