scholarships for education phd students

50 Best Scholarships for Ph.D. Students

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: May 30, 2024 , Reading time: 27 minutes

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Data Points:

• Roughly 47% of first-generation doctoral students hold undergraduate student loans * , compared to only 31% of continuing-generation students.
• About 65% of scholarships ** to help pay for higher education are offered by the college or university. Other sources of scholarships are states (37%) and non-profits or companies (35%).
• 86% believe *** that earning a scholarship “is something to be proud of.”

“First, you get your bachelor’s degree, and you think you know everything. Then, you get your master’s degree, and you realize you don’t know anything. Then you get your doctorate, and you find out that nobody knows anything.”

While we can’t find information on who said these words, we can’t help but laugh! You, a student pursuing your doctoral degree, may even laugh at it because there’s a grain of truth to it. Your doctoral dissertation, after all, will likely be about creating new knowledge or building on old knowledge because “nobody knows anything” in a manner of speaking. 

But why are you pursuing a doctoral degree when your master’s degree will suffice for most jobs? There are even people who believe that it’s a waste of time and money for many reasons. Some people push for it because of the numerous benefits that it brings.

So, which one’s a better perspective? A doctoral degree is about contributing to the existing body of knowledge through original research. It is considered an introduction to independent research in your chosen field, with your doctoral dissertation as the first of many intellectual masterpieces .

Let’s first take a look at the unfavorable view because there’s also some merit to it. For one thing, there’s the cost of doctoral education that, in U.S. universities, the average is $133,340 . In Ivy League universities, the cost can be higher – at Harvard University, for example, the full tuition needed for the first two years of study is $54,032, exclusive of health insurance, housing, books and supplies, and food expenses.

Yes, indeed, it isn’t cheap to get a doctoral degree in the United States , not even in one of the lesser-known universities!

In addition, there’s a sense of dissatisfaction among doctoral students. You may feel, at one point, that you’re doing slave labor, no thanks to the 10-hour workdays and low pay during your research.

Your employment prospects may also seem uncertain, considering the competition due to the oversupply of Ph.D. holders. The number of Ph.D. holders exceeds the number of employment opportunities for them, too! Such a disconnection partly stems from the high degree of specialization required to get a doctoral degree, not to mention that Ph.D. holders have high employment expectations.

Still, the number of doctoral degree holders in the U.S. has more than doubled between 2000 and 2018! In 2000, there were 2 million Ph.D. holders, and by 2018, there were already 4.5 million. Why do people pursue doctoral degrees despite the myriad of challenges that come with them?

Here’s why.

• You have a clear edge in getting higher positions and, thus, higher pay. Studies have shown that a Ph.D. is a contributing factor toward earning over 20% more than people with master’s degrees. In a PayScale comparison, Ph.D. holders earned $107,000 per year, on average, while master’s degree holders earned $84,000 .
• Your specialized knowledge and skills are highly marketable. You will likely enjoy a flexible career path, whether you choose a career in public service or the private sector. Your career will also be characterized by the highest lifetime earning potential and the lowest unemployment rate! Your Ph.D. training will also strengthen your critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills, which are highly sought after by employers.
• You will be a recognized knowledge creator, a rare skill sought after by society and employers, too. You have gained both the discipline and ability to search for, introduce, and defend new knowledge, even under the most stringent scrutiny. Your competencies will lead to a leadership position as you gain respect and prestige.

Are you still worried about the financial expenses of getting a Ph.D. in your field? We completely understand that $ 50,000 plus per year plus the difficulties of juggling work, studies, and family responsibilities will break a person. But you can achieve your doctoral degree through scholarships and grants!

This isn’t a new concept either, as millions of Ph.D. holders have also achieved such a lofty goal. Many of them have been scholars and fellows for most, if not all, of their studies – and it’s a path you can take, too, with plenty of planning and networking.

You have dozens, if not hundreds, of scholarship and fellowship opportunities in your field of study, not to mention the ones offered without restrictions as to the field of study. The trick here is to diligently look for these opportunities, applying to as many as you are qualified for, and complying with the requirements.

You may have to apply every semester or academic year for a new scholarship or fellowship, but it’s worth the time and effort. You could be lucky and be one whose studies were financed through scholarships and grants from year one, although luck has little to do with it because you spent time looking and qualifying for the scholarships you deserve!

Here, we present you with 50 of the Best Scholarships and Fellowships for Doctoral Students that we think are worthy of your consideration.

April 2024 Deadline

IBRO Travel Grants

• Type of Scholarship: Annual
• Amount: $2,500 
• Deadline of Application: April 30, 2024

IBRO Travel Grants support PhD students and early-career post-doctoral neuroscientists by covering travel and local expenses for conferences. Preference is given to under-resourced, less well-funded countries. Nevertheless, students studying and residing in the United States can still apply for the grant. 

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

• Amount: Up to $50,000 (shared)
• Deadline of Application: April 29, 2024 

The ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship is available to all types of students, including PhDs. Applicants can win multiple awards with a $50,000 scholarship, with four monthly winners earning $1,000 each and two additional winners in December 2024. Applicants must be residents of any 50 United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories, except for Rhode Island and Michigan.

May 2024 Deadline

Separations Division Graduate Student Research Award

• Amount: $200 + plaque
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024 

AIChE is the leading global organization for chemical engineering professionals. It boasts over 60,000 members from 110 countries and administers over 60 awards, including monetary prizes, certificates, and medals. The $200 award may seem small, but the benefits extend far beyond its monetary value.

This award honors outstanding graduate scholars in separations, recognizing their contributions to fundamentals and applications and awarding a plaque. Recipients gain recognition within the field, enhancing their professional credibility and giving them access to new opportunities. 

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
• Amount: $25,055
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024

Bold.org offers a $25,000 “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship to students with the boldest profiles. The scholarship is based on the characteristics of being earnest, determined, and moving. It is similar to many easy scholarships available on Bold.org and will be awarded to students who apply earlier. The scholarship is open to students at any education level, state, field of study, and GPA.

Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline of Application: May 27, 2024, 1:00 PM

The Valuing Diversity PhD scholarship program was made to encourage underrepresented populations to attend marketing doctoral programs. The amount given to applicants depends on the program’s funding and the number of recipients. If you’ve applied for this scholarship opportunity before, you can still reapply. 

Applicants should be enrolled in and have completed at least one year of an on-campus AACSB-accredited marketing or advertising doctoral program. Two signed letters of recommendation are required.

Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation Fieldwork Grant

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable) 
• Amount: $25,000 
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024 (for January 1 and June 30, 2025 projects) November 1, 2024 (for July 1 to December 31, 2025 projects)

Applicants must be on-campus enrollees of an AACSB-accredited marketing or advertising doctorate and have completed at least one year. Two signed letters of recommendation are required.

Independent Research Awards (pediatric cardiology)

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Renewable)
• Amount: $150,000 up to 2 years
• Deadline of Application: May 22, 2024 (letters of intent); and September 11, 2024 (full application)

The Children’s Heart Foundation funds research affecting patients with congenital heart disease. This award is given to doctoral students in clinical cardiology, translational research, and population science. It gives priority to researchers focusing on advancing the diagnosing, treating, and preventing congenital heart defects.

ASH Graduate Student Scholarships

• Amount: $5,000 
• Deadline of Application: May 22, 2024

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation offers Graduate Student Scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in communication sciences and disorders. These scholarships include International Student Scholarships, Minority Student Scholarships, and NSSLHA Scholarships for racial or ethnic minority students.

Applicants must be accepted in U.S. graduate communication sciences and disorders programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation. They must be full-time students for the entire academic year.

Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science

• Deadline of Application: May 24, 2024 

The American Meteorological Society Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science supports students completing dissertations on atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic sciences. This fellowship aims to foster close working relations and provide a $20,000 stipend for one year. Applicants must submit a cover letter, transcripts, a detailed dissertation topic description, and three letters of recommendation.

Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship

• Amount: $3,000
• Deadline of Application: May 31, 2024

Although less known, the sheep industry is a big contributor to the country’s economy. The Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship, administered by the American Sheep Industry Association, is a large program for students pursuing sheep-related studies. This Fund is given out yearly to those dedicated to helping advance the U.S. sheep industry, wool, and lamb.

Applicants must have U.S. citizenship, involvement in sheep and wool research, and be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution.

June 2024 Deadline

John Santos Distinguished Program Development in Clinical Gerontology Award

• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline of Application: June 1, 2024

John Santos, a retired Retirement Research Fund board member, established an award in 2009 to honor the contributions of psychologists and students working with older adults. Candidates must be nominated and endorsed by a division member, providing a letter of nomination, CV, evidence of impact, and two additional letters of support.

Kay F. Fullwood Northeast Florida Geriatric Nursing Scholarship Fund

The scholarship is open to nursing students in Northeast Florida enrolled in an accredited graduate program focusing on geriatrics and practicing geriatric N.P.s in an accredited DNP program. 

Henry and Sylvia Richardson Research Grant

• Type of Scholarship: Annual 

The grant, established by Henry and Sylvia Richardson, offers research funds to post-doctoral ESA members with at least one year of experience in insect control. The recipient must be an ESA member and a highly skilled scholar working with insect control methods like attractants, repellents, biological controls, thermocontrols, or chemical controls.

F.J. McGuigan Dissertation Award

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline of Application: June 5, 2024

The F. J. McGuigan Dissertation Award supports research on mental function and understanding the mind from behavioral and neural perspectives. The award is open to any area of behavioral or brain science. Applicants must meet specific criteria: quality, viability, originality, competence, and resource allocation. Candidates must have finished their PhD candidacy and received committee approval for their dissertation.

Aylesworth Scholarship 

• Deadline of Application: June 12, 2024

The Aylesworth Scholarship offers support to students enrolled in universities across Florida. Eligible applicants can pursue research in any academic field that pertains to marine sciences, provided their institution participates in the Florida Sea Grant program. 

To qualify, candidates must be U.S. residents, actively seeking a doctoral degree, and studying disciplines such as ocean science, biology, engineering, economics, marine science, or food science. Additionally, applicants must be full-time students attending a Florida-based institution and demonstrate financial need to be considered for this scholarship.

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship  

• Deadline of Application: June 15, 2024

This is one of the most inclusive scholarships, open to U.S. students with U.S. citizenship or a valid Visa/U.S. passport. However, because recipients are picked through a random draw, those affiliating with Niche cannot apply. This includes employees, officers, directors, and their children, grandchildren, or those affiliated with Niche’s other partnering organizations. 

This scholarship is also only applicable to students planning to study in one of Niche’s listed colleges .

Wayne F. Placek Grants

• Amount: Up to $15,000

The Wayne F. Placek Grant, which has been awarded over $1 million since 1995, aims to enhance public understanding of homosexuality and sexual orientation. It helps fund research and initiatives for doctoral students that focus on alleviating stress experienced by the LGBTQ community. This includes addressing prejudice, discrimination, and underrepresentation in scientific research.

APF welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including doctoral-level researchers and graduate students, and encourages early career researchers and graduate students.

CVS Health / AACP Community Pharmacy Health Equity Award for Student Pharmacists

• Amount: $20,000 
• Deadline of Application: June 16, 2024

This award is given to 21 students annually who demonstrate high academic performance and those who overcome financial barriers. Underrepresented minority, disabled, and military service students are encouraged to apply. The award recognizes leadership, academic success, and commitment to patient care in underserved communities.

The Springfield Research Fund Dissertation Fellowship

• Amount: Up to $10,000

Springfield Research Fund Dissertation Fellowship offers graduate students the opportunity to research contemporary LGBTQIA+ issues, aiming to dispel stereotypes and negative information contributing to prejudice and discrimination. Intersectional stigmas will be prioritized in 2024. It offers a $10,000 fund for each recipient, with a $1,000 bonus upon publication. 

Applicants must have begun their doctoral studies in a regionally accredited university. They must submit a dissertation abstract, statement of need, and CV.

ONS Foundation Josh Gottheil Memorial Stem Cell Transplant Development Award

Josh’s Fund, established in 1994, awards educational grants to oncology nurses to support their professional development. It also establishes endowments for emotional and mental support. 

Among ONF’s several awards is the Josh Gottheil Memorial Stem Cell Transplant Development. It aims to offer financial assistance to non-advanced practice-level registered nurses in stem cell transplantation and bone marrow. Applicants must have one or more years in practice.

Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award

• Amount: $10,000
• Deadline of Application: June 2024

The Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award is given annually to periodontology residents who are advancing clinical therapies in periodontal regeneration. U.S. students in their second and third years of periodontal residency are eligible for this award. Applicants must also have completed original research and published a manuscript advancing periodontal regeneration clinical therapies.

The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

• Amount: $30,000 up to 400,000 (international coursework or research of up to 4 years)
• Deadline of Application: June 30, 2024

The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships program is open to full-time Ph.D. students involved in peace and conflict prevention or resolution, disease prevention and treatment, and water and sanitation. Applications can be made via a local Rotary Club chapter, and the chapter must sponsor non-Rotarians applying for the scholarship. The chapter creates the applicants’ initial application, and the latter then completes the online scholar profile.

The amount can be used for various costs, including passport/visa, travel expenses, tuition and other fees, vaccinations, school supplies, room and board, and household supplies. Application is year-round. However, scholarship applications for August, September, or October studies must be submitted by 30 June.  

July 2024 Deadline

Marketing Research Grant

• Deadline of Application: July 15, 2024

Offered by the Harold & Muriel Berkman Charitable Foundation, Inc., this Marketing Research Grant is applicable to students enrolled in an AACSB-accredited program. It gives priority to applicants who are focused on scientific research and knowledge production in business administration. 

Marian R. Stuart Grant

• Amount: Up to $20,000
• Deadline of Application: July 10, 2024

The APF Marian R. Stuart Grant offers up to 20,000 USD to early-career researchers researching mental and physical health. While APF welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, preference is given to psychologists in medical schools.

MNF Ph.D. Research Grants

• Deadline of Application: July 12, 2024

The Mississippi Nurses Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises, accepts, and distributes charitable donations to enhance Mississippi’s professional nursing and overall health. Among its scholarships is the MNF Ph.D. Research Grants, which aim to help nursing professionals complete their original research. Applicants must be in good standing in a PhD Nursing program in Mississippi, a Mississippi resident, and a Mississippi Nurses Association member.

August 2024 Deadline

Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk Veteran Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: Opens May 1, 2024, ends August 31, 2024 

The Harold and Muriel Berkman Charitable Foundation has established a scholarship in honor of Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, renowned for his World War II and Vietnam War achievements. This scholarship program accepts applicants from online and on-campus AACSB-accredited degree programs. It is awarded to an exceptional veteran applicant, chosen by the review committee from the finalists.

Carole Bailey Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Deadline of Application: September 18, 2024

The Carole Bailey Scholarship is offered by the AccessLex Institute, an organization focused on promoting quality legal education for purpose-driven students. This scholarship program, awarded annually to ABA-accredited law students, provides up to $5,000 for those committed to public service in a legal career.

