Ohio State, Georgetown Lead Nation In Fulbright Scholars And Students

Ohio State tops the list for Fulbright Scholars, while Georgetown produces the most Fulbright Students.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Ohio State University is the nation's top producer of Fulbright Scholars, with 12 of its faculty and researchers chosen to receive the prestigious award for the 2025-2026 academic year. Meanwhile, Georgetown University produced the most Fulbright Students of any university or college this year with 42.

Why it matters

The Fulbright Program is the nation's leading international educational exchange program, providing American scholars and students the opportunity to travel abroad and exchange ideas with leaders around the world. Ohio State and Georgetown's strong performance in producing Fulbright recipients highlights their commitment to global engagement and academic excellence.

The details

Both Ohio State and Georgetown have been consistent top producers of Fulbright Scholars and Students in recent years. This is the third time in recent years that Ohio State has claimed the top spot for Fulbright Scholars. Georgetown has been among the top producers of Fulbright Students annually across several years.

  • The new Fulbright Program numbers were released on February 3, 2026 by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
  • The Fulbright Program was founded in 1946 through federal legislation proposed by United States Senator J. William Fulbright.

The players

Ohio State University

A public research university located in Columbus, Ohio that is the nation's top producer of Fulbright Scholars with 12 faculty and researchers receiving the award for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Georgetown University

A private research university located in Washington, D.C. that produced the most Fulbright Students of any university or college this year with 42 recipients.

J. William Fulbright

A United States Senator who proposed the federal legislation that founded the Fulbright Program in 1946.

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What they’re saying

“to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs and thereby increase the chance that nations will learn at last to live in peace and friendship.”

— J. William Fulbright

The takeaway

Ohio State and Georgetown's strong performance in producing Fulbright Scholars and Students demonstrates their commitment to global engagement and academic excellence, furthering the Fulbright Program's mission of promoting international understanding and cooperation.