Udall Scholarship Application Guide
The Udall Scholarship is one of the most respected and prestigious scholarships for college in the U.S. In addition to providing financial support, the Udall Foundation works to foster a community dedicated to public service, environmental stewardship, and tribal policy and healthcare. Udall Scholars demonstrate leadership, service, and a dedication to making a positive impact in their community and the world. As a result of the scholarship’s financial award and strong mission, it’s a popular choice for eligible students exploring college scholarship options.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about the Udall Foundation and the Udall scholarship. We’ll talk about what benefits the scholarship offers, eligibility requirements, and the full Udall Scholarship application process. You’ll also find tips for writing a strong personal statement, common mistakes to avoid during the application process, and application advice. Ready to boost your chances of being selected for one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships? Read on.
What is the Udall Foundation?
The Udall Foundation is a federally funded foundation headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. Congress established the foundation in 1992 to honor Congressman Morris K. Udall, whose career focused on environmental policy and Native American rights. Congressman Udall represented Arizona in Congress for three decades, becoming one of the nation’s most influential voices on environmental issues. He was a leader in shaping U.S. energy policy, advocating for clean energy and land preservation, and expanding national parks and wilderness areas.
In 2009, the foundation was renamed to also recognize Stewart L. Udall, Morris’s brother and former Secretary of the Interior. Under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, Stewart Udall oversaw landmark conservation efforts. His leadership resulted in the creation of dozens of national parks, wildlife refuges, and historic preservation programs. His dedication to Native American communities also shaped federal policy in healthcare.
Today, the Udall Foundation supports future leaders through a range of programs focused on the environment and Native nations. Initiatives range from education, capacity building, policy research, and training programs, as well as facilitation and mediation services. The foundation’s work ensures that the Udall brothers’ vision of balancing human needs, environmental health, and Native rights continues.
In addition to the Udall Scholarship, other Udall programs include internships in Washington, D.C., fellowships in environmental policy, and training in environmental conflict resolution. Each initiative reflects the Udall foundation’s mission to strengthen the relationship between people, the environment, and Native communities. For students, the scholarship is often the most widely recognized program, but the foundation’s broader work ensures its impact reaches far beyond individual recipients.
What is the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship?
The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship is one of many nationally competitive undergraduate scholarships for college sophomores and juniors. Udall Scholars must be committed to careers in the environment, tribal public policy, or Native health care. The Udall Foundation Scholarship is awarded to over 50 Udall Scholars annually, who receive up to $7,000 to support tuition, books, or living expenses.
The Udall Scholarship is highly competitive. Each year, hundreds of students from across the country are nominated, but only about 55 are chosen as Scholars. This means acceptance rates are typically below 10–15%. However, because the scholarship looks at more than GPA, students without a perfect academic record still stand a strong chance.
Unlike some undergraduate scholarships, the Morris K. Udall Scholarship looks beyond academics, recognizing students for leadership, public service, and community work. Scholars are chosen not only for their academic achievements but also for their potential and commitment to creating meaningful change. Their applications demonstrate passion, initiative, and a clear commitment to the Udall Foundation’s mission and values.
What sets applicants apart is usually their ability to tell a compelling story. Reviewers want to see evidence of sustained leadership and service, as well as a clear career trajectory. Strong applicants can connect their past experiences to their future goals while showing how they embody civility, integrity, and consensus.
By becoming a Udall Scholar, students gain access to a lifelong professional network and specialized career resources. They also earn opportunities to collaborate with others who share their commitment to environmental sustainability and Native nation policy.
Benefits of Receiving the Udall Scholarship
Winning the Udall Scholarship comes with more than just financial support, though that is a main feature. Each year, Udall Scholars receive up to $7,000 to help cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board. For many students, this makes the difference in being able to pursue their academic and professional goals without overwhelming financial pressure.
Beyond funding, the scholarship provides invaluable networking opportunities like the Scholar Orientation in Tucson, Arizona. Orientation connects student leaders with policymakers and professionals working in environmental fields, tribal policy, and Native healthcare. Many alumni describe it as transformative, offering them clarity about their career paths and lifelong friendships. Scholars also join a growing Udall Alumni Network, which offers mentorship, career connections, and support for graduate school and beyond.
Being named a Udall Scholar is also a powerful addition to your resume. Like other top merit scholarships, it signals leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service. Such qualities are highly valued by graduate schools and employers.
Beyond career benefits, the program emphasizes the core Udall Foundation values of civility, integrity, and consensus. These shape how Scholars approach leadership and collaboration for the rest of their lives.
Is the Udall Scholarship a Merit Scholarship?
Yes, the Udall Scholarship is considered a merit scholarship, but its definition of “merit” goes beyond grades. The Udall Scholarship also emphasizes leadership, service, and a long-term commitment to the values championed by Morris and Stewart Udall. Let’s review some of the criteria considered in the Morris K. Udall Scholarship’s holistic view of merit.
