DAR National Scholarships

DAR awards roughly 35 separate named national scholarships to U.S. citizens attending an accredited U.S. college, in fields such as nursing, medicine, law, education, American history, government, chemistry, math, science, economics, English, business, and music. Individual awards range $1,000-$5,000 (some renewable up to four consecutive years); a one-time $25,000 America250! award ran for the 2026 cycle and has now ended. Only two of the named funds (Lillian & Arthur Dunn; Madeline Pickett (Halbert) Cogswell Nursing) require DAR membership/descendancy, and a separate track (American Indians; Frances Crawford Marvin American Indian) exists specifically for applicants with proof of tribal membership — all others are open with no DAR ancestry needed. Requires a personal statement (1,000 words or less), transcript, proof of U.S. citizenship, an activities sheet, and 2-4 recommendation letters (not from relatives).

Eligibility

Fields of studyNursing · Medicine · Law · Political Science · History · American Studies · Education · Chemistry · Math · Science · Economics · English · Occupational/Physical Therapy · Business Administration · Music · Horticulture · Historic Preservation

DemographicsNo DAR ancestry or membership required for most funds (only 2 of the named funds are DAR-member/descendant-specific); separate American Indian scholarships require proof of federal or state tribal membership.

Applying

Individual named funds typically $1,000-$5,000, some renewable up to 4 years; a separate $25,000 America250! award existed for the 2026 cycle only and has since ended