September 2024 Deadline

YIVO Institute for Jewish Research Fellowships 

• Deadline of Application: Opens September 2024

The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research is a leading institution preserving and studying East European Jewry’s history and culture. The institute offers several fellowship programs to encourage more students to pursue research in the field and contribute to YIVO’s archives and library collections.

$5,000 awards: 

• YIVO – Joseph Kremen Memorial Fellowship: Available for postgraduate researchers studying Eastern European Jewish arts, theater, and music. 
• YIVO- Dora and Meyer Tendler Fellowship: Available for student researchers of American Jewish history and the Jewish labor movement. 
• YIVO- Abraham and Rachela Melezin Memorial Fellowship: The scholarship supports original doctoral research in Baltic Jewish studies for 2-3 months.
• YIVO-  Workmen’s Circle/Dr. Emanuel Patt Visiting Professorship: Offered to postgraduate Eastern European Jewish Studies students. This can be combined with other YIVO fellowships. 

$3,000 awards: 

• YIVO Vladimir and Pearl Heifetz Memorial Fellowship: Available for East European Jewish Literature researchers.
• YIVO Dina Abramowicz Emerging Scholar Fellowship: Intended for post-doctoral research focus on Eastern European Jewish Studies.
• YIVO Aleksander and Alicja Hertz Memorial Fellowship: The Fund supports research on Polish-Jewish history, including modern relations, the Holocaust, and Jewish contributions to Polish literature and culture.

Every fellow is also required to deliver a public lecture regarding their research. The research period should be between 2 and 3 months only. Interested applicants should submit a written summary of their respective research on acceptable topics.

YIVO – Fellowship in East European Jewish Studies

• Amount: $18,000 stipend 
• Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2024

The combined Professor Bernard Choseed Memorial Fellowship and the Natalie and Mendel Racolin Memorial Fellowship come with many benefits. Aside from the financial stipend, three months of free access to the YIVO Library and Archives are also offered for research. They, on the other hand, will be required to deliver at least two public lectures on Jewish studies.

October 2024 Deadline

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF)

• Amount: Varies 
• Deadline of Application: Opens October 1, 2024

NEF offers several scholarship opportunities for doctoral students in the field of nursing, many of which are the result of endowments by notable nursing practitioners who want to support the continued education of professional nurses. 

• The NEF/Johnson and Johnson Health Equity Scholarship program promotes the research, advocacy and clinical practice of nursing professionals interested in underrepresented groups and addressing the health inequalities and disparities in these populations. 
• The AJN/Thelma Schorr Scholarship program has a preference for nurses with nursing leadership potential. 
• The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship permanent program awarded scholarships to nurses studying nursing education at the doctoral level. 
• The M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Scholarship program is for black nurses in doctoral degree programs. 

American Cancer Society Post-doctoral Fellowships

• Amount: Up to $66,000
• Deadline of Application: Oct. 15, 2024

ACS, the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit organization funding scientists and doctorates studying cancer, offers grants and fellowships managed by the Extramural Discovery Science (EDS) team. The Post-doctoral Fellowships are designed to help new investigators in research training programs, preparing them for independent careers in cancer research. Program funding includes

• progressive stipends of up to $70k for up to 3 years,
• an annual fellowship allowance of $4k, and
• a $1,500 travel fund. 

The application is open to U.S. citizens or non-citizens with an appropriate visa and within four years of obtaining a doctoral degree.

November 2024 Deadline

NCTM & AMTE Early Career Research Grant

• Amount: $10,000 each, maximum 
• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024 

Granted in partnership with Eugene P. & Clara M. Smith Mathematics Education Research Fund, the Early Career Research Grant accepts applications from doctoral candidates pursuing math education degrees. The grant must be used in supporting their doctoral research project, preferably projects that bridge research and practice. 

Note that early career math educators or those who have completed either an EdD or PhD in math education or other related fields within the past five years are eligible to apply. Doctoral students will only be considered if they have advanced to candidacy status in accredited programs. 

Newberry Consortium in American Indian Studies Faculty Fellowship

• Amount: $5,000/month (Long-term fellowship for 4-9 months); $5,000/month (Short-term fellowship for a month only)
• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024 (Long-term fellowship); December 15, 2024 (Short-term fellowship)

The American Indian Studies Faculty Fellowship is intended for scholars in the early stages of their careers who are involved in American Indian studies, specifically research in the Newberry Consortium collections. Doctoral students are welcome to apply. The monthly stipend can be used for a wide range of education-related expenses, too.

Fellows receive the NCAIS research carrel and other fellowship privileges, as well as perform responsibilities related to their research. These include research presentations, seminar participation, and consultation with other NCAIS Graduate Student Fellows.

AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S.

• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) offers post-doctoral research fellowships for archaeologists working at Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) or its project collaborators. The fellowships are for either fall 2024 or spring 2025 in selected universities, including the University of Cincinnati, the Joukowsky Institute at Brown University, or the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Fellows are provided with financial support for travel expenses, a stipend for living expenses, and residency at a university housing or rental housing, as well as library privileges. The residency lasts for 2-3 months only, during which time the Fellows are expected to give a minimum of one lecture at their respective host university. 

Applications should include a duly filled-up online application form, a curriculum vitae, and two references, among others.

National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Engineering Fellowship

• Amount: $16,000 living stipend for the first academic year plus a paid summer internship
• Deadline of Application: November 8, 2024

The National GEM Consortium in Engineering Fellowship is open to Ph.D. students belonging to the minority, and who have been accepted into a doctoral program straight from a bachelor’s degree program or who have earned a master’s in Engineering. Fellows can be enrolled in any of the participating GEM member universities. 

The above-mentioned stipend applies to the first academic year of fellowship for a Ph.D. Engineering/Science Fellow. After that, the fellow will enjoy a continued living stipend up to the fifth year of Ph.D. studies through a combination of alternative funding sources. The fellow will also have his tuition and fees paid for by the GEM university member.

American Association of University Women American Fellowship Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grants

• Amount: $8,000–$50,000
• Deadline of Application: November 30, 2024

The Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grant is the oldest female-specific scholarship program for graduate students. Of course, only female graduate students are considered, and they must either be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants should also be available for eight consecutive weeks during the summer.

The American Association of University Women’s selection committee applies strict criteria in choosing the annual crop of scholars. The criteria include academic excellence, project originality, project design quality, project scholarly significance to the discipline, and project feasibility. The applicant’s qualifications are also considered.

History of Art Institutional Fellowships

• Amount: $30,000
• Deadline of Application: November 30, 2024 at 5 PM EST

Devoted to studying European art, architecture, and archaeology heritage, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation chooses six applicants each year to receive up to $30,000 worth of research grants. Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program focused on antiquity to the early 19th century. They should also be completing all higher degree work except dissertation.  

Patty and Paul Levi Research Award

The Patty and Paul Levi Research Award, offered by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, grants a predoctoral student or students annually. They should be doing research related to preventative periodontology under faculty supervision. The applicant can apply post-graduation, provided their research was conducted during predoctoral studies, and must submit their current C.V.s. 

December 2024 Deadline

SMART Scholarship Program

• Amount: Up to $46,000
• Deadline of Application: December 1, 2024

SMART, a Department of Defense-funded scholarship program, provides full tuition, stipends, and guaranteed employment for STEM students pursuing degrees in 24 disciplines. It aims to increase underrepresented students’ participation in the DoD STEM workforce, particularly for high school seniors in Historically Black colleges and universities.

Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship

Norman S. Baldwin, the inaugural executive secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, guided the organization for 15 years until his untimely passing in 1971. The Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship seeks to inspire talented graduate students to pursue advanced research in fishery biology and Great Lakes science, prioritizing scientific excellence and innovative inquiry.

The chosen candidates will be awarded $3,000 scholarships each, with the Awards Committee distributing them as needed. Applicants must be master’s or Ph.D. students with relevant research topics who have not been previously awarded. 

David M. Dolan Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000 
• Deadline of Application: December 1, 2024 

David M. Dolan’s scholarship, which started in 2014, honors students conducting graduate research in statistics, mathematical modeling, data analysis, or quantitative decision support to advance the understanding and management of Great Lakes ecosystems. The scholarship is open to exceptional students whose graduate research aligns with Dr. Dolan’s work on Great Lakes ecosystems but not relatives of IAGLR officers or directors.

Applicants must submit an extended abstract and a brief title for their proposed research. It should highlight how the study of the Great Lakes relates to the use of applied environmental statistics and modeling. In addition to the $3,000, recipients will receive a one-year membership in the IAGLR.

Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication

• Amount: Up to $15,000 per year 
• Deadline of Application: December 2, 2024 by 5 PM EST

The Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication from the Rheumatology Research Foundation supports student, researcher, and clinician training in rheumatology. They are among the top supporters of those who dedicate their studies to enhancing patient-clinician interactions and communications. 

Eligible candidates include trainees, junior researchers, and health professionals without funding. Projects must address patient-clinician interactions and communications, including small-scale research, curriculum creation, participation in education, patient-facing materials, health literacy/numeracy studies, and shared decision-making in healthcare settings.

AWWA Abel Wolman Scholarship

• Amount: $30,000 for one year (If necessary, a fellow can apply and be approved for the second year of financial support)
• Deadline of Application: December 2024

Students who are pursuing advanced training and research, including doctoral studies in water supply and treatment and its related fields, can apply for the Abel Wolman Fellowship. The doctoral fellowship provides financial support for up to two years to an outstanding student. Applications can be sent to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and more information can be seen on its site.

AWWA Larson Aquatic Research Support Scholarships

• Amount: $7,000/student

Made in honor of Dr. Larson, the Larson Aquatic Research Support (LARS) scholarship is available for outstanding doctoral students engaged in the fields of science and engineering. The selection committee chooses one doctoral student every year for the scholarship, with an emphasis on excellent academics and leadership potential.

Applications must include a resume, official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and GRE scores as well as a course of study. Be sure to submit your research plans, too, with your application.

Martin Frank Diversity Travel Awards

• Amount: Up to $1,500 in travel support 
• Deadline of Application: December 8, 2024

The Martin Frank Diversity Travel Award program aims to increase participation in physiological sciences among trainees and early career faculty from historically underrepresented backgrounds. It provides travel awards to students and professionals interested in attending the American Physiology Summit. Recipients receive travel reimbursement, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The program is open to specific underrepresented populations defined by the NIH .

National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Science Scholarship

• Amount: $16,000 living stipend plus a paid summer internship

The National Gem Consortium’s PhD Science Scholarship is exclusive for students belonging to the minority in their first year of doctoral studies. Applicants should be pursuing a natural science discipline, such as earth science, chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, and computer science. The scholarship applies to an accredited GEM member university.

Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and get promising GRE scores.

Frances C. Allen Fellowship

• Amount: $3,000 per month (1-2 month’s duration)
• Deadline of Application: December 15, 2024

The Frances C. Allen Fellowship is exclusive to women of American Indian heritage. Applicants must be engaged in studies related to the Newberry Research Library’s collections, and the fellow must use the resources at the Chicago, Illinois, library. Applicants should also write to the library for more details, although application forms are available on the official website.

Gil Kushner Memorial Travel Award

• Amount: $750 in travel support 
• Deadline of Application: December 20, 2024

Gilbert Kushner was key in establishing applied anthropology as a graduate discipline. Gil has made USF’s Department of Anthropology among the most thriving applied research centers. The $750 travel expense award is given annually to a select few who want to attend the SfAA annual meeting.

Sallie Mae Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: December 31, 2024

Sallie Mae has launched a scholarship program for employees’ children pursuing college education. The program offers renewable scholarships for full-time study at an accredited institution, with eligibility determined by the sponsor. The scholarship is open to legal residents of the United States.

Year-round Scholarships

Lou Hochberg Thesis and Dissertation Awards 

• Type of Scholarship: Continuous
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline of Application: Continuous

While the Lou Hochberg scholarship’s $1,000 grant isn’t much, its eligibility requirements are relatively easy to comply with. The essays submitted should focus on the social, biophysical, and experimental aspects of Wilhelm Reich’s discoveries. These are then judged based on their clarity, merit, and accuracy, and there’s no deadline for submissions.

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•       Financial Aid       PhD Scholarships and Financial Aid

PAYING FOR YOUR PHD Expert Tips, Scholarships Opportunities and Resources for Financing an Advanced Degree

The average yearly tuition for a PhD program is slightly above $16,000, which means students will invest about $80,000 in tuition fees alone for a five-year program. Add in fees, cost-of-living, travel expenses and the figure can easily surpass six figures. Yet, it is possible to fund a PhD program without breaking the bank and going into debt.

Featured Online Schools

• PhD Cost Breakdown
• PhD Financial Aid Options
• Expert Spotlight: Lawrence Burns, PhD
• Earning Outlook for Phd Students
• Most Lucrative PhD Careers
• Expert Spotlight: Darren Pierre, PhD
• PhD: By The Numbers
• Additional Financial Aid Resources

PHD COST BREAKDOWN

The value of a college education should not be understated, but neither should its actual cost. Earning a doctoral degree can be an expensive proposition. According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and fees for a graduate program of study was $16,435 in 2012-2013. The table below outlines the 2012-2013 graduate tuition and fees by academic institution.

• All Institutions $16,435
• Public $10,408
• Private Non-Profit $23,698
• Private For-Profit $14,418

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

A rough calculation of the number of years it takes to complete a doctoral program, multiplied by the average 2012-2013 tuition and fees from the NCES, reveals the following total cost figures by academic field of study.

A five- to six-figure education is something to take seriously as there are debt implications after leaving finishing a PhD program. Graduating doctoral students in 2013 left school with an average debt of just over $15,000, according to the National Science Foundation. By field, students in the Social Sciences, Education and Humanities graduate with the highest levels of student debt:

• Education: $26,566
• Social Sciences: $26,222
• Humanities: $21,485

Conversely, the science and technology fields graduate students with the lowest debt figures:

• Physical Sciences: $6,342
• Engineering: $7,031
• Life Sciences: $11,905
• Physical Sciences 78.2%
• Engineering 75.1%
• Life Sciences 67.2%
• Humanities 48.4%
• Social Sciences 46.5%
• Education 44.1%

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2013

While these figures may seem alarming, a deeper dive into survey data from the National Science Foundation actually paints a more positive picture. Overall, more than 62 percent of all doctoral recipients graduate from school without a single dollar of debt.

Prospective students can use the table below to get a better sense of the percentage of students who take on debt at incremental levels in each field of academic study. A majority of students graduate with $10,000 or less in debt after finishing their doctoral degree.

PhD Cost Factors

The total cost of earning a doctoral degree is variable because of the sheer number of different factors involved. Tuition is not the only cost to consider when thinking about applying to a PhD program.

Typically, students pay full tuition rates during their first three years of doctoral study and receive reduced tuition rates for the remainder of the program. However, the actual cost of tuition does vary and may be dependent on the student’s actual degree program.

