Overview
A grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funds the Interdisciplinary Science Scholarship, providing full-tuition scholarships for entering freshmen every year. Designed for students interested in pursuing either Integrated Science, Integrated Science with a non-science double or dual major, or 3+2 Integrated Science and Engineering, students will be asked to explore the idea of leadership around global, societal, and scientific challenges.
Specifically, the scholarship awards will be focused on outstanding students from lower-income households. ISS Scholars will be selected based on financial need, academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for integrated science.
The Process: Part 1 - Application to CMC
Students who wish to be considered for the Interdisciplinary Science Scholarship must apply to CMC by submitting their application to CMC by their respective round deadline. To have priority consideration for this scholarship, students must submit their application to CMC no later than December 1. Students should be sure to indicate one of two options: 1) Intended majors in both Integrated Science and a non-science discipline or 2) Intended major in Integrated Science. Please note that while majors may change once in college, students applying for this scholarship should already be committed to one of the aforementioned options.
For CMC students who entered CMC prior to fall 2025:
| Option 1: Science + Non-Science Major | ||
|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry Biology Biophysics Chemistry Environmental Analysis Molecular Biology Organismal Biology Physics | + | Any Non-Science Major |
| Option 2: Interdisciplinary Majors |
|---|
| Economics-Engineering Environment, Economics & Politics (EEP) Neuroscience (Behavioral, Cognitive, and Philosophy Tracks) Science Management (Natural Science Tracks) |
For CMC students who entered CMC fall 2025 or later:
| Option 1: Science + Non-Science Major | ||
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Sciences | + | Any Non-Science Major |
| Option 2: Integrated Science |
|---|
| Integrated Science 3+2 Dual Degree Program: Integrated Science-Engineering |
The Process: Part 2 - CSS Profile
All applicants regardless of citizenship should fill out the College Scholarship Service Profile. Please submit your CSS Profile no later than January 1. We realize that this timing may be difficult for families, but the Financial Aid Office must be able to verify that your family meets the total income requirement as determined by the Gates Foundation. After you have completed your CSS Profile, you must submit your tax returns through IDOC. You will be prompted to do this after submitting your CSS Profile.
CSS Profile School Code: 4054
The Process: Part 3 - FAFSA
All U.S. citizens and permanent residents must complete the financial aid process by submitting a Federal Application For Student Aid using the federal government’s secure website. Please submit your FAFSA by no later than February 1. International students do not complete the FAFSA.
FAFSA School Code: 001170
