About the Company
Sallie Mae’s mission is to power confidence as students begin their unique journeys. As an education solutions company, we support students as they navigate to, through, and immediately after higher education. Through The Sallie Mae Fund, our mission-aligned philanthropic efforts remove barriers to college access, close affordability gaps, and help more students complete their higher education.
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Scholarship Overview:
The Sallie Mae Fund, in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund, is proud to offer financial assistance to thirty (30) current outstanding high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two or four year college, university, or continuous education program. Scholars who are selected will receive a scholarship up to $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. The total eligible scholarship amount will be allocated in two installments: one during the fall 2026 semester and the second during the spring 2027 semester (which can only be applied to verifiable costs associated with average tuition and usual fees).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be currently enrolled as a high school senior for the 2025-2026 academic year
- Plan to enroll full-time as a first-time, incoming freshman during the 2026-2027 academic year
- Plan to be enrolled at an accredited post-secondary institution or continuous education program during the 2026-2027 academic year:
- Two-year Schools
- Four-year Schools
- Vocational/Technical certificate/certification program
- Current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher
- Must be Pell-Grant eligible
- Be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551
- Must be able to demonstrate leadership abilities
- Must be able to demonstrate good moral character in all aspects of your life, including personal, professional, educational, in your community, and online presence
How to Apply:
The eligible total amount will be funded in two disbursements for the 2026-2027 academic year, based on the conditions outlined in the scholar’s contract.
Application Dates:
This application opens March 16, 2026, and closes April 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time).