Graduate students pay a range of fees, with the most common including:

• Health Services (access to health facilities on campus)
• Health Insurance (personal health insurance)
• Student Activity (subsidizes athletics and other clubs)
• Student Recreation (access to recreational facilities on campus)

Some programs estimate students should be prepared to pay between $3,000 and $4,500 per academic year in student fees and health insurance costs.

Students with a master’s degree or coursework in a similar graduate program may be able to transfer credits into their doctoral program. That can lower the total number of credits required to graduate, which can lower the total cost of the degree. However, some institutions do limit the amount of tuition credits that can be applied for graduate work done in a related field at other institutions.

Whether or not the student has an assistantship does not affect the cost of textbooks and other academic materials. Books are a revolving charge, one a student should plan upon each semester or quarter.

Housing, utilities and food are considered indirect expenses students incur during their education. PhD students should plan on anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 and up for living expenses each year. Again, this figure is highly variable based on the location of the university and the cost-of-living in that area.

Owning a car means additional budgeting for insurance, car payments and gas. Additionally, students may need to travel for conferences and research. Without funding from a graduate student association or grant program, the student will have to cover these costs individually.

PhD students with children may have to account for childcare costs. Purchasing a new computer and other supplies may also be required. This type of budgeting will vary from individual to individual, program to program.

Most PhD programs allow students to progress at their own pace, requiring them to complete and defend their dissertation within a certain time period (e.g. six years). However, the time it takes to complete a dissertation depends on the student, area of study, research, etc. This can impact cost of attending a doctoral program.

Example Cost of Attendance

A student’s budget should include the total cost of attendance—that is both direct (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (e.g. housing). This budget is the starting point for determining the student’s financial need, how much financial aid they require, and if they can afford to attend a doctoral program. Below is a sample five-year total cost of attendance chart based on an in-state tuition program, with a budget that assumes fixed costs for fees and indirect costs, such as housing. It also does not take into account assistantships and tuition waivers for assistants.

Based on a figure that’s slightly below the 2012-2013 average graduate tuition cost, the total cost of attendance can still produce sticker shock. An average student in a program that charges $12,000 per year in tuition could have to pay between $30,000 and $45,000 year in total costs.

PhD FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS

Prospective PhD candidates have an abundance of financial aid options to help fund their graduate studies. Typically, students are fully funded by a combination of sources, including scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or student loans.

It is important for students to note that most sources of aid are awarded by individual academic programs, so they should follow-up with their department for up-to-date information.

Below is a high-level overview of the common types of graduate financial aid.

Prospective PhD candidates can turn to a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support their education financially. As discussed, most students use a combination of one or more of these funding sources to finance their degree program and research.

PhD students can apply for a variety of scholarships that award students with funds that can be used to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other fees.

Grants are similar to scholarships and are academic-based awards that can be used to augment other sources of financial aid.

Fellowships are a different type of funding that may encompass a scholarship or grant and can be used to fund research, study and teaching in the US and internationally. Many fellowships provide full tuition and a yearly stipend to students.

A PhD should never be an end in itself but rather a means to an end. The path to a PhD is an arduous one and should never be undertaken without serious thought to what it will bring the student. That said, there is money available for graduate study in most fields, and a student in the humanities should be very careful to apply to appropriate programs which fund their grad students.

• Engineering
• Physical Sciences

The SMART program is designed to support graduate students studying in STEM disciplines and offers a range of other benefits, including supplies and health insurance allowances and employment placement services with the DoD after graduation.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship is a three-year graduate fellowship that is designed to support doctoral students across fifteen engineering disciplines.

This three-year fellowship program supports the research efforts of doctoral students in STEM-related fields of study and allows them to pursue their work at any accredited graduate program in the country.

Renewable award for graduate students enrolled in a full-time APA-accredited doctoral program of study in psychology. Underrepresented, minority students are encouraged to apply.

This fellowship is open to female scholars and is designed to help offset the doctoral student’s living expenses during her final year of working on a dissertation.

This fellowship is a single-year of funding that is designed to support the doctoral research of a student working in child psychology.

The Javits Fellowship is provided on a needs- and competitive-basis to graduate students pursing graduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Two fellowships are awarded to support doctoral students who plan to study at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece for a year.

The Richard M. Weaver Scholarship is open to graduate student members of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and supports the academic work of scholars pursuing teaching careers at the college level.

The AICPA fellowship is designed for minority students pursuing or planning to pursue a doctorate in accounting.

Five scholarships are available to provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing studies in accounting and plan on earning CPA licensure.

This fellowship provides financial support to female scholars conducting research and economic analysis into natural resource, food, or agricultural issues.

This renewable, four-year fellowship is designed to support a scholar’s work in the field of stewardship science: nuclear science, high density physics, and materials under extreme conditions and hydrodynamics.

This multi-year fellowship supports doctoral research in several fields, ranging from chemistry to geology, materials science to physics and connects fellows with NPSC employer partners.

The NWRI fellowship program is open to full-time doctoral students conducting water-based research in areas such as water quality, water treatment and technologies, water supplies and water resources.

Really think about your reasons for getting a PhD. Critically exam the support systems you have in place to get you through the journey: 50 percent of doctoral students suffer from depression. Utilize services like the counseling center on your college/university campuses to help you respond to the stressors that may occur with the transition.

ASSISTANTSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS AND LOANS

Graduate assistantships.

Graduate assistantships are a form of academic appointment and are provided by individual departments. Competitive in nature, they are typically awarded on the basis of the student’s academic accomplishments and potential in the graduate program of study. Most programs provide appointments for one year at time and students receive a tuition credit or waiver and monthly stipend. There are three types of assistantships: Teaching Assistantships, Assistant Lecturers, and Research Assistants.

Teaching assistants perform a range of support duties for faculty members at a university, including grading papers and teaching classes.

Lecturers may serve as instructors in the academic department where they are studying.

Research assistants conduct and assist faculty members with research projects in the student’s area of interest.

Fellowships

Fellowships are short-term funding opportunities (typically 9- to 12 months) provided to students in the form of tuition credits and/or stipends. They support a student’s graduate study in their field of choice, may assist them in their research, or gain professional training in an area of interest. Fellowships are competitive and are available in two types: University-based and External.

Individual schools, colleges, and departments at a university (e.g. College of Science, Department of English) may have endowed fellowships. Students are either nominated for an award by their department or may be open to an application process.

External fellowships are funded by foundations, government agencies and other groups and provide opportunities to study both in the US and abroad. For example, the Department of Defense offers the National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship to engineering students studying in one of sixteen engineering specialties.

Corporations

Many companies and businesses have created scholarship, fellowship, and tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. Depending on the company, there may be a possibility it supports the graduate school efforts of its employees. Speak to the Human Resources department to learn more about the potential funding avenues available.

Graduate students may borrow funds from the federal government under two loan programs: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

Private financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, offer unsecured educational loans to graduate students. These loans must be repaid with interest. The interest rates, loan amount, and repayment terms are based on the credit worthiness of the borrower.

Federal work study provides students with demonstrated financial need part-time job opportunities that allow them to earn income while they are in graduate school. The program focuses on placing students in community service situations related to the student’s academic course of study. A majority of jobs are on-campus, but some schools may have some off-campus jobs with nonprofit agencies and other groups. It is important to note that some universities may not allow students to use their federal work study for tuition, but other related expenses (e.g. books, fees).

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Lawrence Burns, PhD

What should a future phd student consider when selecting a program of   study .

Speaking in the humanities, a student is best advised, I think, to select the faculty member with whom he or she wishes to study rather than simply a program. This faculty member becomes the student’s mentor, a relationship that lasts well beyond graduate school years. Because the mentor becomes the student’s primary reference, his or her standing in the field can and does have an impact on pre- and post-doctoral grants a student might win as well as on the student’s success on the academic job market.

It is a delicate balance though, because one must also look at programs that have standing in a particular field and at institutions that can afford to fund their PhD students throughout their graduate years.

Much is made about the saturation of PhD graduates and not enough   positions — both in academic and the private sector. Should that dissuade   a student from pursuing a PhD?

Yes, of course. Again, a PhD is not something that comes easily, and it should not be pursued without a reason for it. On the other hand, for students who are committed to their fields, and for whom that field is a career choice, the PhD is still the only way into the university job market. 

There is a catch-22 in the world of post-graduate education. Research universities need to turn out research, and researchers often depend on their grad students to assist them–in all fields–and departments on their PhD candidates to teach many undergraduate courses. PhD students are thus recruited regardless of the job market for the PhD holders.

The challenges in funding the PhD for me were less about how am I going to pay for this degree, but making the adjustment from being a full-time salaried employee to now, taking a significant pay cut to serve as a graduate assistant.

EARNING OUTLOOK FOR PHD STUDENTS

Potential career earnings should be a significant part of the discussion when considering whether or not to pursue a doctoral degree. Completing an advanced program of study could increase an individual’s earning potential with their current or future employers.

Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a direct correlation between educational attainment and career success—both in employment opportunities and annual salaries. Doctoral degree holders are some of the highest paid professionals in the country. The table below outlines the difference in earnings by degree level in 2014.

source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Earnings and Unemployment by Educational Attainment

• Industry or Business $97,700
• Government $82,000
• Nonprofit Organizations $72,500
• Other $70,000
• Academia $60,000

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates

In turn, prospective students should consider how their sacrifice of time and money will pay off when they embark in their careers. Some professional fields have a higher return on investment than others. A majority of PhD candidates endeavor to become tenured-track faculty members, but they should realize that academia is one of the lowest paying sectors for individuals with a doctoral degree.

A review of National Science Foundation survey information shows that the best paying professional areas for PhD graduates include Industry and Business—with an average salary of $97,700. At the bottom of the list? Academia.

MOST LUCRATIVE PHD CAREERS

So, which PhD degrees pay the best?

According to the NSF, business, economics, and engineering are consistently among the best earning academic fields regardless of industry. The following tables outline the highest paying academic fields by professional area of work after graduation.

• Business Management and Administration $110,000
• Economics $82,000
• Engineering $79,000
• Health Sciences $70,000
• Education $60,000
• Business Management and Administration $135,000
• Economics $115,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $115,000
• Geosciences $110,000
• Engineering $98,000
• Economics $112,500
• Business Management and Administration $96,590
• Engineering $96,500
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $95,300
• Health Sciences $94,000
• Business Management and Administration $105,000
• Economics $100,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $100,000
• Health Sciences $98,000

At the occupational level, 2012 employment research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the best paying doctoral career was Physicist ($109,600), followed by Astronomers ($105,410), and Engineering Professors ($94,130).

Overall, the top 10 most lucrative PhD careers include the following:

• 1 Physicists $109,600
• 2 Astronomers $105,410
• 3 Engineering Professors $94,130
• 4 Economics Professors $90,870
• 5 Health Specialties Professors: $90,210
• 6 Agricultural Sciences Professors $86,260
• 7 Biochemists and Biophysicists $84,940
• 8 Forestry and Conservation Science Professors $84,090
• 9 Physics Professors $80,720
• 10 Medical Scientists $79,930

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Darren Pierre, PhD

How has earning a phd impacted you personally and professionally.

Personally, the PhD was an incredibly introspective process. I believe for many, they go into the PhD thinking one thing, and come out transformed by the experience. I learned and grew personally in how I harness my self-worth, I grew professionally in my ability to humble myself and authentically listen to the feedback given about my work.

Professionally, I move with a greater level of confidence, I have more insight into my own potential in ways I could have never imagined, and all of that propelled me to write my book, The Invitation to Love.

Through your own experience, what are the biggest mistakes   prospective PhD students make when choosing and/or funding their PhD?

The biggest mistake that perspective students make is doing the degree for the wrong reason. If you are doing the degree for any other reason that self-motivated factors, you will falter. Doing the PhD to cover areas of insecurity, or low self-worth; doing the PhD for the prestige or title sake, those reasons will have you floundering and faltering when the psychological stressors being to weigh heavy.

Did you create a roadmap--financially or academically--to stay on track to   completing your PhD?

Absolutely, you have to have a plan and work that plan. Each Sunday, I would develop the week's action plan, I would carve out everything from when I was doing assignments/research to when I would work out, everything was on a schedule so that even when the fog of the process set in, I had headlights (my schedule) that allowed me to drive consistently when the road ahead was hard to see.

PHD: BY THE NUMBERS

Doctoral education in the U.S. is a varied and broad system, one that has been growing in popularity. In the 2013-2014 academic year, more than 178,000 doctoral degrees were conferred to students nationally, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

• Doctoral Education Continues to Grow
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Dominate
• STEM Fields are the Most Popular
• Only Half of Students Earn a PhD in the Same Academic Field as their Master’s Degree
• Doctoral Degrees are an Investment in Time
• Primary Source of Funding Varies by Program

In its survey of earned doctorates, the National Science Foundation learned the number of doctoral recipients increased by nearly 30 percent between 2003 and 2013.

The most popular academic areas of study were Engineering and the Physical Sciences.

• Engineering 69.80%
• Physical Sciences 59.30%
• Health Sciences 53.60%
• Life Sciences 44.60%
• Other 38.90%
• Social Sciences 19.90%
• Humanities 9.10%
• Education -25.70%

Within the engineering and physical sciences disciplines, multiple sub-fields have been experiencing explosive interest and enrollments, with some programs (e.g. physics, materials science engineering) growing by more than 70 percent between 2003 and 2013.

• Other engineering 127.5%
• Materials science engineering 86.5%
• Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering 74.5%
• Mechanical engineering 70.5%
• Electrical, electronics, and communication engineering 53.6%
• Chemical engineering 46.0%
• Computer and information sciences 119.1%
• Mathematics 83.0%
• Physics and astronomy 76.7%
• Geosciences 28.8%
• Chemistry 22.0%

According to NSF, the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are the most popular doctoral areas of study.

• Life Sciences 23.3%
• Physical Sciences 17.6%
• Engineering 17.0%
• Social Sciences 15.9%
• Humanities 10.7%
• Education 9.4%

Interestingly, slightly more than 56 percent of graduate students continue into a doctoral program in the same field as their master’s degree. Rates are highest in the humanities, engineering, and social sciences fields.

• Humanities 67.6%
• Engineering 65.7%
• Social Sciences 65.6%
• Education 61.5%
• All Fields 56.1%
• Physical Sciences 53.4%
• Life Sciences 35.5%

It requires approximately 7.5 years of study for the average graduate student to complete a doctoral degree after enrolling in graduate school. Education takes the longest — more than 11 years, while the physical sciences and engineering fields only require 6.5 to 6.6 years of study to complete.

• Education 11.7
• Humanities 9.2
• Social Sciences 7.7
• All Fields 7.5
• Life Sciences 6.9
• Engineering 6.6
• Physical Sciences 6.5

According to the NSF, the most common source of funding for doctoral students are teaching and research assistantships. The table below details the primary source of funding for students by academic area of study.

