The Astronaut Scholarship is one of the most prestigious merit-based STEM scholarships in the United States, awarding up to $15,000 to top-performing college juniors and seniors pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Founded by the legendary Mercury 7 astronauts in 1984, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) has awarded more than $10 million to over 900 students over four decades.
This complete 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation scholarship: eligibility requirements, partner universities, nomination process, deadlines, scholarship benefits, and insider tips to strengthen your application.
Quick Facts at a Glance:
- Award Amount: Up to $15,000 per scholar
- Awards Annually: 70+ scholarships
- 2026 Nomination Deadline: March 30, 2026
- Official Website: astronautscholarship.org
- Application Method: Faculty nomination only (no direct applications)
What Is the Astronaut Scholarship?
The Astronaut Scholarship is a merit-based award given by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) — an Orlando-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1984 (originally as the Mercury Seven Foundation) by the six surviving members of America’s original Mercury 7 astronauts.
The mission is clear: ensure the United States retains its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best STEM college students in the country. More than 100 astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs have united behind this scholarship to invest in the next generation of researchers, engineers, and innovators.
According to ASF, the program awards over 70 Astronaut Scholarships annually, each worth up to $15,000, to exceptional college students who demonstrate motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in their STEM major.
Astronaut Scholarship Amount & Benefits
If you’re selected as an Astronaut Scholar, your award package includes far more than just a check. Recipients receive:
- A scholarship up to $15,000 (full amount awarded unless the scholar is “over-awarded” based on federal financial aid guidelines)
- A paid trip to ASF’s Innovators Symposium & Gala, where scholars meet astronauts and industry leaders
- Induction at the Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Lifelong mentorship and networking with astronauts, ASF alumni, and STEM industry leaders
- Renewal potential — scholars may receive the award up to two times if they continue to demonstrate exceptional performance
The financial value is significant, but most Astronaut Scholars say the networking and mentorship — direct access to NASA astronauts, Fortune 500 executives, and an alumni network spanning MIT, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Caltech, and beyond — is what truly transforms their career trajectory.
Astronaut Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
The Astronaut Scholarship has strict eligibility criteria. To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements as outlined on the official ASF Astronaut Scholarship page:
1. U.S. Citizenship
Applicants must be U.S. citizens — either native born or naturalized. Proof (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization papers) is required.
2. Academic Standing
You must be:
- At least a sophomore applying for funding in your junior year, OR
- A junior applying to receive a scholarship for your senior year
- Enrolled full-time during both semesters of the ASF-supported academic year
3. Enrolled at a Partner University
You must be currently enrolled at one of the ASF-affiliated universities. There are approximately 46+ partner institutions across the United States. (See the full list further down or visit the official ASF University Partners page.)
4. STEM Major Requirement
Applicants must be majoring in:
- Engineering (all disciplines)
- Natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, geosciences)
- Applied sciences
- Mathematics
- Computer & information sciences
- Materials research
- Life sciences
Important exclusions: Astronaut Scholarships are not awarded for:
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- STEM Education and Learning Research
- Pre-medical studies / clinical medicine
Note for medical students: MD-only candidates focused on clinical practice are not eligible. However, those pursuing an MD-PhD with a biomedical research focus, or bioengineering and biomedical research applying engineering principles to medicine, are eligible.
5. Research Intent
You must intend to pursue research or advance your field upon completion of your final degrees. The scholarship rewards students committed to research-focused careers in STEM.
6. Faculty Nomination
You cannot apply directly. Each applicant must be nominated by a faculty member who knows them well enough to identify their research potential and academic excellence.
Astronaut Scholarship Selection Criteria
The ASF Scholarship Committee evaluates nominees based on five core qualities:
- Creativity – Ability to explore new ideas or uncharted territory
- Drive – Potential to conduct research, develop new ideas, and pursue innovative technologies
- Excellence – A record of motivation, imagination, and exceptional academic or research performance
- Vision – Intellectual daring and a commitment to positively impact their field and community
- Leadership – Proven leadership on campus or within the community
Special consideration is not given to aeronautical/astronautical engineering students or those who plan to become astronauts — despite the scholarship’s name. Any STEM major demonstrating these qualities has an equal shot.
