2025 Rhodes Scholars

Harvard. Rutgers. Colby College. University of Chicago. George Washington University. University of North Carolina. Stanford. Sewanee. Princeton. University of Washington. Michigan. Montana State. Air Force Academy. Claremont McKenna. What do these colleges have in common? Each had a student selected as a Rhodes Scholar this year.

Rhodes Scholars are selected on the basis of academic excellence, “ambition for social impact, strong leadership, empathy for others and an acute awareness of inequities… Scholars of exceptional character who are committed to making a profound difference in the world.” The selection process began with almost 2,800 applicants. 965 candidates received formal endorsements from their colleges, representing more than 264 different institutions. Ultimately 32 are chosen annually.

Arguably the most competitive scholarship in the world, the award covers all Oxford University fees, a living stipend, travel costs and research or other academic support. The average annual award is $75,000.

Rhodes Scholars are traditionally announced shortly before Thanksgiving. My annual tradition is to use that press release to remind you that Ivy League credentials are not required to compete at the highest levels. There are many, many colleges and universities across the country and around the world that do an excellent job of preparing students for lifelong success.