Rutgers University-New Brunswick has once again been recognized as a “top producer” for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, marking the 15th time in two decades the institution has achieved this elite distinction.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, 11 Rutgers undergraduates and recent alumni were awarded grants to study, conduct research, and teach English across the globe. This accomplishment places Rutgers in the company of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Princeton, which also received the designation this month.
The “top producer” distinction is awarded by the U.S. Department of State to colleges and universities with the highest number of applicants selected for the Fulbright program. Qualifying institutions must have at least 10 recipients.
“Our students’ ongoing success in earning Fulbright grants illustrates once again the Rutgers edge,” Rutgers President William Tate IV said. “Again and again, their grit and perseverance are matched by exceptional intellect and curiosity.”
The 2025-2026 Fulbright Honor Roll
The Rutgers recipients represent a wide array of disciplines within the School of Arts and Sciences:
| Recipient | Host Country | Recipient | Host Country |
| Bennett Allen | Austria | Robert “Charlie” Scott | Austria |
| Ana-Maria “Andi” Craciun | Spain | Christopher Slipiec | Poland |
| Deepak Gopalakrishnan | Taiwan | Vanessa Tirok | France |
| Evan Keeton | Taiwan | Emily Trujillo | Austria |
| Pauline Kung | Taiwan | John Woods | Taiwan |
| Victoria Richard | Spain |
Rutgers-New Brunswick Chancellor Francine Conway emphasized that the Fulbright distinction is more than just a trophy—it is a testament to the increasing market value of a Rutgers degree. “The caliber of our students and our Fulbright distinction speak to Rutgers’ commitment to access and excellence,” she said.
Since the program began over 75 years ago, more than 300 Rutgers-New Brunswick students have been honored. The program provides roughly 2,000 grants annually, covering travel, housing, and living expenses for a full academic year abroad.