How to Apply for the Astronaut Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
Because the Astronaut Scholarship is nomination-only, the process looks different from typical scholarship applications. Here’s exactly how it works:
Step 1: Confirm Your University Is an ASF Partner
Verify your school is on the official ASF University Partners list. If it isn’t, you unfortunately cannot apply.
Step 2: Identify Your Campus Liaison
Each partner school has a designated University Liaison — typically a faculty member or staff in the office of national fellowships/honors. This is the person who manages the internal nomination process at your school.
Step 3: Build a Relationship With STEM Faculty
Approach professors who know your research and academic work. The strongest nominations come from faculty mentors who have personally supervised your lab work, capstone, or independent research.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application Package
Once nominated, you’ll need to provide the following to your faculty nominator:
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member at your university)
- Personal statement (one page maximum) describing your background, research interests, career aspirations, and how you stand out
- Academic transcripts
- CV or resume
- Evidence of research experience (publications, conference presentations, patents, technical papers)
Step 5: Internal Campus Competition
Most universities can nominate only two students per scholarship slot. Your school will run an internal selection process — usually in January or February — to choose its nominees.
Step 6: National Submission
Your campus liaison submits the final nomination package through the ASF University Liaisons Portal by the national deadline. The ASF Scholarship Committee then selects recipients, who are presented to the ASF Board of Directors for final approval.
Astronaut Scholarship 2026 Deadlines
Mark these key dates on your calendar:
- December 2025 – February 2026: Internal university nomination processes (varies by school)
- March 30, 2026: Final national deadline for university liaisons to submit nominations to ASF
- Spring/Summer 2026: Selection decisions announced
- Fall 2026: Innovators Symposium & Gala (paid trip for scholars)
Important: Each university sets its own internal deadline, typically weeks or months before the March 30 national deadline. For example, the University of Chicago’s internal deadline is March 16, 2026, while the University of North Dakota’s is February 20, 2026. Check with your campus liaison early.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Partner Universities
The Astronaut Scholarship is offered through a select network of ASF-affiliated universities ranked among the country’s top STEM programs. Notable partner institutions include:
- Auburn University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Clemson University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University
- Drexel University
- Duke University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Harvey Mudd College
- Howard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Louisiana State University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Miami University
- North Carolina State University
- Penn State University
- Purdue University
- Stanford University
- Texas A&M University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Central Florida
- University of Chicago
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of Michigan
- University of North Dakota
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Southern California (USC)
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Vanderbilt University
- Virginia Tech
- Washington University in St. Louis
For the complete, most current list, visit the official Astronaut Scholarship Foundation University Partners page.
Tips for a Winning Astronaut Scholarship Application
1. Start Early — Way Earlier Than You Think
The best Astronaut Scholars begin building their resumes in their freshman or sophomore year. Get involved in faculty research labs, summer research programs (like NSF REUs), and student STEM organizations as soon as possible.
2. Cultivate Strong Faculty Relationships
Your nomination depends entirely on faculty who can vouch for your potential. Take advantage of office hours, ask thoughtful questions, and seek out research opportunities under professors whose work excites you.
3. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
You have only one page to stand out. Focus on:
- A specific research problem or question that drives you
- What makes your perspective unique
- How you plan to impact your field
- Concrete evidence of creativity, drive, and vision (not generic statements)
4. Document Tangible Research Output
Successful Astronaut Scholars often have one or more of the following:
- Peer-reviewed publications or co-authorships
- Conference presentations or posters
- Patents pending or granted
- Independent research projects with measurable outcomes
5. Show Leadership Beyond Academics
The committee looks for well-rounded scholars who lead student organizations, mentor others, contribute to outreach, or serve their community in meaningful ways.
