ASF Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 applications required for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation because Texas Tech is responsible for reviewing applicants and narrowing the applications down to 8 qualified applicants. Once the top 8 applicants are selected, these 8 will be coached on how to put together the best scholarship packet they can before they submit to ASF. After the ASF application is submitted, then 2 finalists are selected and might be ask to submit additional materials before a final awardee is selected.

The primary Texas Tech application will be hosted through the Texas Tech's Scholarship Universe. In order to apply, you will have to have your eraider credentials. If you meet the requirements for the application, this application will show up in your Scholarship Universe account starting October 1.

Faculty should encourage students to apply to this incredible opportunity. Students are required to submit a letter of recommendation AND a undergraduate research lab recommendation. Please assist your students by encouraging them to apply and by providing recommendations on their behalf.

In order to apply, students must be US citizens (either born or naturalized), have at least a 3.8 GPA, be enrolled in a STEM major, and be involved in undergraduate research. Additionally, students who apply must be current sophomores or juniors, with at least 1 full academic year left after the current academic year before graduation. Financial need has no bearing on being selected. This is a merit-based scholarship.

If a student is awarded the Astronaut Scholarship the recipient will receive: 1)A scholarship up to $15,000 (full amount awarded unless scholar is “over-awarded” based on federal guidelines), 2)A paid trip to ASF’s Innovators Symposium & Gala, 3)Life-long engagement with the astronauts, Astronaut Scholar alumni, and the Foundation.

ASF follows the National Science Foundation’s GRFP guidance for medical-related fields of study. Scholarships will not be awarded to students pursuing: 1)Pre-medical or clinical studies; 2)Clinical medical or patient-oriented research; 3)Health services, health policy, disease prevention, or diagnosis and treatment. Students focusing on bioengineering or biomedical research that apply science and engineering principles to medicine are eligible. Students pursuing an MD/PhD with a strong research emphasis are also eligible.

When selecting students to receive this award, the members of the selection panel may consider the following criteria: 1)Nominee’s display of creativity and ability to move into unknown territory; 2) Nominee’s potential, ability, and drive to do research, develop new ideas, pursue inventions, and pursue innovative technologies; 3)Nominee’s exhibition of motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in their field of academics and/or research, 4)Nominee’s conveyance of intellectual daring and a genuine desire to positively change the world around them, from both, or either, within the classroom or in their community, 5)Nominee is recognized as a leader through their activities on campus or in the community.

TTU nominees will be informed in December or January, so they still have time to put together their final packet for ASF submission. ASF will announce winners in May or June. Students who win the final award will be notified directly.