Online applications for the 2012-2013 academic year will be
available starting January 2, 2012 and will be due March 31, 2012.

Please take a moment to carefully read our scholarship requirements and
apply if you are eligible.

About the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation

Endowed by George M. Pullman, founder of the Pullman Palace Car Company, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has a sixty-plus year history of supporting Chicago-area students with merit-based, need-based, last-dollar scholarships to attend the college of their choice. The program was designed to ensure that exceptionally promising students with strong financial need can earn a college degree without the burden of severe financial debt. Nearly 11,000 scholars have benefited from $27M in scholarships throughout the Foundation's history.

who are pullman scholars?

what is the pullman scholarship?

are you eligible to become a pullman scholar?

Application Process (PDF)

Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Tips for Applying (PDF)

Application Timeline (PDF)

Who are Pullman Scholars?

The Foundation awards scholarships to undergraduate students who are motivated to succeed academically, have strong professional goals, and strive to be leaders in their communities, but who may not have sufficient resources to meet the financial commitment that often accompanies attending college.

Pullman Scholars are pursuing and excelling in their studies at more than 80 colleges across the United States, including Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Howard University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, University of Michigan, Loyola University Chicago, Wesleyan University, New York University, and the University of Illinois.

What is the Pullman Scholarship?

The Foundation awards Pullman Scholars last-dollar scholarships ranging from $200 to $5,000 ($4,000 for incoming first-year students) per year, depending on the scholar’s financial need. Pullman Scholars who remain in good standing are invited to renew their scholarship for up to four years (eight semesters) of full-time undergraduate study.

Are you eligible to become a Pullman Scholar?

Use the checklist to determine your eligibility:

For high school seniors who will be first-year college students in fall 2012:

You are a resident of Cook County IL
You will be enrolling as a full-time student at an accredited bachelor’s degree-
     granting institution that is eligible to receive Title IV federal aid and is located
     within the U.S.
You demonstrate financial need
You currently have a 3.0 GPA or higher
You are eligible to receive state and federal aid and will file the Free Application
     for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

For legacy applicants in fall 2012:

You are the child or sibling of a current or former Pullman Scholar
You will be enrolling or are enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited
     bachelor’s degree-granting institution that is eligible to receive Title IV federal
     aid and is located within the U.S. (you do not need to be a first-year
     college student)      
You demonstrate financial need
You currently have a 3.0 GPA or higher
You are eligible to receive state and federal aid and will file the Free Application
     for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Other qualifications that make a strong applicant:

• Aspires to succeed academically and professionally
• Maintains motivation when experiencing adversity
• Active in school and/or community organizations
• Overcomes challenges and continues to strive towards goals
• Driven, goal-oriented, and responsible

Please know that this is a competitive process and not all applicants
become Pullman Scholars.