Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a merit and need-based program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding individuals for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy. The program selects fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. In 2025, the program plans to award 45 fellowships of up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master's degree. This includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $18,000. Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in fields relevant to a career in the State Department Foreign Service, such as public administration, public policy, international relations, business administration, economics, history, political science, communications, or foreign languages. Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy. The program includes orientation at Howard University, two summer internships (one on Capitol Hill and one overseas at U.S. Embassies), and ongoing mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer. Each Rangel Fellow who obtains a master's degree is committed to a minimum of five years of service in the State Department Foreign Service. The program is grounded in the principle that a broad range of perspectives strengthen diplomatic efforts and foster a comprehensive approach to global challenges. Fellows are selected based on demonstrated merit and financial need, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 throughout their period of study.