Academic success
First up is academics. In the Udall Scholarship context, academics means more than just high GPA. It reflects strong coursework, intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated ability to think critically about complex issues. Successful applicants often show how their studies directly connect to their long-term goals and the Udall mission. When applying to the Udall Scholarship, students should particularly highlight academic experiences in tribal policy or environmental issues, if possible.
Leadership
Next is leadership, which is not limited to holding formal titles. Leadership includes taking initiative, influencing positive change, motivating others, and building coalitions to address community challenges. Applicants should highlight experiences where they took ownership of a project, organized people toward a shared purpose, or inspired others to act.
Service
Another key quality considered by the Udall Foundation is service. Service reflects a sustained commitment to helping others and contributing to the broader community. This may be through volunteerism, grassroots organizing, mentoring, or advocacy work. The Udall Foundation and Scholarship values applicants who show they are dedicated to advancing the well-being of their communities and the environment.
Udall Mission
Finally, Udall Scholars demonstrate commitment to Udall’s Mission. Above all, applicants are evaluated on how clearly and consistently they are working toward a career aligned with the Udall legacy. This means demonstrating both a track record and a clear vision for future work in environmental protection and Native policy.
In short, Udall Scholars are chosen for academic strength along with leadership, service, and a long term commitment to creating positive change. This holistic approach to the selection process makes the Udall Scholarship one of the most meaningful scholarships for college. You can find more about what “merit” means in the context of the Udall Scholarship on the Udall Foundation FAQ page.
Udall Scholarship: Eligibility Requirements
In order to apply, students must meet specific Udall Scholarship eligibility requirements. Udall Scholarship applicants must be:
- A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident
- A sophomore or junior in college
- Enrolled full time at a 2- or 4-year accredited institution
- Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree
While the Udall Foundation Scholarship is open to all majors, eligibility differs by field of study. Environmental scholarships are open to all undergraduates who plan to pursue careers in environmental science, policy, or sustainability. In contrast, students applying in tribal public policy or Native healthcare must be Native American or Alaska Native.
Another important requirement to be aware of is that students cannot apply directly. Instead, they must be nominated by a faculty representative at their college or university. Each school sets its own internal Udall Scholarship deadline, so it’s critical to identify your campus representative early.
For more detailed information on eligibility requirements, the Udall Foundation 2025 Education Programs Eligibility Criteria can be found here.
Udall Scholarship Schools
Hundreds of colleges and universities across the U.S. participate in the Udall Scholarship program by nominating students through faculty representatives. Examples of Udall Scholarship schools include New York University, the University of Kansas, the University of Washington, Cornell University, and many others.
Fortunately, any accredited U.S. college or university can nominate students if a faculty member registers as a faculty representative. This means Udall Scholars come from a wide range of schools including large public universities, small liberal arts colleges, and everything in between. If you aren’t sure if your school has a Udall Scholarship faculty representative already, search the Udall Foundation’s faculty rep directory.
If your school does not have a representative, the Udall Foundation provides instructions on how to move forward with your application. Here is what students in this situation should do:
How to Start your Udall Application
1. Talk to campus faculty or advisors.
Reach out to a professor, the dean of your academic college, or a faculty advisor to express your interest in applying for the Udall Scholarship. Explain the importance of the faculty representative in the application process.
2. Direct them to register as a faculty representative.
Encourage that faculty member to visit the Udall Faculty Reps page to understand the duties of a representative and how they can register. This allows them to officially become your campus’s representative.
3. Begin preparing your application anyway.
You don’t need to wait for access to the online portal to get started. Begin brainstorming and drafting your essays using the sample application as a guide. You can also start requesting letters of recommendation early, even before a faculty rep is in place.
4. If you can’t find a faculty rep, you can reach out for Udall’s help.
If no faculty member is willing to serve as your faculty representative, contact the Udall Scholarship Program Manager for assistance. The Foundation is ready to help facilitate the process.
Udall Scholarship Application Process
The Udall Scholarship application involves several steps, and it is important to start early. Most schools actually set internal nomination Udall Scholarship deadlines months before the national submission date. Here is an overview of the process:
Udall Scholarship Application Process Overview
1. Identify your faculty representative.
Every applicant must be nominated by their school’s representative. Start by finding your representative through the Udall Faculty Rep Directory.
2. Complete your school’s internal nomination process.
Colleges often set deadlines in the fall or winter, well before the official Udall Scholarship deadline in early March. Your representative will guide you through internal requirements.
3. Prepare your materials.
The application requires a transcript, resume, three recommendation letters, several short essays, and an 800-word personal statement. You can review the official sample Udall application to understand expectations.
4. Submit your application through the Udall portal.
Nominated students submit their applications online via the Udall Foundation Scholarship portal.
5. Wait for the results.
Finalists and winners are announced in April or May. Scholars then attend the Udall Scholar Orientation in Tucson, Arizona.
Here is a timeline for a typical Udall Scholarship application cycle:
- In the late summer or early fall, before applying, prepare for the application process. Explore the Udall Foundation Scholarship website, talk with your faculty rep, and begin drafting your essays.
- During the fall semester, request recommendation letters early from three different recommenders. You may also attend workshops on writing personal statements if available.