• Life Sciences Fellowships/ Grants
• Physical Sciences Research Assistantships
• Social Sciences Teaching Assistantships
• Engineering Research Assistantships
• Education Own Resources
• Humanities Teaching Assistantships
• All Fields Research Assistantships

The following table includes a breakout of the primary funding source by major field of study, according the National Science Foundation.

Source: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/sed/2013/data-tables.cfm

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES

The ultimate financial goal of any PhD student should be to complete their program successfully and move into a professional career with as little debt as possible. The resources below are available to help students locate scholarships and other funding sources that can help make that goal a reality.

Unigo offers a selection of financial assistance resources for graduate students, including a scholarship directory, a scholarship match tool, educational information on student loans and funding options, and more.

Scholarships.com is a website that provides a selection of financial aid information, including a searchable scholarship directory, insights into funding trends, financial aid calculators, and information about grants and fellowships.

Peterson’s is an educational resource site that includes a searchable scholarship database, articles and advice columns, and a catalog of graduate school profiles.

FinAid.org is an educational resource site that focuses on financial aid and offers information about student loans, federal financial aid, financing a doctoral education, and includes a scholarship search option.

An office of the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid is the country’s largest provider of financial aid. Graduate students can learn about and pally for loans, grants, and work-study funds to pay for their doctoral education.

FastWeb is a financial aid-focused website that offers a searchable scholarship directory that allows students to focus their search to their major area of study, work experience, and personal and professional activities.

Chegg is an online educational portal that not only offers used textbooks, but a scholarship database as well.

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Financing Your Education - Doctoral Programs

A doctoral degree is a significant investment in your future, and financing your education is a critical factor to consider. While the funding we provide covers the basic standard cost of attendance determined by Stanford University for a modest life as a graduate student, accepting an offer from a doctoral program has significant personal, professional, and financial implications. Below you’ll find information on GSE and Stanford financial support for doctoral students, as well as other important considerations when it comes to financing your PhD.

Funding guarantee

Stanford GSE offers all admitted PhD students a five-year funding package that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary which covers the standard cost of attendance. The funding is based on meeting the basic financial need of the student alone for the first five academic years of the doctoral program and entails assistantship work. The cornerstone of the GSE doctoral experience is the apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well. In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a funding package that consists of opportunities to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the coursework, students are prepared to excel as university faculty, education researchers, and leaders in the field.

All funding is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and performance on the research and teaching assistantships. There is no separate application for this funding.

Assistantships

As part of the academic and professional training and development, students undertake assistantships which provide both salary and tuition. Research assistantships are funded by faculty research grants, other faculty funds or as needed, by the GSE Dean’s Office, and can lead to joint publications with faculty or to dissertation topics. Students who have sufficient expertise and experience may also be selected as teaching assistants for courses at the GSE or other Stanford schools and departments. Assistantships are typically secured in consultation with faculty advisors. Students work 10 hours (25% assistantship) or 20 hours (50% assistantship) a week depending on their year in the program. 

• Research assistantship (RA): Various duties for research projects
• Teaching assistantships (3 types):
• Course Assistant (CA)—course preparation and grading
• Teaching Assistant (TA)—leads regularly-scheduled discussion sections
• Teaching Affiliate (TF)—full responsibility for course

Funding Details 2023-2024

Note: The above figures reflect 2023-2024 rates. Actual amounts will be adjusted to the rates for 2024-25 and future years.

Cost of attendance

Tuition depends on the units taken by the student. In addition to tuition expenses, the cost of attendance of a PhD program involves living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. The sum of tuition and non-tuition expenses constitutes the standard cost of attendance. 

As you consider applying to graduate school, you can use the standard cost of attendance of your program —plus any additional expenses you might have—to create your financial plan, keeping in mind that tuition and non-tuition expenses of the standard cost of attendance are set by the university on an annual basis.

What you can do now to prepare financially if admitted

• Prepare for how your standard of living may change as a graduate student, especially if you are coming from a full-time job.
• Consider the length of your program, any dependents, existing debt, and additional financial commitments you may have. Students with children may review Stanford support programs for families.
• If you have personal or special circumstances that require additional expenses above and beyond the standard cost of attendance, plan accordingly.
• Start saving as much as you are able to cover any unexpected expenses you may incur while in graduate school.
• Familiarize yourself with federal as well as private student loans, their interest rates, fees, repayment options, deferment policies, and eligibility requirements, so that you are informed if you need to borrow.
• Be ready to cover all initial expenses, since fellowships and stipends will not be disbursed until a few weeks into your first quarter. Onboarding into a PhD program often requires up front out of pocket expenses for relocation.

Additional GSE resources

Once PhD students matriculate, the GSE has a variety of resources available to support academic work and unanticipated needs.

Students are eligible for up to three travel fellowships during their time at GSE if they are attending a conference or other professional development opportunity.

GSE Student Emergency Fund assists graduate students who experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses causing financial hardship. This fund is meant to support those who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through fellowships, loans, or personal resources. 

GSE Dissertation Support Grants help advanced PhD students who require additional financial support for dissertation research activities. These grants, available at up to $6,500 total per student, are available to students who do not have access to other funds to cover their dissertation costs.

Stanford University resources

Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program aims to prepare the next generation of global leaders to address the increasingly complex challenges facing the world. The program selects up to 100 students each year and provides three years of financial support that is integrated into the GSE’s funding package for PhD students.

Vice Provost for Graduate Education awards various fellowships for doctoral students and maintains a list of other Stanford fellowships that students may consider.

Cardinal Care subsidy is an automatic university-wide subsidy program for graduate students. Vaden Health Center manages the university’s Cardinal Care student health insurance.

Stanford Financial Aid Office oversees a number of financial support programs specifically for graduate students with challenging financial situations. 

Additional hourly work is available to students who wish to work for pay as "casual labor" at Stanford up to eight hours a week, provided work does not adversely affect the academic program. Requires approval from the student’s advisor and the Academic Services team.

Other funding sources

External fellowships are integrated into the GSE’s funding package. There are many funding opportunities offered outside of Stanford. The GSE admissions team has compiled an external fellowships and grants document for you to explore, though you should plan to do your own research as well. International students can find additional sources of funding on the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Funding for U.S. Study website and this publication .

Stanford is committed to providing benefits through the Yellow Ribbon Program of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to students in degree-seeking programs. GSE students who qualify for Chapter 33 benefits at the 100% level may be eligible for additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Please note that for GSE students receiving tuition fellowship funding, the Yellow Ribbon match may reduce and in some cases replace institutional grants and scholarships. For instructions, visit the page, Activate VA Education Benefits at Stanford .

International students are guaranteed the same funding package as domestic students. However, there may be restrictions regarding the number of hours and opportunities to work during the summer months. To learn more, please contact the Bechtel International Center .

To meet immigration regulations, international students must show proof of adequate financial support to cover the length of time of their graduate program. While international students are not eligible for U.S. federal loan programs, they may qualify for private/alternative loans. Many lenders, however, require that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-sign the loan. You can find information and tools to help you choose private loan programs most frequently used by Stanford students here. A comprehensive list of private loan programs is available at FinAid.org .

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Attending graduate school next year? Secure funding for your degree by researching scholarship opportunities.

In this post, we break down the different types of grad school scholarships you’ll want to consider, and where to find options to help you start your grad school journey.

Types of grad school scholarships

The process of finding scholarships for graduate school may be slightly different than what you did during undergrad. In fact, universities, professional organizations, states, private companies, and other entities tend to give more scholarship money to people pursuing graduate studies, especially if you're pursuing a specialized program or field.

Need-based scholarships  

These scholarships are based on a student's and/or their family’s financial situation. Eligibility requirements may vary based on the kind of scholarship. 

Merit scholarships

Based on achievement, merit scholarships are awarded in areas like academics, artistry, and athletics. Some merit scholarships take financial need into consideration but their primary objective is to reward talent. 

These awards often relate to your field and are typically need-based. Grants are like scholarships in the sense that you don’t have to pay them back.

Fellowships

Fellowships for graduate students usually fund short-term opportunities to study or conduct research in a specific field. They are typically awarded for academic excellence and can include an internship, service commitment, or offer a stipend. Fellowship opportunities can be found in most graduate fields.

Scholarships are awarded for different criteria. As you explore opportunities, here are a couple ways to consider your search:  

• Field: Look for scholarships based on your field, particularly if you’re involved in STEM subjects or other areas where your expertise may be in high demand. Research councils in most disciplines also provide grants for research-based study.
• Region: There are a lot of national scholarships with name recognition, but it can be easy to miss scholarships offered by your community or region. Search for scholarship opportunities by state , or contact your local department of education.
• Demographic: Scholarships are available to promote study for specific populations and support students with diverse racial, religious, and/or ethnic backgrounds and orientations. These include but are not limited to scholarships for women , first-generation college students , and students with disabilities .
• Service: If you are a current or former service program member—such as through AmeriCorps or Peace Corps—you may be eligible for an educational award through your program, and/or scholarships through your school. There are also graduate school scholarships for veterans available to those with military service. 

Pro Tip: If you’re a current or former participant in a service program, check out our list of helpful tips and resources for applying to grad school .

Where to look for grad school scholarships

Within your network.

Consider making connections through informational interviews , as well as building relationships with your colleagues and supervisors. In addition to securing potential funding through employer tuition assistance , those you work with may have connections to funding opportunities in the sector.

Alongside this more formalized networking, tap into your connections through family and friends. Those who know you best can act as an extra set of ears and eyes for opportunities. They may also know of scholarships beyond those available in your specific field.

At your undergraduate institution and prospective grad programs

Tap into the resources available to you through both your undergraduate and prospective graduate institutions. Career centers, professors, department chairs, and academic advisors are all great sources of information.

Through professional associations 

Professional associations can be found across most disciplines and may provide scholarships and grants for members to advance their education or develop professionally. Use your network to make connections and pursue opportunities at these associations. Additionally, consider signing up for newsletters or publications from these associations, as they may advertise scholarships and funding opportunities in the field. 

In your local community

Institutions, organizations, and businesses usually offer scholarships to assist students in their communities. Civic clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions are great local sponsors. 

At your library

Contact your local library for help with finding information and resources about available grants and scholarships, as well as educational materials to help you apply for grad school funding.

How to apply for grad school scholarships 

Scholarship selection committees receive many applications, so it's important that you're clear and concise. When sharing about yourself, talk about your unique skills and achievements and how graduate school (and this scholarship in particular!) will support your long-term goals.

Be sure to also communicate your achievements in relation to the priorities and goals of each scholarship you’re pursuing. For example, a scholarship sponsored by your state might be most interested in how you would take your learnings from a law degree and support civic engagement in your local community. A professional association scholarship that wants to support the next generation of legal scholars may want to hear about how your studies will support the field and contribute to the values of the association. 

Finding and applying for scholarships can be time consuming, so it’s important to begin the process as early as you can. Make sure to leave time to request additional application materials like official transcripts or letters of recommendation, and keep copies of your application for your records.

Considering grad school, but unsure of which type of program is right for you? Take our quiz to determine whether you should pursue a full-time or part-time grad degree program to narrow your options when applying.

More Grad Resources

How to Get Into Grad School | Tips for Undergrads

The Importance of Sharing Your Story with the Grad School Admissions Team

Tips for Finishing a Grad School Application

Your Guide to...Financial Aid for Graduate School

Angel uses his skills as a storyteller to support and inspire job seekers and aspiring social-impact professionals.

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How to Pay For Graduate School With Scholarships, Grants And Fellowships

Updated: Aug 22, 2023, 1:00pm

A master’s degree can often guarantee higher earnings than a bachelor’s degree, but it can also come with more student loan debt. Approximately 60% of those who complete graduate school have student loans , with an average balance of $66,000, according to a study by Northeastern University.

But before you get discouraged by the cost of earning a master’s degree, know that you may not have to pay the full price yourself. By using graduate school scholarships, grants and fellowship programs, you can save money and reduce the need for student loans. We’ll walk you through how to find the right program for you, without having to pull out more in student loans .

How to Find Free Ways to Pay For Grad School

The median earnings for master’s degree holders is $77,844—nearly $13,000 more than those with a bachelor’s degree. However, the cost of graduate school can be steep. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that the average cost of tuition and fees—not including room and board—is $19,314 per year, or over $38,000 to complete a two-year program.

Thankfully, there are many financial aid programs specifically designed for graduate students, including scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Graduate School Scholarships

Scholarships for graduate students are awarded by schools, nonprofit organizations and private companies. They’re usually based on academic and professional achievements. There are thousands of scholarship opportunities available; below are just a sampling of potential awards.

• American Indian Education Fund : Through the graduate school scholarship program, the American Indian Education Fund awards scholarships of $1,000 to $2,000 to eligible American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree.
• Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund : The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization focused on social change. Its scholarship program gives up to $15,000 to graduate students that plan to use their degrees to advocate against racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of oppression.
• Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship : Awarded by the American College of Healthcare Executives , this scholarship gives recipients up to $5,000. It’s for students in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program.
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation : The ASHFoundation scholarship offers awards of $5,000 for those who are enrolled in a communication sciences and disorders graduate program.

Grants for Grad School

While scholarships are usually based on past achievements, grants are awarded based on your financial need. As a graduate student, you may be eligible for federal or state grants, and some nonprofit organizations issue grants as well. For example:

• American Association of University Women : Through the Career Development Grant , women going to graduate school to advance their careers or change fields can get up to $12,000. To qualify, the applicant must be studying education, health, medical sciences or the social sciences.
• TEACH Grant : With a federal TEACH Grant , you can get up to $4,000 per year to pay for your graduate degree. However, you must commit to teaching in a high-need subject for at least four years in an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. Otherwise, your grant is converted into a student loan and must be repaid with interest.
• California State University Grant Program : This program gives eligible graduate students that are California residents up to $7,176 to pay for their degrees. Awards are determined by financial need and the degree you’re pursuing.

Fellowships for Graduate Students

Fellowships are often awarded based on your future potential, rather than your past achievements. Issued by government agencies, companies and nonprofit organizations, fellowships are designed to give you the funding you need to advance your career or complete your research. Here are a few to consider:

• Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship : The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship program is for first-year MBA students pursuing a summer associate position with the company. Students must be Black, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or identify as women. Fellowship recipients will get $35,000 on top of their summer associate salary.
• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship : The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship is for immigrants and the children of immigrants that the organization believes will make significant contributions to society or culture. Fellows receive up to $90,000 over two years.
• National Science Foundation Fellowship : The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recruits individuals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Past recipients include over 40 Nobel Laureates. It’s a five-year award program totaling $138,000 in financial assistance.

Grants vs. Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are two types of aid that usually don’t have to be repaid, but they work differently. Here’s how they compare.

When To Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Begin applying for scholarships and grants as soon as possible. Ideally, you’ll back about these awards before the school year starts (or early on) so you can determine if you have any funding gaps.

