2026 Rhodes Scholars from the U.S. Revealed
The Rhodes Trust has announced the 2026 cohort of Rhodes Scholars from the United States, with 32 exceptional individuals selected for their graduate studies at Oxford University. They will begin their programs in October 2026. This prestigious scholarship, awarded annually, recognizes outstanding American college graduates committed to leadership and service.
Summary of the 2026 Rhodes Scholars
The announcement was made by Dr. Ramona L. Doyle. The selection follows a rigorous process with almost 2,800 students applying this year. From this pool, 965 candidates received endorsements from various colleges, and 238 were invited for interviews in 16 U.S. districts.
Scholarship Details
- The total value of the Rhodes Scholarship averages about $75,000 per year.
- It can reach up to $250,000 for four years of study in specific departments.
- The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, character, and leadership potential.
Initially limited to male students, the program diversified its eligibility in 1976, allowing women scholars to apply. To date, 689 American women have been among the 3,706 U.S. Rhodes Scholars selected since the program’s inception.
Colleges Represented
The 2026 U.S. Rhodes Scholars hail from 22 colleges and universities. Notably, three institutions—Colby College, Rutgers University, and George Washington University—have not hosted a Rhodes Scholar in over 25 years. Leading the way are Harvard, Yale, MIT, and the U.S. Military Academy, each contributing three scholars. Brown University and the U.S. Air Force Academy each produced two scholars.
Diverse Achievements and Interests
This year’s cohort showcases a remarkable range of backgrounds and interests. Scholars include:
- Musicians and artists
- A triathlete and a hockey player
- A gymnast and members of the U.S. National Paralympic team
- Nonprofit founders and Congressional interns
Fields of study among this cohort encompass social sciences, humanities, and biological as well as physical sciences. Some notable scholars and their intended programs include:
| Name | University | Intended Program |
|---|---|---|
| Nicholas G. Sanzi | Brown University | M.Phil. in Politics |
| Esmeralda Abreau Jerez | Dartmouth College | M.Sc. in Global Health Sciences |
| Alice L. Hall | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | D.Phil. in Engineering Science |
| Robert J. Miller | U.S. Air Force Academy | M.Sc. in Engineering Science |
| Victoria M. Harris | University of Chicago | M.Sc. in African Studies |
| Sydney E. Barta | Stanford University | M.Sc. in Musculoskeletal Sciences |
| Hadi M. Kamara | Princeton University | M.Phil. in International Relations |
| Daniel I. Juzych | Colby College | M.Sc. in Modelling for Global Health |
| Doriane R. Keiser | Montana State University | M.Sc. in Evidence-Based Social Intervention |
The 2026 U.S. Rhodes Scholars will be part of a diverse global cohort. They will join scholars from 25 other nations and two Global Rhodes Scholars, resulting in a total assembly of over 100 students eager to make a future impact.
