FAQs

What is the Noblitt Scholars Program?
The program is designed for students with outstanding academic credentials of diverse backgrounds who have a passion to change the world for the better. Beginning in their first year, these students work closely with a faculty mentor to dive deeply into an area of special interest, such as sustainability, infrastructure, resource management, health care, or cybersecurity. Noblitt Scholars must demonstrate their growing understanding of their subject area each year and are expected to find concrete ways to apply their knowledge and skills to improve the world. 

In addition to mentoring, scholars receive leadership training, enjoy special opportunities for international travel, and receive financial assistance toward their Rose-Hulman tuition during their four years in the program.

What’s Expected of a Noblitt Scholar?
As a Noblitt Scholar, you’ll work hard to maintain a strong GPA, work closely with a faculty mentor, and broaden your understanding of an issue that ignites your passion. You’ll take part in community service projects, campus initiatives and serve as a full-time ambassador of all that’s best about Rose-Hulman.

Is this a four-year program?
Yes, students apply for the program before arriving at Rose-Hulman and are selected before their first year begins. They must remain in the program until graduation.

How many Noblitt Scholars are there?
Each year, the institute selects approximately 40 new Noblitt Scholars from an incoming first-year class of approximately 600 students.

How do I apply?
Noblitt Scholars are chosen before they arrive on campus through a competitive application process. We are looking for students who want to make a positive impact on the world and are willing to put in the effort to achieve their dreams for the entire four-year program. Click here to start your application.

Does my major matter to my selection for the program?
No. The Noblitt Scholars program includes students from every major at Rose-Hulman.

Why is it called the Noblitt Scholars program?
The program is named for Niles and Nancy Noblitt because it fulfills their vision for Rose-Hulman students. Niles and Nancy believe strongly in the ability of Rose-Hulman students to change the world for the better and wanted to establish a program that focuses student energy directly at pressing global challenges. The Noblitts generously contributed $10 million to Rose-Hulman in 2020 to establish the program.

Who is Niles Noblitt?
Niles Noblitt is the current Chairman of the Rose-Hulman Board of Trustees. He graduated from Rose-Hulman in 1973 with a degree in biological engineering and went on to a successful career in the medical device industry. Soon after graduation, Niles co-founded Biomet, Inc., a Warsaw, Indiana-based biomedical device company now known as Zimmer Biomet. He was chairman of the company from 1977 until his retirement in 2007 and is credited with developing total joint prosthetic devices and processes that continue to have significant usage. He remains active in the medical technology industry, currently serving as chairman of the board for MedShape, Inc., a leader in orthopedic devices based in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also a former board member of NICO Corporation, an Indianapolis-based pioneer in minimally invasive methods of brain surgery.