The actual deadlines for scholarships and grants can vary. Most scholarship deadlines fall between October and May, according to Scholarship.com. Since scholarships may involve writing essays and submitting recommendations, it’s best not to wait to apply.

You’ll need to complete the FAFSA for state, federal and institutional aid. The application opens each October before the start of the school year and closes in June of that school year. For example, the 2023-2024 school year application opened on October 1, 2022 and closes on June 30, 2024.

States may also have their own FAFSA deadline . Submit your application soon after the open dates since money may be limited and funds could be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis.

3 Tips To Apply for Scholarships and Grants

If you’re looking for grants and scholarships for graduate students, follow these tips:

1. Fill Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Even as a graduate student, completing the FAFSA is a crucial first step in applying for financial aid. It’s what the government and many schools use to determine your eligibility for awards, including grants and student loans.

2. Apply for Multiple Opportunities

You’re not limited to only one or two awards. You can combine multiple scholarships and grants to reduce your expenses. You can find scholarships for graduate students using resources like The College Board’s Scholarship search tool , Sallie Mae’s database , and FastWeb .

3. Pay Attention to Deadlines

Deadlines vary by issuing organization, so research available opportunities early and set reminders for applicable deadlines. Make sure you follow the program’s application directions and submit your materials by its deadline.

Applying for Fellowships

The application process for fellowships can be more involved than it is for graduate school scholarships and grants. Most fellowship programs are highly competitive, and require evidence of your potential within your field. You may need to complete a research proposal, submit multiple letters of recommendation, collect transcripts and create a detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

To find fellowship opportunities, you can check with your university and related professional associations. You can also search for fellowships using ProFellow.com .

Paying for Graduate School

While graduate school can be expensive, earning a master’s degree can have a positive return on your investment. And by utilizing grants, fellowships and scholarships for graduate students, you can lower your education costs so you don’t need to borrow as much money to pay for school. With some extra work and a little luck, you may be able to completely avoid graduate student loans .

Find the Best Private Student Loans of 2024

Frequently asked questions (faqs), what are other financing options for grad school.

If scholarships, grants and fellowships can’t cover the full cost of grad school, you could use loans to pay for the remaining expenses. Financing options include:

• Unsubsidized Direct loans. Unsubsidized Direct loans are federal loans for undergraduate and graduate students not based on financial need. These loans come with fixed interest rates and can qualify for loan forgiveness programs and income-driven repayment (IDR) plans like the new Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.
• Grad PLUS loans. Grad PLUS loans are federal loans specifically for graduate and professional students. Interest rates on grad PLUS loans are higher than other federal loans, so it’s best to use them only after exhausting all other federal loan options. Grad PLUS loans may also qualify for loan forgiveness programs and IDR plans, including the new SAVE plan.
• Private student loans. Lenders offer private student loans , but these loans don’t have the same borrower benefits as federal loans. However, interest rates on private graduate student loans may be lower than federal loans if you have good credit.

Are there any requirements for receiving grants and scholarships?

Grants are typically offered based on the applicant’s financial need, while scholarships may be based on financial need and professional, athletic or academic achievements.

When qualifying for grants, the cost of your school and your family’s ability to contribute to your education are considered. Scholarship applications may require a copy of your college transcripts, essays and other documentation showing a record of achievement.

How can I improve my chances of getting financial aid for grad school?

First, apply for financial aid early. Applying early could improve your chances of getting need-based aid since it can be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Next, consider applying to several schools to receive and compare multiple offers. If you don’t get as much aid as expected or your financial situation changes after submitting the FAFSA, you could ask the school to reevaluate your offer, which might help you get more assistance.

How is a fellowship different from a scholarship?

A graduate fellowship is an academic or professional enrichment opportunity. Typically, fellows receive a stipend in cash while training, studying, researching or participating in a project. You can use the stipend funds to pay for school or other expenses. Scholarships generally don’t require ongoing professional development and are based on past achievements. Funds from scholarships may also go directly to the school to cover tuition.

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List of PhD Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for International Students

Vanier canada graduate scholarships (vanier cgs).

Deadline: before 30 October 2024 (annual) Study in: Canada Course starts May/Sept 2025

East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowships

Deadline: 1 Dec 2024 (annual) Study in:  Hawaii, USA Course starts August 2025

Fulbright Foreign Student Program in USA

Deadline: varies, Feb-Oct 2024 Study in:  USA Course starts AY 2025-2026

Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University for International Students

Deadline: varies, July-Oct 2024 (annual) Study in: UK Course starts October 2024

University of Sydney International Scholarship

Deadline: 13 Sept/17 Dec 2024 Study in:  Australia Course starts 2025

Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

Deadline: 14 June 2024 (annual) Study in: Italy Course starts AY 2024/2025

2024 Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship

Deadline: 14 June 2024 (Annual) Study in: any Country Course starts 2024

Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development

Deadline: Rolling** Study in:  any Country* Course starts AY 2024/2025

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Deadline: 31 Mar 2024 (annual) Study in:  any Country Course starts 2023

Australia Awards Scholarships

Deadline: 30 April 2024 (annual) Study in:  Australia Course starts 2025

Türkiye Scholarships for International Students

Deadline: 20 Feb 2024 (annual) Study in:  Turkey Course starts 2024

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The Best PhD Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

Apply below right now to the Best PhD Scholarships. Exclusive Scholarships found only in Bold.org!

Eitel Scholarship

Eligibility criteria:.

• Education level : Graduate or Undergraduate student
• Background : Female student attending a Baptist College
• GPA : 3.0 and above

Augustus L. Harper Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate student
• Race : BIPOC
• Major : Accounting, finance, or business

Chief Lawrence J. Nemec Jr. Memorial Scholarship

• Experience : Volunteer as a firefighter or EMT

Creative Expression Scholarship

Capcut meme master scholarship, love island fan scholarship, carlos f. garcia muentes scholarship.

• Immigration status : First or second-generation immigrant
• Legacy Status : First-generation college student

Bear Fan Scholarship

Nyt connections fan scholarship, “the office” obsessed fan scholarship, “stranger things” fanatic scholarship, nintendo super fan scholarship, guts- olivia rodrigo fan scholarship, redefining victory scholarship.

• Education Level : Any

Team USA Fan Scholarship

Going merry "multiple no-essay scholarships in one" scholarship, book lovers scholarship.

• Background : Loves books
• Education Level : High school, undergraduate or graduate students

Eduardo Uvaldo Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate or Graduate
• Background : Lost a loved one

WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

• Graduation Year : Between 2020 and 2026

DK Memorial Sports Broadcasting Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate and graduate students
• Desired Career Field : Sports Broadcasting or Sports Journalism

Daily Upside Business News Scholarship

Oxstem educational scholarship.

• Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate
• Major : STEM
• University Type : HBCU
• GPA : 3.0 or higher

Training Future Data Experts Scholarship

Patrick stanley memorial scholarship.

• Education Level : Must be an undergraduate or graduate student
• Path : Must be a non-traditional student returning to school after a gap
• Age : Must be at least twenty-five years old
• Major : STEAM

Susan Leslie Wood Memorial Nursing Scholarship

• Education level : Undergraduate or Graduate students
• Future Career : Nursing

Gloria J. Willis Memorial Scholarship

• Background : First-generation
• Field of Study : Pre-med, medical school, nursing, or psychology

She Rose Initiative's "More Than a Conqueror" Scholarship

• Gender : Female
• Medical History : Diagnosed with a systemic autoimmune disease
• Field of Study : STEM, healthcare, health, public health, or medicine
• Race : African American

Kamyar Afshar Advancement for Higher Education Scholarship

• Education Level : 4-year undergraduate student or graduate student
• Race/Ethnicity : Middle Eastern
• Citizenship : US Citizen or Immigrant
• Field of Study : Pharmacy, Medicine, Law

Derrick Richardson Law Student Scholarship

• Ethnicity : Black
• Education : 2nd or 3rd year student in Law School

Andrea M Taylor Future Doctors Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
• Field of Study : Medicine
• Financial Background : Low-income

About PhD scholarships

The PhD, also known as the Doctor of Philosophy, is a graduate research degree. It is the highest level of academic qualification awarded by universities in the United States.

Although the name contains the term ‘philosophy,’ a PhD is not exclusively for philosophers. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor, which is connected to its original Greek meaning which means 'lover of wisdom'.

As the name implies, a PhD program will train you to become a researcher. While other doctoral degrees may focus on practice as well as research, the emphasis of a PhD is on academic research and the new knowledge that you can bring to your field of expertise. You can get a PhD in a variety of subjects, including but not limited to science, humanities, business, education, engineering, and law.

A PhD degree is normally obtained after at least 3 years of full-time study and research after earning a master's degree or sometimes just a bachelor's degree. During this time, doctoral students will do research at an accredited university. At the end of their PhD, they will present their doctoral research in the format of a dissertation.

While a PhD is a major achievement, you may be unsure of how to pay tuition. The average annual cost of a PhD is $96,800. The majority of Ph.D. students offset the cost of their degree with teaching and research assistantships, but if you still need help covering some of the tuition and fees that come with a doctoral program, there is plenty of financial aid available, including grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid.

If you're looking for scholarships to help fund your PhD, you can find a variety of options on Bold.org . On our website, we have a variety of scholarships for graduate students, including PhD and doctoral students. Create a profile and start applying to our scholarships on our website.

What types of scholarships are there for PhD students?

Most scholarships for PhD and doctoral students are either merit-based or need-based scholarships, but some PhD scholarships combine these principles.

Merit-based scholarships are intended to help the most academically able students complete a PhD. To win one of these you need to be amongst the best students who apply, based on your transcripts, GPA, and research experience.

Need-based scholarships are intended to support students whose background or personal circumstances might make it harder for them get a PhD. You might be eligible for one of these if you are from a demographic that is under-represented at the PhD level.

How to qualify for PhD scholarships

Be a phd student.

In order to get a PhD scholarship, you must be getting your Doctor of Philosophy at an accredited university. PhD students can also qualify for more general scholarships for graduate or doctoral students in addition to PhD scholarships. If you're a student who is about to get your PhD, you can also apply for PhD scholarships.

Meet any other eligibility requirements

Some scholarships have additional requirements beyond just being a PhD student. Students could need to have a certain field of study, education level, or career goals in order to get financial assistance. Student eligibility may also depend on the types of extracurricular activities that a student participates in. Make sure you check all of the eligibility criteria for scholarships before you apply.

How do you get a PhD scholarship?

At certain graduate schools, there are fellowships, grants, and scholarships that students can apply for. Most of the financial aid is given out based on your financial need and academic qualifications, meaning that your expected research contribution will be taken into consideration.

Doctoral scholarships are incredibly competitive, so in order to get fellowship programs and grants, you will have to stand out. You can do this by writing compelling essays or research proposals that will impress the scholarship committees.

Graduate students can also get scholarships either by submitting the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or applying for scholarships online. Undocumented students and international students are ineligible to complete the FAFSA but are still eligible for university scholarships or private scholarships.

If you are worried about the competitiveness of financial aid for PhD's, Bold.org has a variety of scholarships for any graduate student. You can easily apply to scholarships on Bold.org. Just make sure that you have a strong profile before you apply.

How to find scholarships for PhD students

You can find plenty of scholarships on Bold.org. If you go to our website, you can use the filter feature to browse scholarships by category. By restricting your search by education level, you will be able to see all of the scholarships available to graduate and PhD students. You can even bookmark scholarships you're interested in so you can go back to them later and apply.

If you are getting your PhD in a certain field, you can also find specific scholarships by going to the "education" category or by searching for scholarships by major . There, you will find scholarships that apply to specific programs.

How to apply for PhD scholarships

Applying for financial aid can be a daunting process, but it is an important step for your college education. Many graduate schools have scholarships that you can apply for through the FAFSA or through your university. If you want to find scholarships with an easy application process, though, Bold.org is the perfect place.

On Bold.org, it is extremely easy to find and apply for scholarships. Once you have a profile, you can apply for scholarships in only a few clicks. Applying for scholarships typically requires an essay submission , but no-essay scholarships often just require a few minutes to apply. Each scholarship will have relevant instructions or essay prompts in the description, making the application process simple.

When you apply for scholarships, keep in mind that there are certain ways to increase your chances of winning , such as having a detailed profile, earning as many bold points as possible, and writing impressive essays.

When to start applying for PhD scholarships

When it comes to securing financial aid for your college degree, it's never too early to start. You can begin applying for scholarships as early as high school so that you can apply for a larger range of scholarships and minimize your need for student loans. Many students begin applying for scholarships as high school seniors, but applying earlier will give you a head start on tackling your college costs.

However, don't worry if you're already in college and just starting to apply. Many scholarships are geared towards students pursuing college degrees or even graduate students, so you have plenty of time to apply. Bold.org has college scholarships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

Frequently asked questions about PhD scholarships

What gpa is required for a phd scholarship.

In order to get a PhD, many programs require students to have a college GPA of at least 3.0. For students who want to get a scholarship, and especially to get a merit scholarship, students will have to have a GPA far above the minimum GPA. A GPA above 3.5 is usually an excellent GPA to have in order to get a PhD scholarship, but there are scholarship options for students with a lower GPA .

What is the difference between a PhD and a doctorate degree?

Doctorate, or doctoral, is an umbrella term for the highest degrees that one can get. There are research doctorates and applied doctorates. PhDs are a kind of research doctorate, and they are the most common doctoral degree.

While a PhD and other research doctorates are more academic and research-focused, an applied doctorate degree allows students to master a subject in both theory and practice. Applied doctorates are generally paired with very specific careers, such as medical doctors, optometrists, psychologists, and law professionals. 

Doctoral students also present their research in different ways than PhD students. At the end of their doctoral degree, PhD candidates present their research findings in the format of a dissertation, while doctoral candidates present their findings in the format of a doctoral study.

Are PhD programs fully funded?

Most PhD programs are fully funded. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees, as well as an annual stipend for living expenses. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. For students who need help funding their research, there are plenty of research grants available. If you are in an accredited doctoral program that does not offer full funding for doctoral students, though, there are still plenty of options to help with the cost.

If your school does not fully fund your doctoral degree, there are other routes of funding available. Government-provided fellowships and grants are extremely useful, but there are options that don't come from public funds. Industry-sponsored PhDs allow students to pursue their research while developing excellent transferrable skills and providing you with business experience.

Can you get a full-ride scholarship for a PhD?

Yes, you can get a full-ride scholarship for a PhD. But, for PhD students who do not have their tuition and fees fully funded, private scholarships are a great option . You may be able to get private scholarships from local organizations or online websites. Bold.org has a wide array of scholarships for graduate school .

Minority doctoral students may also be able to find many full scholarships to get their PhD, as many donors want to encourage diversity in academia. Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship is a great option for PhD students who have a lot of debt from their undergraduate or graduate degree.

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You are here, penn gse funding opportunities.

We are committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to many of our students. Read below to find out more detailed information on the ways Penn GSE provides various forms of funding to our master's and doctoral students.

