Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program delivers an 83% six-year graduation rate, nearly double the national average (42%) for Pell Grant recipients, solving dropout causes beyond tuition. Michael Dell's foundation provides $20,000 over six years, plus a laptop, textbook credits, and a dedicated support team for financial emergencies, academic struggles, and life crises. With over $100 million invested in 7,000+ students since 2004, it outperforms #8 Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship in student success rates, focusing on holistic retention rather than just funding. One concrete data point: this program costs $20,000, but its support system reduces dropout risk by 41% compared to typical Pell Grant aid.