Wells Scholars Program (Indiana University)

The Wells Scholars Program is Indiana University Bloomington's flagship undergraduate scholarship, covering tuition and mandatory fees plus a living stipend equal to a standard dorm double and meal plan for eight semesters, plus funded study abroad and a summer internship, research, volunteer, or creative experience. There is no direct application - domestic high school seniors (U.S. residents or passport holders) are nominated by their school counselor (up to two students per school) or may self-nominate if their school hasn't used both slots. Nomination materials, including letters of recommendation and an essay, are due November 2, 2026 (the IU Bloomington application itself is due November 1). Around 40 finalists interview in Bloomington in mid-February, and around 14 incoming freshmen are selected each spring based solely on merit - though the program's own materials elsewhere describe cohorts of up to 18, so this figure varies year to year. Strong nominees typically rank in the top 5% of their class with roughly a 3.9 GPA, though the program follows Indiana's test-optional policy. Scholars must maintain a 3.4 GPA to keep the award.

Eligibility

DemographicsRequires admission to Indiana University Bloomington; U.S. resident or passport holder; nominated by school counselor (max 2/school) or self-nominated.

Applying

Covers tuition/fees, room & board equivalent, funded study abroad, and a funded summer experience for 8 semesters; renewal requires a 3.4 GPA.