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Full-time, traditional master's students may be eligible to receive financial assistance from Penn GSE in a variety of ways. Review the details of the funding opportunities below.

Penn GSE Merit-Based Scholarships

Penn GSE merit scholarships provide partial tuition support to full-time students in their first year of study at the master's level. The School seeks to provide assistance to as many eligible candidates as possible, currently awarding scholarships to approximately 75% of incoming master’s students enrolled full-time, in-person, non-executive programs.* These Penn GSE scholarships are awarded to both domestic and international students, and there is no application to be considered for these.  

All scholarships are based on merit as shown by the strength of your application. The awards are made at the time of application review by the academic divisions and are based on the academic merit of the application for admission. Awards are communicated at the time of admission in the acceptance letter. Scholarships are not taxable and require no service components. Scholarships are disbursed evenly in the fall and spring semesters only. 

 *Executive and online programs may offer scholarships on a limited basis to qualified students.

Need-Based Assistance

Penn GSE offers U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents the opportunity to apply for a  need-based  scholarship by completing a survey in the application for admission. To be considered for this scholarship, students must be applying for full-time study to an eligible master’s program*. Need-based scholarships are assessed independently from merit-based scholarships and can be combined with other awards up to the cost of tuition. Need-based scholarships will provide partial tuition support. Applicants will be reviewed for need-based scholarships at the time of application and will be notified of their eligibility at the time of admission in their decision letter. *Executive-Style Programs are not eligible for need-based aid except for the School and Mental Health Counseling program. 

Dean’s Fellowship: Power of Possibility

Penn GSE has a deep commitment to fostering a diverse community of scholars and expanding educational access to all students. Towards this end, Penn GSE offers the Dean’s  Fellowship: Power of Possibility  to a number of our incoming master’s students, with special consideration given to students from disadvantaged or under-resourced backgrounds, or to students who have worked with and will continue to serve communities in need. Students will be automatically considered for these prestigious half-tuition awards at the time of application review; there is no additional application process. Both domestic and international full-time master’s applicants to our traditional (i.e., non-executive) programs will be considered for this fellowship. Applicants must apply by a program's priority deadline to be considered for this award. Fellowship recipients will be notified of their award at the time of admission notification. Note that consideration for this fellowship is independent of other merit-based and need-based awards and can be combined with other awards up to the cost of tuition.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are student workers providing academically relevant services such as supervised participation in faculty research projects, teaching support, outreach activities, admissions recruiting, student affairs, and other activities at Penn GSE. GAs are offered a position with a fixed number of hours and hourly wage. These positions are available to both domestic and international students. Students admitted to a program that offers GAs will receive an invitation to apply in their admission letter. Participating programs conduct the GA hiring process independently of admission and scholarship decisions, and students hired as GAs will be notified by their program. 

*Please note that for students in the Higher Education M.S.Ed. program, the Graduate Assistantship process is conducted separately.

Dean's Scholarship

Penn GSE offers the Dean’s Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 to a select group of incoming master’s applicants. Awards will be made based on merit assessed during the faculty review of the admissions application. These scholarships are available to both domestic and international students. Applicants must apply by their program's priority deadline to be considered. The Dean’s Scholarship may be combined with other Penn GSE scholarship offers. Decisions for the Dean’s Scholarships will be awarded at the time of admission. Please note: the Dean's Scholarship is not available to applicants in the Executive-Format programs. 

Program-Specific Funding Opportunities

International educational development program (iedp) applicants:.

• Penn-UNESCO Fellowships for Developing Country Scholars

When completing the   GSE Application , eligible students applying to the  International Educational Development Program (IEDP)  will be asked if they would like to be considered for one of two   full-tuition international fellowships  under the Penn GSE–UNESCO Chair, founded in 2012.  This fellowship, under the auspices of the International Educational Development Program, is the first of its kind in the U.S. and is designed to support promising professionals devoted to international education in the developing world. In order to be considered for this scholarship you must submit your application to the International Educational Development, M.S.Ed. program and complete the section for the Penn GSE-UNESCO Fellowship by the priority deadline, February 1st 11:59 P.M. ET.

All applicants selected for the Fellowship program will be notified in their acceptance letter. Acceptance letters are typically sent by mid-March.

Coverdell Fellowship

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are encouraged to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program , offered by Penn GSE’s International Educational Development Program . This graduate fellowship program recognizes RPCVs and is a way to extend one’s relationship with the Peace Corps while a student at Penn. In order to be considered for this scholarship, you must submit your application to the International Educational Development, M.S.Ed. program by the priority deadline, February 1. Be sure to complete the question “Have you served in Peace Corps” in your application.

Literacy Studies M.S.Ed. Applicants:

• Philadelphia Writing Project Fellows Program

All full-time Literacy Studies, M.S.Ed. applicants are encouraged to apply for the  Philadelphia Writing Project (PhilWP) Fellows Program .  Each PhilWP Fellow will work as a graduate assistant for the  Philadelphia Writing Project , gaining research experience while assisting in nationally-recognized studies and professional development experience activities.  Additionally, fellows will receive: 

• A  half-tuition scholarship  to be applied toward their graduate coursework
• Enrollment in PhilWP’s exclusive Summer Invitational Institute.  This 2- week professional development experience will yield students a certificate and status as a Teacher Consultant, making them eligible to facilitate paid professional development activities across the district and region.
• Opportunities to participate in professional learning experiences and community partnership work across Philadelphia and the U.S.

Students can apply for this fellowship opportunity when completing the  GSE Application .  In addition to the general application requirements, students applying for this fellowship will be asked to write a 250-word statement on their interest in becoming a PhilWP Fellow.  There will be two fellowships awarded annually.

Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program (UTAP) Applicants:

• Humanities Teaching Fellowship 

The  Humanities Teaching Fellowship  is intended to support the preparation of teachers in high school English and/or history who are interested in teaching in schools that support students through student-centered approaches and use innovative approaches and tools for learning. Humanities Teaching Fellows must be admitted to the Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program, M.S.Ed. in the Secondary English or Social Studies program. Fellows will be awarded a scholarship of $32,000. Applicants who apply for the high school English or social studies program are automatically considered for this Fellowship at the time of faculty review for admission. Faculty may reach out to request more information regarding your interest in the Fellowship.  Fellowship recipients must commit to completing the Project-Based Learning Certificate (at no additional cost) after finishing the 10-month UTAP program. This certificate does not require you to remain in the Philadelphia area, as the content is offered in a predominately virtual mode.

Penn GSE Empowerment Through Education Scholarship Program

This scholarship supports Penn GSE’s commitment to expanding access and ensuring that the Penn GSE community is inclusive in serving all people. UTAP applicants will be automatically considered for these awards at the time of application review and will be notified of award receipt at the time of admission notification. Note that consideration for this scholarship is independent of other merit-based and need-based awards and can be combined with other awards up to the cost of tuition.

  See  External Funding Opportunities  for additional scholarships available to students interested in the UTAP program.

Urban Teaching Residency (UTR) Applicants:

• Franklin Fellowship

The Franklin Fellowship is an exclusive opportunity for undergraduate students from Franklin and Marshall College (F&M) who express an interest in long-term teaching in the Philadelphia area.  The Franklin Fellowship is a $15,000 scholarship that can be combined with other Penn GSE merit and/or need-based scholarships.

Scholarships for Fulbright Fellows

All master’s students admitted to Penn GSE who have been offered a Fulbright Fellowship to be used for their graduate degree will be awarded a $25,000 scholarship. This scholarship can be combined with funding awarded from Fulbright-affiliated organizations. Fulbright awardees should be sure to identify themselves in the graduate application.

Country-Specific Funding Opportunities

• Applicants from Malawi

Through the generosity of the JBJ Foundation, Penn GSE is able to offer a full scholarship each year to one incoming master's student from Malawi. This award will cover all tuition and fees, and provide a living stipend, roundtrip airfare to and from Philadelphia, and supplemental internship funding. All Malawian master's applications will be automatically considered for this scholarship when reviewed for admission consideration.

• Applicants from the United Kingdom

The Thouron Award  is a graduate exchange program between the United Kingdom and the University of Pennsylvania that awards scholarships for postgraduate study abroad.  Applicants must be British citizens who normally reside in the U.K., have attended U.K. secondary schools, and be graduates (by the summer following their applications) of a U.K. university.   Students granted a Thouran Award can use it towards any GSE program, except for the executive-format programs.

Ed.D. Students

Research assistantships.

A limited number of Research Assistantships are awarded to incoming full-time, traditional Ed.D. students who show high academic potential. Packages may include partial tuition support, a living stipend, University health insurance, and a research and teaching apprenticeship.

This scholarship supports Penn GSE’s commitment to expanding access and ensuring that the Penn GSE community is inclusive in serving all people. The scholarship will provide financial aid for students in the Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership .

When completing the   GSE Application ,  students applying to the Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership will be asked if they would like to be considered for this scholarship and, if so, required to complete additional questions.  Students will be notified of the award receipt at the time of admission notification.  Note that consideration for this scholarship is independent of other merit-based awards and can be combined with other awards up to the cost of tuition.

Ph.D. Students

Dean's fellowship and research apprenticeship.

The Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship provides full funding to Ph.D. students. Support includes tuition and fees, health insurance, and a living stipend. All incoming Ph.D. students receive a fellowship and research apprenticeship package, which covers four years of study and requires that students maintain full-time enrollment. Additional funding is available on a case-by-case basis for those students who wish to continue their research and teaching apprenticeship in the summer months.  There is no application for Dean’s Fellowships and Research Apprenticeships; award decisions are made by the academic division based on the application and communicated at the time of the admissions decision.

IES Predoctoral Training Program

The University of Pennsylvania offers the IES Predoctoral Training Program , a collaborative initiative among the Graduate School of Education, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Social Policy and Practice, and the Annenberg School for Communication.  This multi-year training program is designed to prepare Penn Ph.D. students committed to learning rigorous methods for conducting actionable, equitable field-based research to inform policy and practice. 

This program offers financial and skill-building support for selected fellows for two to three years.   Students are eligible to apply for this program after completing their first year of doctoral studies.

Additional Funding Opportunities through Penn

Penn grad center and family center fellowships.

The Graduate Student Center at the University of Penn offers several  fellowship opportunities  for current graduate students interested in work at the Grad Center or the Family Center. Responsibilities include staffing the centers, overseeing events, and/or supporting programs. Any student who is currently and will be registered as a University of Pennsylvania graduate or professional student during the next academic year is  eligible to apply for a Fellow position . 

Graduate Resident Advisors

Each year, the University hires graduate students to serve as Graduate Associates in the College House system. Duties include counseling undergraduates or graduate students on personal, social, and academic matters and helping to plan activities for residents. Support includes a furnished room and a modest meal plan. Completed applications may be filed at any time, but those arriving before January 31 will be given preference. Please visit the  College Houses and Academic Services website  for further information and to apply. 

Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship 

The Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship is a tuition scholarship and a living stipend awarded to meritorious undergraduate students and graduate students undergoing training in modern foreign languages and related area or international studies, or with the international aspects of professional or fields of study. FLAS fellowships are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the University of Pennsylvania’s Title VI National Resource Centers. FLAS awards are available only for specific languages, and are contingent on federal funding. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Students receiving FLAS Fellowships must be enrolled in full-time study for the duration of the FLAS award and must take one language course and one related area or international studies course each semester. Awards are made for the Academic Year or Summer. Academic Year Fellows must be admitted to or enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs at the University of Pennsylvania. FLAS awards may be used in some cases for students participating in official overseas language programs and in very limited cases for dissertators. Please see the  FLAS website  for more information and to apply online.

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowship

Students who have matriculated and are enrolled at Penn GSE may apply to this fellowship that pays tuition plus a stipend of $18,000 for three years. U.S. citizens in any field of study are eligible. The terms require that the Fellow conduct studies entirely within the U.S. and prove financial need. Typically 3 candidates are nominated by the University annually. 

Scholarships for Service

Yellow ribbon program .

Penn GSE participates in the Yellow Ribbon program established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Penn GSE provides up to 10 matching awards at $10,000 each for eligible students on a first-come-first-serve basis. Eligible students should review the  Veterans at Penn  site to learn about the procedures required for receiving your benefits, the benefits you are eligible to receive, a frequently asked questions page, and a list of links and other resources to help you get started and find additional information.

Active-Duty Service Members

Penn GSE also welcomes active-duty service members, including service academy members, to apply their tuition benefits towards earning a graduate degree. Many of our programs offer flexible study formats designed for working professionals and distance learners. We strive to accommodate all service branches and are able to execute custom MOUs on a case-by-case basis. Please  contact us  for more details.

City Year is an education-focused nonprofit that unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service to keep students in school and on track to succeed. Partnership with City Year highlights the visions and values of both organizations, integrating the power of knowledge and service in addressing social problems. In recognition of this partnership, Penn GSE will award two annual merit scholarships toward any full-time master’s degree program to selected City Year corps members or alumni who have completed at least one year of service or City Year staff members employed by City Year for at least two years.

Those eligible for the scholarship must identify their City Year affiliation in the designated space on the online application and submit a verification letter from the City Year/America Corp to [email protected] . In order to be considered for the scholarship, applicants must have a fully complete admissions application and submit the Certification of Service by the appropriate program priority deadline. Applicants will be notified if they have been awarded upon admission. For more information, please  click here .

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are encouraged to apply for the  Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program , offered by Penn GSE’s International Educational Development Program . This graduate fellowship program recognizes RPCVs and is a way to extend one’s relationship with the Peace Corps while a student at Penn. In order to be considered for this scholarship, you must submit your application to the International Educational Development, M.S.Ed. program by the priority deadline, February 1. Be sure to complete the question “Have you served in Peace Corps” in your application.

You May Be Interested In

Federal aid opportunities.

• Federal Loans
• Loan Forgiveness
• Federal Work-Study

External Funding Opportunities

• External Scholarships
• Funding for International Students
• Private Loans

Contact Information

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

In this section

• Incoming First Year Undergraduates
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• Current Students
• Graduate Domestic and International Students
• Undergraduate International Students
• Other Scholarship Opportunities
• Scholarship Tips
• Scholarship Searches
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• Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
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• Loan Consolidation

King-Chavez-Parks Initiative, Future Faculty Fellowship Program

• Federal Work-Study
• Wolverine Emergency Support Fund
• Comeback to Dearborn
• FAFSA Simplification
• Special Circumstances
• International Students
• Non-Degree and Other Students
• Study Abroad
• Accepting Aid
• Accepting Scholarships
• Conditions of Award
• Receiving Aid
• Renewing Financial Aid Each Year
• Calculators
• Forms and FAQs
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
• HEERF Reporting

Graduate Domestic & International Students

Learn more about scholarships available to new and current graduate students, graduate dearborn scholarship (admitted fall 2024 or after).

For non-resident (out of state) graduate students who are enrolled in an  in-person degree seeking program on our Dearborn campus; online programs do not qualify.

