The John M. Belk Scholarship is Davidson's flagship award.

The program is built around our belief that, as a Belk Scholar, you possess unique talents that should be recognized and nurtured. The Belk Scholarship will provide you comprehensive funding (tuition, fees, housing, and food) plus special opportunity stipends that allow you great flexibility in the on- and off-campus opportunities you choose to explore. Those experiences, paired with our academic programs, will deepen your intellect, maturity, and global understanding. Thanks to the generosity of the John M. Belk Educational Endowment, 32 Belk Scholars are currently enrolled at Davidson (eight Belk Scholars named in each entering class).

Nomination & Selection Process

School counselors, principals/heads of school, or college access program staff may nominate up to two candidates per year.  Our admission staff may also nominate students based on the strength of their application for admission. Become familiar with our nomination & selection process, including our deadlines, to nominate someone.

Learn About the Nomination & Selection Process

Meet the Belk Scholars

Belk Scholars are intellectual explorers with experiences that reflect a varied range of interests, talents and achievements. Learn more about how current and alumni Belk Scholars act as change agents and servant leaders to make an impact on the world around them.

Meet The Belk Scholars

What Defines a Belk Scholar?

Lorena James Dancing

Challenge Seekers

Embrace a multi-dimensional lifestyle, giving rich evidence of intellectual depth and academic achievement, as well as accomplishment in other meaningful activities.

Student chats with Prof. Belloni

Intellectual Explorers

Exude an eagerness to learn within every facet of life. Generate & engage with ideas seriously, striving to enrich their own understanding, as well as that of others.

Health Adviser Skits

Servant Leaders

Maintain strength of character, including confidence and humility, and a tremendous regard for collaboration.

Student and Prof. Katie St. Claire talking in Painting Class

Change Agents

Act as catalysts for community improvement, making unique connections in order to bring about positive change.

Belk Alumni

Belk Scholars often go on to lead incredible and impactful careers after their time at Davidson. 

Check Out What Belk Alumni Are Doing