With over 53 billion dollars in funding available for graduate students to support the careers of their dreams, it can be a challenge to find the perfect scholarship match. Opportunities are growing in the world of higher education and beyond, as the choice to enroll in graduate school is often the catalyst for better employment opportunities and a higher salary. But many students find themselves asking, “at what cost?”
With so many unique and substantial funding options available, earning a graduate degree is a privilege that everyone deserves if you have the drive and are ready to put in the time commitment.
To help fund your graduate degree, follow our guide and use the interactive tool to sort through over 150 scholarship opportunities for graduate students based on your field of study and award amount.
There are hundreds of scholarships for graduate students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
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Grants
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
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Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
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Student Loans
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
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Federal Work-Study Program
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Start early and do your research. The application process for graduate school can be lengthy. A great way to start is with broad research, networking and visits to help narrow down the search. Once you determine your top 5-10 schools, you can better organize the specific application deadlines throughout the process.
Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your education credentials to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your undergraduate transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Many graduate programs require applicants to send test scores with your application. The most common standardized test is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test, but depending on your field of study, other standardized tests such as the LSAT, MCAT, or GMAT may be required.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or managers, so that they can speak to your qualifications. Determine the specific guidelines for each letter of recommendation and provide these specifications, to make this as easy as possible for your letter writers.
This is typically a short statement of intention, in which you explain your academic background, your goals and how the graduate program will help you reach those goals. Admissions committees like to see developed research as it pertains to your area of interest, so try to be as clear and concise as possible.
This is your opportunity to get creative and show your personality as more than just an application candidate. Find ways to express your background, your challenges, goals, motivations and passions.
Scholarship Opportunities for Graduate Students
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your intended major, award amount or if you’re looking for need-based aid. Click the box for a larger view.
Technology Addiction Awareness
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
January 30, 2021
Scholarship is open to students of any age and field of study. Applicants will complete an essay on technology addiction, and the top 10 finalists will be chosen based on creativity and content of the essay.
American Sociological Association Minority Fellowship Program
Amount: $18,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
This scholarship awards graduate students pursuing a degree in sociology demonstrating strong mental health research and/or interest. Students will be selected based on intent on research and development in mental health, academic achievement and financial need.
Asparagus Club Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
Recipients of the scholarship must maintain full-time student status with a 2.5 GPA or higher for consideration. Graduate students pursuing a career in business and related fields are preferred.
ASA Minority Fellowship Program
Amount: $18,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
Applicants can be new or continuing graduate students, but preference will be given to students entering doctoral programs or students enrolled in strong mental health programs. Fellows will be selected on their commitment to research in mental health.
Mildred Sylvester Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
The scholarship is available to an outstanding 1st, 2nd or 3rd year veterinary student who is a current or past resident, high school or college graduate with a connection to the state of New Jersey.
Pride Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
Pride Foundation provides essential financial resources and community support to LGBTQ+ and allied student leaders in the Northwest—particularly those who face barriers due to race, economic circumstances, identity, ability, location, or lack of family support. Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary education, including community college, four-year public or private college or university, certificate programs, vocationa/technical/trae porograms, law school, medical/dental/veterinary school, or graduate education.
Vincint and Catherine Sansalone Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
Students must be enrolled in a math or science program at an accredited U.S. university. Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher for consideration. Preference for students of Italian descent.
Stacey Scholarship Fund
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
This award is intended for students with focus on conservative art such as painting and drawing. Open to all U.S. citizens pursuing graduate degree in the arts.
MetLife Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
Applicant must be pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree program in computer science, computer engineering, or a related STEM field. Student must be attending a full-time school in the US, Canada, or Mexico and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Scholarships
Amount: $1,600
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is offering multiple scholarships that benefit students of many ages, academic abilities and areas of interests. The general scholarship online application enables a person to qualify for 50 scholarship funds.
a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
February 7, 2021
he a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp scholarship is awarded annually to fourth-year students in a NAAB accredited degree program or Foruth-year student of a fourh-year pre-professional degree program in architecture accepted for direct entry to a two-year NAAB-accredited M.Arch program or First-year student in an NAAB-accredited M.Arch degree program.
The Business Forum Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 7, 2021
The mission of scholarship is to foster the personal and professional growth of women in their higher education. Applicant must be a female US citizen or permanent resident residing in Dane County and must demonstrate financial need while applying for the scholarship.
Lewis B. Barber Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $5,100
Deadline:
February 10, 2021
This merit-based scholarship aims to provide financial aid to students who graduate from public or private high school in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry or Lee counties in Florida. Applicant must pursue certification to teach deaf/blind or attend seminary/pre-seminary school to study church, Christian music or Christian education.
John & Ruth Childe Scholarship
Amount: $1,900
Deadline:
February 10, 2021
The scholarship awards students from Lee County in Florida with a physical disability to pursue higher education in a college, university or technical school. Applicant must be able to describe give proof of disability.
Paul B. & Aline Flynn Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
February 10, 2021
Students pursuing a degree from a 4-year accreddited college in communication or jounralism are encouraged to apply
Doris W. Frey Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,700
Deadline:
February 10, 2021
The scholarship awards students studying Christian ministry/youth ministry, teaching, Christian counseling, nursing or medicine. Students must graduate from a public or private high school in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades or Lee County. All High School Seniors, Undergraduates, and Graduates are eligible to apply.
The Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 20, 2021
The Paul and Ellen Ruckes scholarship is applicable for both undergraduates or graduates who are studying in the field of engineering or in the computer, physical, or life sciences. Students can use one application form to apply for more than one scholarships listed on the site. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or naturalized citizens.
Eunice Fiorito
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 20, 2021
The scholarship is applicable for both undergraduates or graduates who are studying full-time in the field of advocacy or disability services. Students can use one application form to apply for more than one scholarships listed on the site. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or naturalized citizens.
The Lagrant Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Amount: $3,750
Deadline:
February 28, 2021
The Lagrant Foundation scholarships aim to increase the number of minorities working in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations. Applicants must be a minority student pursuing a masters degree in one of those subjects.
Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline:
March 29, 2021
The MBA Fellowship is designed to increase interest in financial services among black, hispanic and native american business school students.
NEHA/AAS Environmental Health Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 31, 2021
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in a graduate program with a declared curriculum in Environmental Health Sciences. Must have at least one semester of classes remaining for eligibility.
Texas Space Grant Consortium Columbia Crew Memorial Undergraduate Scholarships
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 24, 2021
Eligible applicants include full-time students at a TSGC member institution or a sophomore at a two-year institution, a junior or senior at a four-year institution or a first- or second-year student at a medical school. Preference given to students who show academic excellence, leadership, and an emphasis on the STEM fields.
AGBU Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2021
Scholarships are awarded to graduate students of Armenian decent who clearly demonstrate academic excellence and financia need. GPA of 3.5 and up required.
Support Creativity Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
Applicants must attend graduate school in the New York Tri-state area, and must demonstrate passionate creativity. Students will be asked to submit creative work that illustrates their passion for their specific creative field. Financial need will also be considered.
ALPFA Scholarship Program
Amount: $2,000-$3,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) works to empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy by providing various scholarship rewards. Applicants need to be premium member of the ALPFA to be eligible for the scholarship.
Paleologos Graduate Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is offering the scholarship to graduate students who need financial aid to futher their education. Candidates must be of the Orthodox faith, within one of the jurisdictions of America either commencing their studies in a non-theological field of study leading to a graduate degree. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is offering the scholarship to graduate students who need financial aid to futher their education.
Candidates must be of the Orthodox faith, within one of the jurisdictions of America either commencing their studies in a non-theological field of study leading to a graduate degree.