**More information about Satisfactory Academic Progress .

Non-Resident Graduate Tuition Scholarship (Admitted Summer 2024 and prior)

For graduate students who are classified as a non-resident (out of state student) for tuition assessment, the Non-Resident Graduate Tuition Scholarship Program provides up to 80% of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition assessment. 

The total value of the scholarship can vary depending on your program of enrollment and total course registrations. At 23-24  tuition rates and using 9 credits of enrollment as an example, the equivalent value per term is $5,050 or just under $10,100 per year !*

Students must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours per semester (3 credit hours in the summer or final semester of the program). The student must be enrolled in an in-person program on our Dearborn Campus; online programs do not qualify.

**Students may elect to use the scholarship during the summer term. However, a separate Summer Financial Aid Application must be submitted. Eligibility and maintenance criteria are determined by each college. For additional details, please click on the embedded links in the table above.

• Basic eligibility:  Candidates pursuing faculty teaching careers in postsecondary education
• Award amount:  Depends on financial needs; $20,000 maximum for master's students, $35,000 maximum for doctoral students
• Deadline: April 30, 2024
• Learn more:  Visit the  King-Chavez-Parks Initiative, Future Faculty Fellowship Program  webpage.

UM Employee Scholarship

The University of Michigan-Dearborn provides scholarships that benefit the staff and faculty of the entire University of Michigan System (Ann Arbor, Flint, Dearborn and Health System) who attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn as a degree-seeking student.

Learn more:  Visit the UM Employee Scholarship  webpage.

Michigan Nonprofit Association Scholarship

The University of Michigan-Dearborn provides a scholarship valued at 20% tuition and fees for full-time employees of member organizations of the Michigan Nonprofit Association.

Learn more:  Visit the Michigan Nonprofit Scholarship  webpage.

Community Service Personnel Scholarship

The University of Michigan-Dearborn provides a scholarship valued at 20% of tuition and fees for public safety employees at partnering organizations.

Learn more:  Visit the Community Service Personnel Scholarship  webpage.

Scholarship Universe

Admitted graduates have access to our Scholarship Universe tool to build a profile to match to both internal and external scholarship opportunities.

View list of scholarships currently available

Visit the colleges' websites to learn more about scholarships opportunities available to students in a particular college. We are working behind the scenes to get all of the scholarships added to Scholarship Universe.

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Student Aid

Explore scholarships opportunities at Penn State and how to search for external scholarship awards.

Scholarships at Penn State

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and/or financial need as defined by the specific scholarship program. All students who are offered admission and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Penn State are considered for scholarships that may be available through Penn State's Office of Student Aid, academic colleges, individual campuses, or other administrative units.

Please recognize Penn State cannot guarantee an award to every student who may rank at or near the top of their class. While Penn State is not able to negotiate student aid packages to match grant and scholarship offers from other colleges and universities, we are more than happy to discuss other aid opportunities and what funding options might work best for your family.

Penn State Scholarships

Each year, Penn State enrolls many outstanding and academically talented students. Approximately one in four of our undergraduates receive a University scholarship.

Scholarship Awards

Awards vary and are determined by donor guidelines on the basis of merit, financial need, or a combination, as defined by the specific scholarship program. Typical scholarship awards can range from $1,500 per year to $5,000 per year, however, the average value usually does not exceed $2,500.

Research Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships with eligibility based upon need, merit, or a combination of the two may be available through Penn State's Office of Student Aid, academic colleges, individual campuses, or other administrative units.

Scholarship Opportunities

Explore our scholarship opportunities at Penn State and beyond.

Institutional Scholarships Managed by the Office of Student Aid plus icon

Deadlines and Application Information for 2024–25. 2024–26 deadlines will be published early in Spring 2025.

Steve A. Garban Grant-in-aid

One award is given to a new first-year student who is a child of a Penn State Technical Service or Staff Employee.

This grant-in-aid is intended to assist with meal and housing charges for two years, provided the student continues full-time enrollment at Penn State or Penn College, incurs on-campus meal and housing charges, and demonstrates academic success.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a child of a full-time Penn State or Penn College technical service or staff employee

Must be a first-year, full-time student at any Penn State campus or at the Pennsylvania College of Technology

Must have demonstrated leadership and humanitarian qualities through extracurricular activities during high school

Must have achieved or show promise of achieving academic success

Must be living at a Penn State location that offers on campus housing – campus location with housing are as follows:

Penn State Abington, Penn State Altoona, Penn State Beaver, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Erie, Penn State Greater Allegheny, Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State Hazelton, Penn State Mont Alto, Penn College, Penn State Schuylkill, and Penn State University Park

Award amount varies based on on-campus meal and housing charges with two awards given annually.

Application and Contact Information

To be considered, students must submit a letter that includes all the following:

Student's Name

Student's Penn State ID Number or Penn College ID Number

Parent’s Penn State ID Number or Penn College ID Number

Penn State or Penn College staff employee's name and position

A personal essay of

than two typewritten pages that give examples of the student's leadership, humanitarian, and academic merits

Submit your application via email to:

Office of Student Aid Scholarship Committee University Scholarships [email protected]

Application Deadline

Student letters will be accepted until April 12, 2024. The award recipient will be selected by the Office of Student Aid Scholarship Committee and announced in May. All applicants will be notified

Henrietta M. Fisher Memorial Honor Scholarship Fund

Must be a first-year, University Park baccalaureate student

Must file FAFSA

Must be a Dauphin County resident (Steelton-Highspire High School graduates preferred)

May be pursuing any college major (Engineering, Earth & Mineral Science, Science, Communications, and Liberal Arts majors preferred)

Must demonstrate leadership and patriotism (ROTC students preferred)

Award amounts vary and are awarded for one year unless enrolled in a Penn State ROTC program.

To be considered, please submit a letter that includes all of the following:

Student Name

Student Penn State ID Number

A personal essay of no more than two typewritten pages that illustrates leadership skills, patriotism, career aspirations, and academic merit.

Application material will be accepted until May 3, 2024. The award recipient will be selected by the Office of Student Aid Scholarship Committee and announced in May. All applicants will be notified.

Laurel Haven Endowment Scholarship

Must be enrolled in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management in the College of Agricultural Sciences (first recipient preference)

Must be enrolled in the College of Education with a major in elementary or secondary education and an interest in environmental education or enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences with an option in Environmental Sciences (second recipient preference)

Must be full-time undergraduate or graduate student for Fall/Spring 2024–25

Must be engaged in or previously engaged in, and still interested in, conservation education

Award amount varies with one award given annually.

Employees of Consolidated Freightways Scholarship

Must be a child or grandchild of a former Consolidated Freightways employee

Must be enrolled at Penn State Harrisburg or Penn State York

Must be an outstanding undergraduate

Must demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Award amounts vary with two awards given annually.

To be considered, send verification of student's relationship to the former Consolidated Freightways employee, with a letter of application that identifies the Penn State student by name, Penn State ID, and campus of enrollment. The former employee's pension plan administrators should be able to provide verification of employment. If pension plan verification is not available, an applicant must submit a notarized statement explaining the student's relationship to the former Consolidated Freightways employee.

Andrew James Bartels Memorial Scholarship

The Andrew James Bartels Memorial Scholarship was established by William M. Bartels to honor and recognize outstanding achievements by undergraduate students who have achieved Star, Life or Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

Must be a full-time undergraduate student who is enrolled or planning to enroll at any Penn State campus

Must have achieved or demonstrated academic merit

Must have achieved Star, Life or Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America

To be considered, please submit the following:

Student's Penn State ID Number

A one-page essay that describes student's Star, Life or Eagle rank achievement and reasons why student should be selected for the Andrew James Bartels Memorial Scholarship

Letter of recommendation and verification of Star, Life or Eagle rank achievement from student’s Scout Master or Boy Scouts of America official

Richard J. and Dolores Bush Scuderi Scholarship

Eligibility requirements:.

Must be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolling at any Penn State campus

Must demonstrate superior academic success

Must be in good standing as determined by the Office of Judicial Affairs

Preference for first generation students (i.e., first one in the family to attend college)

Application and Contact Information:

A personal essay of no more than two typewritten pages that provides examples of the student's academic success and demonstrated knowledge of Italian history, culture or language; and/or who have completed coursework in Italian studies; and/or who have made a commitment to enhance Italian culture

Dolores Bush Scuderi and Richard J. Scuderi Scholarship

To be considered, students must submit a letter that includes the following:

A personal essay of no more than two typewritten pages that provides examples of the student's academic success and demonstrated knowledge of Polish history, culture or language; and/or who have completed coursework in Polish studies; and/or who have made a commitment to enhance Polish culture

The David Schwebel Endowed Memorial Scholarship

Must be a child of an active, full-time employee of the Schwebel Baking Company or its subsidiaries and divisions who has been employed for at least two years

Must be an undergraduate enrolled or planning to enroll at Penn State

First preference is given to eligible first-year students

Award amounts vary with one or two awards given annually.

Applications are available by contacting:

Human Resources Schwebel Baking Company P.O. Box 6013 Youngstown, OH 44501-6018

Applications should be returned to Kym McGivern at the Schwebel Baking Company before or by May 3, 2024. All applicants will be notified.

Frank A. Sinon Scholarship at Penn State

Must be an undergraduate student enrolling at Penn State, University Park who has graduated from Austin Area High School in Austin, PA

Must demonstrate academic success

Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Award amount varies with one award given annually and up to 8 semesters.

Application material will be accepted until August 9, 2024. The award recipient will be selected by the Office of Student Aid Scholarship Committee and announced in September. All applicants will be notified.

Academic College Scholarships plus icon

Award values range from $700 to $4,000 per academic year. Awarding for both first-year and continuing students usually begins as early as December and continues throughout the year. Scholarship funds for first-year students are limited for some academic colleges.

Application information by College

Scholarship link will be emailed to specific groups of students only.

Administrative Unit Scholarships plus icon

Explore scholarships based on your interests and pursuits.

Education Abroad

Educational Equity

Intercollegiate Athletics

Penn State for Adult Learners

Penn State Air Force ROTC

Penn State Army and National Guard ROTC

Penn State Navy and Marine Corps ROTC

Student Affairs

Student Disability Resources

Summer Success Scholarship

University Libraries

Veterans Programs

World Campus

Campus Scholarships plus icon

All Penn State campuses award scholarships to eligible first-year students based on academic performance, financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), leadership, and community service.

Scholarship award values range from $800 to $6,000 per academic year. Campus scholarship awarding for both first-year and current students begins as early as December and continues through July.

To search for scholarships at our Special Mission locations:

Penn State Dickinson Law - Carlisle

Penn State Law - University Park

Penn State Great Valley School of Professional Graduate Studies

Penn State Hershey Medical Center/College of Medicine

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Outside Scholarships plus icon

You may be eligible for outside scholarships from businesses or organizations in your local community with which you have affiliations.

Community Resources

Your local chamber of commerce

Your high school

Your parents' employers (dependent students only)

Your employer

Private foundations

Religious organizations

Professional associations

In most cases the awarding agency is responsible for selecting the recipient and determining the value of the scholarship.

Follow us on Instagram or Twitter where we post new scholarship opportunities several times a week.

Searching for Scholarships

Start early. Don't pay!

Start early . Most scholarships are awarded six months to one year prior to the start of the semester or academic year of the award. Some awards are available even as early as elementary school.

Don't pay . Penn State does not endorse any scholarship search engine or scholarship search service that charges a fee. You should never have to pay for a scholarship search. You should not apply for a scholarship that charges an application fee.

The Office of Student Aid recommends the following FREE scholarship search engines:

The College Board

U.S. Department of Labor

Notify Penn State of Your Award

If you receive scholarships or educational funds from private organizations, notify the Office of the Bursar .

The funds will be credited to your student account and applied toward your direct charges first. Any excess funds will be refunded to you

Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships

Want to know more about scholarships and how they are processed at Penn State? Review our scholarship FAQs.

I have an outside scholarship form that requires costs and financial aid information. What should I do with the form? plus icon

Outside Scholarship Form Policy When you apply for scholarships through an outside agency, they often require you to provide information about your costs, aid offer, and FAFSA. You can print this information directly from LionPATH. Student Self-Service You can find the links to view your Financial Aid Budget and Financial Aid Offer Letter in your LionPATH Student Home Base under the Financial Aid Offer. You will need to print the information and submit it to the scholarship agency. Certification of Forms by our office In the event that the scholarship agency is unwilling to accept the information that you have printed from LionPATH, requests to complete scholarship forms can be reviewed on a case by case basis with the understanding that the form can only be provided to the student for submission to the respective agency. Similar consideration may be given to students who need to submit their scholarship forms before the information is available in LionPATH.

Scholarship Thank You Letter Tips plus icon

Scholarships are made possible through generous donations. A well-written "thank you" letter is an important way to acknowledge the funding you have received and gives the donor the opportunity to learn about you. The following tips and sample letter may be helpful for writing your own letter.

Tips for writing your "thank you" letter:

Begin your letter with Dr., Ms., Mr., or Mrs. as appropriate. Do not address the individual by their first name. Only use “Dear Donor” or “Dear Benefactor” in cases where the award letter instructs you to do so, such as when writing to an anonymous donor.

Acknowledge the scholarship you have received by referencing the full name of the scholarship in your first sentence. Include your mailing address and email address if you would like to give the donor the opportunity to respond.

Do not include your Penn State Student ID number. Make it personal. Donors believe that both they and you are making a difference in the world. They are interested in hearing about you.

Avoid confrontational topics such as political, religious, spiritual, or cultural viewpoints. Do not assume that the donor’s viewpoints/preferences are the same as yours.

Proofread! We ask that you write a new "thank you" letter for each year that you continue to receive a scholarship.

If you receive funding from the same donor in previous years, update them on your academic plans, your extracurricular activities, and your career goals. Let them know what you have accomplished this year and how their funding helped make that possible.

How Can I Find Scholarships? plus icon

Apply for as many scholarship opportunities as possible. They are often available through private companies, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, community organizations, churches, or social organizations.

Try these free sources of information about scholarships:

A high school or TRIO counselor the U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool

Your state grant agency

Your library’s reference section foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest ethnicity-based organizations your employer or your parents’ employers Fastweb Unigo .

More information on scholarships from Office of Financial Aid

Don’t ever pay for a scholarship search!

Have a question about billing, payment options, refunds, or outside scholarships payable to Penn State? plus icon

Review the information provided by the Office of the Bursar: Tuition Due Dates Paying your Statement Payment Options Refunds Outside Scholarships/External Awards Contact the Office of the Bursar with questions. ( https://www.bursar.psu.edu/ )

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College and graduate school scholarships and grants for women.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

Paying for college and other advanced degrees is challenging for many students. This is why tapping into the world of scholarships and grants can be so worthwhile. For the most part, scholarships and grants provide money that doesn’t need to be paid back, making them a particularly attractive form of financial aid.

There are many scholarships and grants available to support different kinds of students – including women pursuing advanced degrees.

