CIA Undergraduate Scholar Program

Name: The CIA Undergraduate Scholar Program

Award Amount: $18,000

Information And Eligibility:
The CIA Undergraduate Scholar Program is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship-and-career programs available to U.S. students pursuing a four-year degree. Designed to develop future Agency professionals, this program provides not only generous financial support, but also paid summer internships, professional mentorship, and a guaranteed career path after graduation. It is ideal for high-achieving students who are eager to gain real-world experience in national security, intelligence analysis, engineering, cybersecurity, foreign languages, and other mission-critical fields.

The program is open to high school seniors entering a four-year college, as well as current college freshmen and sophomores enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate program. Because of its connection to national security work, the selection process is highly competitive and includes security clearances, background checks, and interviews. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, must be at least 18 by the time of the first internship, and must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and strong personal integrity.

Participants receive up to $18,000 per year for tuition, required fees, and textbooks. In addition to scholarship funding, students earn a full-time salary during summer internships at CIA headquarters in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The Agency also pays travel costs to and from Washington, D.C., and provides a housing allowance for summer work periods. Scholars must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, remain enrolled full-time, and continue to meet security and performance standards throughout the program.

Upon graduation, participants are required to work for the Agency for a period equal to 1.5 times the number of years they received scholarship support—ensuring a stable, well-paid, and impactful career serving U.S. national security interests.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a high school senior entering a four-year college, or a current college freshman/sophomore.
• Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate program.
• Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Must be at least 18 years old by the start of the first summer internship.
• Must demonstrate financial need based on federal guidelines.
• Must successfully complete CIA background investigations and security clearances.

Application Requirements:

• Submit the full online application through the CIA careers portal.
• Provide academic transcripts showing strong academic achievement.
• Submit financial documentation demonstrating need.
• Participate in interviews, testing, and security clearance procedures.
• Commit to working for the CIA after graduation for 1.5 years per year of sponsorship.

Deadline: Varies (applications typically open annually with early deadlines due to clearance processing)

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