The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to support outstanding undergraduate students who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The Goldwater Scholarship is one of the country’s most prestigious undergraduate awards for students pursuing research careers in STEM fields. The Foundation has supported more than 11,600 Scholars since its founding.
Learn more about the Goldwater Scholarship.

 

The Goldwater Scholarship provides up to $7,500 per academic year toward eligible educational expenses, including tuition, mandatory fees, books, and housing and meals. The award can be received above other financial aid and scholarchips. Students selected as sophomores may receive up to two years of support, while students selected as juniors may receive up to one year of support, or until graduation if that comes sooner.

 

Goldwater is designed for undergraduate sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue a research career in the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Applicants must have a college GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. Students pursuing medicine, veterinary medicine, or engineering are eligible when research is central to their career goals (e.g. those interested in pursuing MD/PhD or DVM/PhD programs).

 

The Foundation supports students conducting research across the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The competition is particularly focused on students who can demonstrate significant research experience and potential for a career as a research scientist, mathematician, or engineer. The application asks students to describe their research experience, future research interests, and plans for graduate study and a research career.

 

 

The Stockton University application process will follow these deadlines:

1. November 1, 2026 – Intent to Apply

   Students interested in applying should notify Dr. Craig Lind, Stockton's Goldwater Campus Representative, of their intent to apply by this date. This initial contact will allow us to discuss your eligibility, research experience, career goals, and the application process.

2. December 1, 2026 – Draft Application

   Students who intend to apply should submit a complete draft of their Goldwater application materials to Craig Lind by this date. This will provide sufficient time for initial screening, feedback, and revision (may require several rounds in coordination with the CR) before the final university deadline.

3. January 15, 2027 – Stockton Final Deadline

   Students selected to proceed with the Stockton nomination process must submit their final application materials to the their campus representative by Friday, January 15, 2027.

4. January 29, 2027 – National Goldwater Deadline

   The national deadline for universities to submit nominations to the Goldwater Foundation is Friday,
   January 29, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Students should not wait until this date to complete their materials; all Stockton applicants must meet the earlier Stockton deadline.

Students should begin working on their application well before the final deadline on Jan 15. In particular, the research essay is an important part of the Goldwater application, and students should allow sufficient time to develop and revise it with input from faculty mentors and the Campus Representative.