1. What is the difference between the Frederick Douglass Scholarship and the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars program?

The Frederick Douglass Scholarship is a partial merit-based scholarship awarded by Admissions. This is entirely separate from the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars (FDDS) program. The FDDS program awards participants the institution's most prestigious scholarship of full tuition, room, board, books, UPass and mandatory fees.

2. Do I have to be Black or Latino to apply?

Our program offers a merit-based scholarship. FDDS are selected based on scholastic achievement, leadership experience, and demonstrated interest in graduate/professional school. Scholars are diverse in gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, and ethnicity.

3. Do I have to major in political science or sociology to apply?

FDDS are not tied to a certain major. We have a variety of majors and minors. Public Health, International Relations, Business, Education, and Communications are just some of the areas of study that our scholars are currently studying.

4. Are FDDS considered Honors students?

Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars participate in the FDDS Certificate in Social Responsibility, a separate curriculum from the AU Honors program. 

5. Can international students apply?

International students are not eligible to apply for the scholarship. Those eligible to apply are current citizens or permanent residents in the United States and are of senior standing in high school.

6. Can transfer students apply?

Transfer students are not eligible to apply for the scholarship. Those eligible to apply are current citizens or permanent residents in the United States and are of senior standing in high school.

7. How many students are accepted into the program each year?

The Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars program annually admits five first year students.