Astronaut Scholarship vs. Other Major STEM Scholarships
| Feature | Astronaut Scholarship | Goldwater Scholarship | NSF GRFP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Award Amount | Up to $15,000 | Up to $7,500 | $37,000/year (3 years) |
| Academic Level | Undergraduate juniors/seniors | Undergraduate sophomores/juniors | Graduate students |
| Application Type | Faculty nomination | Faculty nomination | Direct application |
| Field Focus | STEM (excludes psychology, pre-med) | Natural sciences, math, engineering | All STEM research fields |
| Annual Awards | 70+ | ~450 | ~2,000 |
| Official Site | astronautscholarship.org | goldwaterscholarship.gov | nsfgrfp.org |
Many top STEM students apply to multiple programs. The Astronaut Scholarship pairs especially well with the Goldwater Scholarship at the undergraduate level, since both reward early research achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Astronaut Scholarship
Can I apply for the Astronaut Scholarship directly?
No. A faculty member at an ASF-affiliated university must nominate you. Direct applications are not accepted.
Does financial need affect my chances?
No. The Astronaut Scholarship is purely merit-based. Financial need has no bearing on selection.
Can I transfer the scholarship to a different school?
No. The award cannot be transferred to another institution or degree program.
Are graduate students eligible?
The scholarship is primarily for undergraduates. However, students in combined Bachelor’s/Master’s programs may apply the funds toward graduate-level coursework. MD-PhD candidates focused on biomedical research are also eligible.
Do I have to want to become an astronaut to apply?
No. Despite the name, the Astronaut Scholarship is open to any qualifying STEM student — not just future astronauts or aerospace engineers. The award honors the legacy of the Mercury 7, but recipients pursue diverse research careers across all STEM fields.
How competitive is the Astronaut Scholarship?
Extremely. With approximately 70 awards distributed across 46+ partner universities, each school typically nominates only one or two students per slot. Most scholars have strong research portfolios, GPAs above 3.8, and demonstrated leadership.
Can the Astronaut Scholarship be renewed?
Yes. Current Astronaut Scholars who haven’t completed their undergraduate degree can be re-nominated. A maximum of two awards per student is permitted (unless an exception is approved by the Scholarship Committee Chair).
Can international students apply?
No. The Astronaut Scholarship is open only to U.S. citizens (native born or naturalized).
About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a four-star rated charity on Charity Navigator and one of the most respected STEM scholarship organizations in the United States. Over the past 40 years, ASF has awarded more than $10 million to over 900 college students, with alumni going on to lead breakthroughs in healthcare, energy, defense, aerospace, homeland security, and beyond.
The Foundation is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and is led by President & CEO Caroline Schumacher. You can learn more about its mission and history on the official ASF About page.
Official Astronaut Scholarship Resources & Links
Bookmark these authoritative resources for the latest application information:
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Official Pages
- Astronaut Scholarship Foundation – Official Homepage
- Astronaut Scholarship Program Page (Eligibility & Deadlines)
- Universities & Nomination Process
- Full List of ASF University Partners
- University Liaisons Portal
- Astronaut Scholar Alumni Network
- About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Related Major STEM Scholarships
- Barry Goldwater Scholarship
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
- NASA Internship Programs
- SMART Scholarship (Department of Defense)
Helpful Resources for Applicants
Final Thoughts: Is the Astronaut Scholarship Right for You?
The Astronaut Scholarship is one of the most distinguished STEM awards in the United States — but it’s also one of the most competitive. If you’re a high-achieving STEM student at one of the 46+ partner universities, with a passion for research and a track record of academic excellence, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation should be at the top of your scholarship list.
Beyond the $15,000 award, becoming an Astronaut Scholar means joining an elite community of researchers, astronauts, and STEM leaders that opens doors throughout your career. From the Mercury 7 founders to today’s award recipients heading to graduate school at MIT, Stanford, and Caltech, this scholarship represents the very best of American STEM education.
Ready to begin? Visit the official Astronaut Scholarship Foundation page and reach out to your campus liaison or a STEM faculty mentor today. The earlier you start building your research portfolio and relationships, the stronger your nomination will be.
Disclaimer: Scholarship details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements are set by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and may change. Always verify current information on the official ASF website or with your university liaison before applying.