- In the winter, begin refining your essays and personal statement. Be sure to share drafts with mentors for feedback.
- In early spring, you will finalize and submit your essays and application through the Udall portal.
- In the late spring or early summer, prepare for interviews and plan on attending the Scholar Orientation if you are selected.
For guidance on how to make your application stand out, check out CollegeAdvisor’s merit scholarship essay workshop.
Writing the Udall Personal Statement Essay
One of the most important parts of the Udall Scholarship application is the personal statement essay. It allows you to go beyond your resume and transcript, showing reviewers your personality and your commitment to the Udall Foundation mission.
The official Udall Scholarship essay prompt is:
“The public service careers of Congressman Morris K. Udall and Secretary of Interior Stewart L. Udall were guided by the core values of civility, integrity, and consensus. In 800 words or less, tell us how these three characteristics resonate with you today and how you exemplify at least one of these values in your personal and professional life.”
Here are some tips for a strong Udall Scholarship personal statement, as described on Udall’s FAQ page:
5 Udall Personal Statement Tips
1. Connect your personal story to your goals.
Explain how your experiences led to your interest in environmental issues, tribal public policy, or Native healthcare.
2. Show, don’t just tell.
Use concrete examples of leadership and service rather than vague claims.
3. Highlight Udall values.
Weave in civility, integrity, and consensus naturally as they relate to your life.
4. Reference the Udall legacy when relevant.
While not required, acknowledging the contributions of Morris or Stewart Udall shows a deeper understanding of the Udall Foundations values and mission.
5. Keep it polished.
Work with your faculty representative or mentors to ensure clarity, conciseness, and impact.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing the Udall personal statement:
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Waiting too long.
Rushed essays and recommendation requests rarely succeed, especially if you end up needing a lot of revisions.
2. Being too vague.
Making generic claims without evidence weakens your application. In the worst case, they could be seen as deceptive or dishonest — be clear to prevent misunderstandings.
3. Ignoring the Udall values.
Not connecting your story to civility, integrity, or consensus can hurt your chances.
4. Choosing the wrong recommenders.
Select those who know your leadership and service, not just your classroom performance.
5. Forgetting the nomination requirement.
Students who miss their school’s internal deadline cannot apply nationally.
For additional guidance on crafting competitive essays, explore CollegeAdvisor’s scholarship essay resources.
Udall Scholarship Application: 5 Tips
Applying for the Udall Scholarship is a competitive process, but with careful planning you can strengthen your chances of becoming a Udall Scholar. Here are five tips to help guide your journey:
5 Udall Scholarship Application Tips
1. Review the sample application early.
Before starting, download and study the sample Udall application. This will help you understand expectations and avoid any last-minute surprises.
2. Be specific and authentic in your essays.
When writing essays, avoid vague statements. Instead, highlight concrete examples of your leadership, service, and future goals. Show how your experiences connect to the Udall Foundation’s mission.
3. Choose recommenders who can speak to your leadership and service.
Select references who can speak to your leadership, community service, and commitment to the environment, tribal policy, or Native healthcare. Strong letters make a major difference in the Udall Scholarship application.
4. Collaborate with your faculty representative.
Your campus rep has guided other students through the process and knows the expectations of a Udall Scholar. Meet with them often, share drafts, and take advantage of their feedback.
5. Start early and plan ahead to polish your application materials.
The Udall is a merit scholarship that requires multiple essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts. Starting several months in advance gives you time to polish your materials and meet both campus and national deadlines.
Because of the scholarship’s prestige, preparation is critical. Successful Udall Scholars often engage in hands-on experiences that connect directly to environmental or Native issues. Their applications demonstrate consistency in their transcript, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations, and reflect on personal motivation — not just accomplishments. Many applicants underestimate how much self-reflection is required. The strongest applications read like a cohesive story rather than a list of achievements. All told, compelling applicants help reviewers understand why they are committed to the work and mission of the Udall Foundation.
Udall Scholarship: Takeaways
Each year, the Udall Foundation Scholarship supports outstanding college sophomores and juniors committed to careers in the environment, tribal public policy, or Native healthcare. The Udall Scholarship is a recognition of leadership, service, and dedication to public good. Winners receive $7,000 in funding in addition to access to the Scholar Orientation and the lifelong Udall Alumni Network.
In order to succeed, students must understand the Udall Scholarship application process. Securing a nomination, preparing essays and recommendations, and meeting the early spring deadline are only the start. Actually receiving the scholarship requires compelling essays, glowing recommendations, and academic excellence.
For high-achieving students searching for scholarships for college, the Udall Foundation Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to gain recognition and support. The key to getting it? Preparing early, aligning your story with the Udall values, and demonstrating authentic leadership and service. In doing so, you can maximize your chances of joining the next cohort of Udall Scholars.
If you are serious about applying for the Udall Scholarship, begin by identifying mentors and experiences that can strengthen your application. Look for opportunities to volunteer, lead sustainability or advocacy projects, and connect with Native-serving or environmental organizations. Every action you take builds your resume while also instilling in you the values that the Udall Foundation seeks to honor.
This article was written by Bailey Bennett. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
