Dean's Scholars Program
The ECS Dean's Scholars Program is a funding initiative led by alumni and donors, with support from the National Science Foundation and ECS Board of Advocates. The goal of the program is to provide a path for high-achieving, high-need students to pursue a major in Baylor's School of Engineering and Computer Science. Award amounts range from $4,500-$12,500 per academic year, based on an evaluation of the student’s merit and need.
Program Eligibility
Dean's Scholars are selected prior to their freshman year and continue through the program within a cohort model for all four years of their undergraduate education. We are currently accepting applications to fill 20 spots in the Fall 2026 cohort through the ECS Scholarship Application for Incoming Students. To be considered, students must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate financial need through submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Please submit both forms by Feb. 1, 2026 to guarantee consideration for the program.
- Demonstrate high academic achievement, including eligibility to register for Calculus 1. While standardized test scores are not required for consideration, students accepted into the program have typically achieved an SAT score of 1340+ and ACT score of 29+.
After receiving acceptance as an incoming freshman, a student's scholarship automatically renews for up to four years, as long as the student maintains a 3.25 semester and cumulative GPA, full-time undergraduate enrollment, good standing in the Dean's Scholar's Program, and pursuit of a major in the School of Engineering & Computer Science.
Programming & Mentorship
Students in the program participate in monthly workshops to sharpen their skills in leadership, communication, financial literacy, networking, career exploration, and more! Faculty and staff across the university are invited to share their expertise with Scholars and help them grow personally and professionally. Scholars have also been given exclusive access to tour Baylor's research facilities and spend quality time with the ECS Dean, Dr. Daniel Pack, to help shape the future of the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
During their four years in the program, students will serve as a mentor and receive mentoring, both of which have proven to be impactful aspects of a student's collegiate journey. Scholars are mentored by an upperclassmen in the program for their freshman and sophomore years and then assigned a professional mentor in the engineering/computer science industry for their junior and senior years.
Meet the Scholars
We currently have 15 incredible students in the Dean's Scholars Program. To learn more about the student experience, check out what two of our students have to say about their participation in the program!
Sophia Grace - Mechanical Engineering (Fort Worth, TX)
The Dean's Scholars Program has been able to connect me with faculty within the School of ECS and other like-minded students around me. I feel like I have a supportive group within the program I can turn to if I need help, and it's made me feel very reassured about my place in ECS!
Receiving this scholarship has definitely helped me in paying for tuition, and in turn has let me focus on studying for my classes and participating in extracurriculars like being a Teaching Fellow or doing undergraduate research. Having this aid has been such a blessing, and I can see how I've been able to thrive as a student because of it.
I was already planning on pursuing a Master's degree in mechanical engineering after graduation, but I can see this experience impacting which field I choose to pursue in my career. I have a few industries I think are interesting, and the Dean's Scholars Program has been able to connect me with people working in those specific areas. I'm sure that the more I talk to them and learn about my possible career paths, the more confident I'll be in my decision!
Riley McCrory - Pre-Engineering (Galva, KS)
Being in the Dean’s Scholars program has helped me see the importance of focusing not only on success in the classroom, but also forming valuable peer and faculty relationships, developing professional skills, and getting involved in activities that I am enthusiastic about. On top of that, Dean’s Scholars was a main factor that financially allowed me to attend Baylor, which has shaped the whole trajectory of this chapter of my life.
Dean’s Scholars has positively impacted my confidence and leadership skills. The program has opened my eyes to just how important it is to be a leader in the classroom, which can be done simply by being engaged and caring for my peers. I also continue to learn that asking for help and seeking support from others is not a sign of weakness but of strength.
As a Dean’s Scholar, I want to leave a legacy where people remember me not just for my commitment to academic success, but as someone who cares for the success of my peers and exemplifies Christian values in and out of the classroom. While developing into a skilled engineer is important, striving to be a light for others is where true legacy is built. Moreover, by being an active member, I hope to support the development of the program so it can grow into an even better experience for students to come.