LoginsThis page collects the questions Goldwater Scholars ask most about their award. It will grow over time — if your question is not answered here, contact the Foundation office at goldwaterao@goldwaterscholarship.gov or 703-756-6012.
No. Scholarship monies not used during one academic year are not transferable to a succeeding year. If you are a sophomore awardee with two years of support, funds left unspent in your first year do not roll into your second — each year’s award applies to that year’s eligible expenses only. For how payments are calculated and disbursed, see Instructions for Goldwater Scholars and the Terms and Conditions.
Yes, in some cases. Extensions — for opportunities such as a sabbatical or research placement, or for medical reasons — are reviewed by the Foundation and granted case by case. Submit your request in writing, with relevant supporting documentation.
Yes — the Goldwater Scholar Community, a Scholar-led network of more than 3,000 Goldwater Scholars. It is independent of the Foundation and not part of the federal government. See Alumni for what it does and how to reach it.
If your tuition, mandatory fees paid by all undergraduate students, housing and meals, and books (up to $1,000) are covered by other educational support (scholarships, grants, etc.) for the academic year, then you are not eligible to receive financial support from the Goldwater Foundation. Regardless of the amount of funding you receive, you will still maintain the distinction of being a Goldwater Scholar as long as you continue to meet the terms and conditions of your Goldwater scholarship.
A sophomore Scholar is eligible for up to 2 academic years of support. Funding for each academic year is independent and the maximum amount any Scholar may receive is $7,500 for full-time enrollment for the full academic year. Scholars are not eligible for funding once they complete their undergraduate degree.
No. The Foundation determines the amount of each scholarship based on the Scholar’s college expenses and educational support (scholarships, grants, etc.). Expenses covered by the Goldwater Scholarship include tuition, mandatory fees, housing and meals, and books (up to $1,000).
Scholars must consult with the Foundation prior to including study abroad costs on the Payment Request Form (PRF), as some costs associated with study abroad programs cannot be covered. Requests are reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis. Scholars interested in studying abroad or away from their home institution must contact the Foundation office to discuss funding before completing the PRF. It is important to note that the Foundation does not approve/disapprove your participation in a study away/abroad program. Rather, this process will determine if you are eligible to receive financial support from the Goldwater Foundation while away/abroad.
You must notify the Foundation of all changes in academic status, to include early graduation. Contact the Foundation for additional guidance.
Contact the Foundation for guidance. Full-time enrollment is a requirement under the Terms and Conditions of your Goldwater scholarship. You must notify the Foundation of all changes in academic status (part-time enrollment, medical deferral, early graduation).
Most scholarship payments are made between August 15–September 30. However, if your payment request is late, your payment will be delayed. With prior coordination, Foundation staff will work with you to address unique circumstances and make off-cycle payments as appropriate. Payments are made for the full academic year unless specifically noted otherwise.
No. The Foundation does not make payments to your university. Payment is made by electronic funds transfer (Direct Deposit) to the personal bank account designated on your Direct Deposit (DD) form. You are responsible for all financial obligations to your university and for reporting the scholarship payment in accordance with your university policy.
The scholarship payment does not generate a Form 1099, and it is not reported to the IRS. You will not receive any tax forms/documents from the Goldwater Foundation. However, staff at the Foundation are not qualified to advise you on tax-related matters. You should consult a tax professional or trusted advisor for any additional questions.