Keep reading for more information about what scholarships and grants are, how to apply for them, and a sampling of scholarships and grants that are available, some of which are specifically for women.

What’s the difference between scholarships and grants?

Before you begin your search for scholarships and grants, it’s important to understand the differences between the two. Scholarships and grants are terms that are often used interchangeably. This is because both of these financial aid funds don’t need to be paid back in most cases.

The main differences between grants and scholarships are where the funds come from, the eligibility criteria for them, and the application processes.

Grants are typically provided by the federal government, state governments, nonprofits, and schools. Students may become eligible for some of the best-known grants – like the Pell Grant offered by the federal government – by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) .

Scholarships are offered by a range of institutions, but also individuals, companies, community organizations, and other entities. Some scholarships require students to file the FAFSA ® to be eligible, some require separate applications in addition to the FAFSA ® , and some don’t require the FAFSA ® at all.

In many cases, grants are given based on financial need, whereas scholarships are given for a range of reasons, including merit-based achievements, extracurricular activities, fields of study, financial need, and more.

How to apply for scholarships and grants

The first recommended step to be eligible for grants and scholarships is to file the FAFSA ® . This is how eligible students may access financial aid like the Pell Grant (a need-based grant for undergraduate students), among other grants and scholarships.

Scholarships and grants can have their own applications outside of or in addition to the FAFSA ® , so it’s important to gather information on the scholarship or grant you’re interested in, which may be able to be found on the respective website or by reaching out to the organization or institution offering the grant or scholarship for more information on it.

After you’ve gathered information on the eligibility requirements for a scholarship or grant and you’ve decided to apply for one, your next step is to complete the scholarship or grant’s application if they have one. Some applications may require you to write essays or to record video responses to prompts. Some applications may require that you get letters of recommendation, too. Letters of recommendation might be written by teachers, people in your community, employers, or others, depending on the requirements set by the application.

Be sure to read all applications you complete thoroughly to understand the requirements and to fill them out fully before the respective deadlines.

Don’t be afraid to apply for multiple scholarships and grants to increase your chances of receiving this financial aid. There’s no limit to the number of scholarships and grants that you can apply for.

Scholarships and grants undergraduate and graduate women students should consider

The range of scholarships and grants available to women is vast. There are grants offered by the federal government, merit-based scholarship opportunities offered by nonprofits, scholarships for women pursuing a career in STEM, and much more. Here are some examples.

The Minerva Scholarship Program

The Minerva Scholarship program was created by Women in California Leadership to support the advancement of women in the State of California. The foundation provides scholarships to select women who are residents of California to help them achieve their educational objectives. Scholarship recipients can expect to receive either a $3,000 award (up to 108 available) or a $10,000 award (only one available).

Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship

The Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship aims to empower the next generation of women tech industry leaders by encouraging women to pursue degrees in technology. Scholarship recipients can expect to receive an award of $500 sent to the winner's academic institution.

ITWoman Scholarship Program

The ITWomen Charitable Foundation's college scholarship program has a mission to increase the number of women earning information technology and engineering degrees. It caters to female high school seniors graduating from schools in South Florida. The scholarship recipient can expect to receive $2,000 annually for their undergraduate studies.

Society Women Engineers (SWE) Incoming Freshman

SWE Scholarships aims to support women pursuing an ABET-accredited bachelor or graduate student program in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and fields related to engineering globally. In 2023, SWE gave 330 new and renewed scholarships valued at more than $1.5 million. One such scholarship is the ABET Incoming Freshman Scholarship for women studying in engineering or technology-related fields. Awards range from $1,000 to $19,000.

American Medical Woman’s Association (AMWA) Medical Education Scholarship

The AMWA scholarship program began in 1925 and aims to support medical students who’ve been nominated by the association. The scholarship recipients, who must be enrolled in medical school, can expect to receive an award of $500.

Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Education Foundation Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship is an annual scholarship that is awarded to a female undergraduate student either entering or continuing their junior year of a four-year ABET-accredited engineering program. Scholarship recipients can expect to receive an award of $5,000. 

Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) Foundation & Podcast Movement Scholarship

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation gives out a $2,500 award for the 2024 spring semester to a female undergraduate student pursuing a career in media and journalism. The recipient will complete an audio interview with a 2024 Gracie Award winner. The recipient will get two complimentary tickets to attend the Gracie Awards luncheon in New York City. Of note, the application for 2024 has closed.

Women In International Trade (WIIT) Scholarship

The Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT) scholarship supports women who study all aspects of international trade, including trade policy and negotiations, global business and supply chains, economic development, women’s economic empowerment, and more. It’s awarded twice a year, and scholarship recipients can expect to receive an award of $1,500 and access to mentorship and career development opportunities.

New York Women in Communication (NYWICI) Scholarship

The NYWICI Scholarship aims to empower women pursuing careers in communications. This scholarship is open to high school seniors or full-time undergraduate and graduate students who live in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania and meet other eligibility requirements. Scholarship recipients can expect to receive awards between $2,000 to $10,000.

Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award

The Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award is an AWIS Educational Foundation program for female college sophomores and juniors studying physics, including space physics, geophysics, and geoscience. One $2,000 award is given annually to a female student who has high academic achievement and meets other selection criteria.

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is for low-income women who are at least 17 years old with minor children who are pursuing their first degree at a post-secondary institution. In 2023, five awards of $5,000 were awarded and were disbursed in two installments over the academic year.

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

This scholarship is for female survivors of intimate partner abuse. Preference is given to applicants who are single moms with young children, but being a mother is not a requirement for this scholarship. The awards are for between $500 to $2,000 per semester for women seeking undergraduate degrees and $1,000 a semester for women seeking their master’s degree. Recipients aren’t required to attend school full-time.

Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary Teacher Scholarship

The Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary Teacher Scholarship offers an award for a student who is 25 years old or older and is studying to teach at an elementary school. Scholarship recipients can expect an award of up to $1,500. This is not a renewable award, though there’s an opportunity to reapply for those who continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Secondary Teacher Scholarship

The Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Secondary Teacher Scholarship offers an award for a student who is 25 years old or older and is studying to teach at the secondary school level. Scholarship recipients can expect an award of up to $1,500. This is not a renewable award, though there’s an opportunity to reapply for those who continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Boomer Benefits Scholarship

This scholarship is for adult students 50 and older who are returning to school to complete their degree. Two scholarships worth $2,500 are awarded annually.

Executive Women International Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

This scholarship is geared towards non-traditional students pursuing associate, bachelor, or master’s degrees or attending certification programs at accredited institutions. Applicants must be entering or being enrolled in college, university, or trade school for the first time or are re-training due to changes in the workplace.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships and Grants

The AAUW focuses on awarding women who will pursue academic work and lead innovative community projects to empower women and girls. This program focuses on professionals and graduate-level students who need grants to pursue specific projects. Recipients can expect to tap into the almost $6 million in funding that gets awarded to 285 fellows and grantees. The grants include:

• American Fellowships
• Career Development Grants
• Community Action Grants
• International Fellowships
• International Project Grants
• Research Publication Grants in Engineering, Medicine, and Science
• Selected Professions Fellowship

Abel Wolman Fellowship

The Abel Wolman Fellowship aims to financially support women or minority students who are pursuing advanced training and research in the field of water supply and treatment. The doctoral fellowship is awarded annually. The scholarship recipient can expect an award of $30,000 to provide up to two years of funding.

College and graduate school grants for all

Many of the biggest grants for college and graduate school are made available by the federal government, and they are available to both men and women. To be eligible for all federal grants, you must first file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ). Some of these grants include the following.

The Pell Grant

Exclusively for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, the Pell Grant is one of the most well-known federal grant opportunities . For the 2024-25 academic year, the maximum award an eligible student can receive is $7,395.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This grant is distributed by individual educational institutions and provides supplemental aid to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need beyond the Pell Grant. Awards usually range between $100 to $4,000 per year.

TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students pursuing teaching careers. Students apply for the TEACH Grant before or during their undergraduate or graduate program and have to be enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program. If your application is approved, your program will receive the funds and use them toward your tuition.

Most importantly, to receive a TEACH Grant, you must agree to complete a four-year service obligation teaching full-time in a high-need field at an institution serving low-income students within eight years after you graduate. If you don’t meet the TEACH Grant’s requirements, the grant converts into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid, and interest is charged from the date the grant was disbursed.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

This grant may be awarded to students who don’t qualify for a Pell Grant based on the information supplied on the FAFSA ® but who meet the remaining Pell Grant eligibility requirements. They must also have lost a parent or guardian to military service following the events of 9/11 in Iraq or Afghanistan and were under 24 at the time of that loss or enrolled in college at least part-time. The award amount is generally the same as the Pell Grant for the academic year. Of note, unlike the Pell Grant, the award amounts are currently reduced by 5.7% due to the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Final thoughts

There are many scholarship and grant opportunities, some for women specifically, to help when it comes to financing an education. Do your research on what’s available and what you may be eligible for, and make note of deadlines so you can apply for the opportunities on time.

One other thing to keep in mind is that many scholarships and grants expect students to file the FAFSA ® to be eligible for the opportunity. It’s often advisable to file the FAFSA ® as early as possible since some aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis.

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• Financial Aid

Addressing Scholarships’ Equity Problem

A new Common App report highlights the challenge of getting scholarship money into the hands of those who need it most—and proposes solutions to make it happen.

By  Liam Knox

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Private scholarships disproportionately go to white, affluent students. Common App is trying to change that.

Photo illustration by Justin Morrison/Inside Higher Ed | PeopleImages/iStock/Getty Images | nam/rawpixel

Navigating the diverse landscape of scholarship opportunities can be overwhelming for any student. It’s even harder for those who need the financial help the most: low-income students, first-generation college-goers or underrepresented racial minorities, those who often lack the guidance to find the right funding opportunities and the academic confidence to apply.

A new report from the Common App details the application platform’s ongoing efforts to address that imbalance. In the 2022–23 application cycle, officials at the Common App, in partnership with the nonprofit Scholarship America, conducted targeted outreach to first-generation, Black, Latino and Indigenous students on behalf of the Equitable Excellence Scholarships, provided by the financial services organization Equitable.

They found that students who were contacted directly were twice as likely to apply for a scholarship, and also more likely to win one: $350,000 more aid dollars went to underrepresented students who received emails than the group who did not, according to the report.

“That told us we’re introducing students to a scholarship opportunity they might not have otherwise found and applied to, and also that our scholarship outreach instilled enough confidence that they felt they could move forward in the application process,” said Meagan Taylor, Common App’s senior product manager for affordability initiatives.

Taylor said the impetus for the initiative came from research showing racial inequities in scholarship distribution.

“The bulk of scholarship funding in the private scholarship space was going to students in the highest income quartile,” she said. “Meanwhile, students who were Black, Latino, Indigenous were receiving very little funding. But when they do receive that funding, it dramatically changes their outcomes.”

The gap stems partly from the rise of non-need-based merit scholarships over the past few decades, which tuition-dependent colleges often use to boost their yield rates among wealthier applicants—essentially, tuition discounts that end up bringing in more money for the institution than providing need-based aid for lower-income students would.

Merit scholarships tend to go to white and Asian students. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 59 percent of white students and 62 percent of Asian students at private nonprofit institutions received institutional or private scholarship money in the 2019–20 academic year, compared to 53 percent of Hispanic students and 51 percent of Black students.

CJ Powell, director of advocacy at the National Association for College Admission Counseling, said that institutional and private scholarships can make a huge difference for Black and Latino students, who are much less likely to have access to the kind of family wealth that pays for affluent white students’ college degrees.

“Folks of color just don’t have as much experience with those sort of wealth-generating enterprises, or at least college savings–generating enterprises, as other communities,” he said. “Assuring that [scholarships] go to the communities where that money can do the most—get them to college, prevent them from living their lives in debt—is hugely important.”

Bridging the Gap

Scholarships available only to specific ethnic groups have been under heavy legal and political scrutiny since the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in admissions in June 2023. Many universities, fearing litigation, are revising grants that were once race-conscious to be universally inclusive. And they’re pushing donors with endowed funds to do the same .

Powell said that makes efforts to work with scholarship providers outside of institutional aid more important than ever.

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“With all these scholarships being shut off, and merit aid continually rising, that’s really going to hurt diversity in higher education,” he said.

Taylor said there’s an “awareness bias” at play, where students with more support from counselors and parents, who often attend majority-white high schools, have an implicit advantage in finding and winning scholarships. She said that was a problem for both students and scholarship providers.

“We were realizing there’s some disconnect between scholarship providers’ intentions and how awarding patterns are actually playing out. These scholarship providers are struggling to really get diverse applicant pools,” she said. “Meanwhile, students are struggling to go through the scholarship search process and find opportunities that are relevant for them.”

That has meant convincing scholarship providers to lower strict academic eligibility requirements or reduce the amount of work involved in completing the scholarship application, since low-income, underrepresented students tend to have more family and work responsibilities and thus less time to devote to writing supplemental essays.

“[Equitable’s] scoring rubric was really focused on academics, and what we realized is we were creating a diverse applicant pool for them, but those students weren’t getting selected,” Taylor said. “That led to some really critical conversations about their priorities … So Equitable actually revamped their scoring model. It does still prioritize academics, but they upped financial need as the core criteria that they were looking at.”

Common App’s outreach efforts had a significant impact on the diversity of the Equitable Excellence Scholarship’s applicant pool as well, boosting the number of first-gen applicants by 12 percent and underrepresented minority applicants by 13 percent.

But even if low-income and first-generation students know about a scholarship, they often won’t follow through, Powell said.

“Students are counting themselves out and giving up before even trying,” he said. “Making them feel more confident, like they are truly valued within the process, can go a long way.”

Taylor said reaching out to underrepresented students seemed to increase their self-assurance, encouraging them to apply where they might otherwise have demurred. Common App explicitly used language to boost students’ confidence or tell them they’re eligible based on data that had already been collected, such as GPA or prospective major.

“I think that students often stop at having to do the guesswork of reviewing the eligibility criteria and self-assessing. But us telling them, ‘You’ve already provided us information that indicates that you’re eligible’ was really crucial,” she said.

Taylor said Common App wants to continue leveraging its considerable data on prospective college applicants—and its widespread name recognition—to address the scholarship equity gap. This past application cycle, the platform went beyond email outreach and introduced a new tab on students’ Common App profiles recommending a list of potential scholarships, tailored to their academic interests, region and demographics. Taylor said officials are in early planning stages for a similar initiative with college and university partners that would connect students with institutional grants.

Increasing diversity in scholarship recipients is a necessary and worthwhile goal for higher ed, Powell said. But the more impactful move for colleges and universities in a post–affirmative action world would be to make significant investments in need-based aid over merit aid, he said—something many selective institutions have done in the past year.

“If we don’t increase our need-based aid to match some of these losses in scholarships, we can’t ensure that there continue to be affordable pathways to higher education for all,” he said.

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