Graduate School Scholarships

Can You Get Scholarships for Grad School?

Yes you can. There are many scholarships made available for graduate students each year. Some scholarship opportunities like the McNair Scholars Program are strictly open to graduate students, whereas others like the Prospanica Foundation Scholarships are made available to graduates and undergraduates. Similar to scholarships for undergraduate students, scholarships for graduate students are awarded to students based on need, merit, demographic, discipline, and more. In addition to scholarships, you may see many fellowship opportunities for graduate students.

How to Get Scholarships for Grad School

Using a scholarship search or matching tool can help you locate scholarships for grad school. We recommend our scholarship matcher on StudentScholarshipSearch.com. There, you can see what scholarships you match with based on your grade, GPA, state of residency, gender, and ethnic heritage.

Another way to locate scholarships for grad school is to check with the graduate department for the college you are attending or interested in applying for. Graduate programs can be competitive. Because of this, many graduate programs offer exclusive packages to attract students to their programs. In addition, exploring the scholarships available for graduate students at a college or university of your choice can expose you to less competitive, specific opportunities limited to graduate students at that institution.

What is a Graduate Fellowship?

Some fellowships can be used to help fund your education with a key difference, fellowships may require some sort of work or research component to receiving the award. Each fellowship will have its own terms and conditions with receipt of the award and the intention of the financial award. In other words, you want to understand the commitment to receiving or accepting the award. There may be options for fellowships offered by your school, employers or potential employers, or private organizations.

Graduate School Grants and Scholarships

Scholarships and grants for graduate school have something in common: they do not have to be paid back! This is why these funding opportunities are great options for any student. To help facilitate your search for money for grad school, we have created this list of grants and scholarships available to graduate students.

Note: This article provides a basic description for each of the listed scholarships and fellowships. Please see the scholarship provider’s website for full application and eligibility requirements. This is a list to help you get started, this list does not include all scholarships and grants available to graduate students.

Jump to this section:

• Grad School Scholarships
• Grad School Grants
• Graduate Fellowships
• Graduate Fellowships for Minorities
• Minority Graduate School Scholarships
• Graduate School Scholarships for Teachers
• Graduate School Scholarships for Veterans
• Nursing Graduate School Scholarships
• Grad School Scholarships for Women

Grad School Scholarships

The Beinecke Scholarship

The Beinecke Scholarship is open to students who plan to enter a research-focused master's or doctoral program in the arts, humanities or social sciences at participating schools. Students who are interested in applying for this scholarship should contact their campus liaison for information regarding the procedures for selecting the school's nominee. Students must be nominated in order to be considered for this scholarship. This scholarship is for graduate education; however, applicants will apply as undergraduate juniors.

Award: Up to $34,000

Who Can Apply: College juniors who are U.S. citizens with a documented history of receiving need-based financial aid and planning to plan to enter a research-focused master's or doctoral program in the arts, humanities or social sciences. Please see website for full scholarship details.

Truman Scholarship

The Truman Scholarship is awarded to students interested in pursuing a public service-related graduate degree. Applicants for this scholarship must be nominated by their institution in order to be considered. Although this scholarship is for graduate education, students will apply as full-time juniors. See if you are a potential Truman scholar.

Award: Up to $30,000

Who Can Apply: College juniors who are U.S. citizens who are nominated by the Truman Scholarship Faculty Representative at their institution, in the upper quarter of their class. Please see website for full scholarship details.

Grad School Grants

American Society of Criminology: Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity

The Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity is awarded to three students each year. The award is designed to encourage students of color, especially those from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the field, to enter the criminology and criminal justice field, and to assist in the completion of their degrees.

Award: $6,000

Who Can Apply: Students accepted into a criminology or criminal justice program of doctoral studies who are from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the field, including but not limited to, Asians, Blacks, Indigenous peoples, and Latinx

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program: Graduate Student Grant Program

The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Graduate Student Grant Problem was established in 2002 for graduate students whose projects serve to address sustainable agriculture issues within the region. Annually 20 projects are funded, and each project may last up to 36 months (3 years).

Award: Up to $15,000

Who Can Apply: Graduate students enrolled at accredited colleges or universities working on projects that address sustainable agriculture issues in the North Central Region

Graduate Fellowships

Dissertation Fellowship for Historically Underrepresented Persons in Anthropology

Formerly known as the Minority Dissertation Award, this award encourages members of racialized minority groups to complete doctoral degrees in anthropology to increase diversity within the discipline and/or promote research on issues of interest among minority groups. Doctoral students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply for this award. Applicants must be members of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) for at least one month prior to submitting materials for this program.

Award: $10,000

Who Can Apply: Members of the American Anthropological Association and a historically underrepresented U.S. racialized minority group such as African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians or Native Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/as, Chicano/as, or Pacific Islanders who have enrolled in a full-time academic program leading to a doctoral degree in anthropology at the time of application. Please see website for full eligibility details.

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

This fellowship is intended for immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States pursuing graduate education, and each year, thirty "New Americans" are supported each year by this award. It covers up to two years of graduate study for a recipient and is merit-based. Fellows are required to maintain good standing in their graduate program as well as attend the annual Fall Conference in New York City in late October.

Award: Up to $45,000

Who Can Apply: New Americans, immigrants or the children of immigrants, who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. Please see website for full list of eligibility requirements.

The Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study

The purpose of the Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study is to support current graduate students in the development of projects directly applicable to ESOL classroom instruction. The recipient of the award will present the results of the project at a TESOL convention within three years of the date the award is received. To be eligible for this award, applicants must be TESOL members.

Award: $1,500

Who Can Apply: Graduate student currently enrolled in a TESOL/TEFL graduate program or a closely-related program planning to work on a graduate study project during an upcoming academic year on a topic relevant to TESOL or TEFL. Please see website for programs related to TESOL/TESL.

Graduate Fellowships for Minorities

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Fellowships

This nine-month paid fellowship program is for Latino leaders who desire to pursue a career in a specific public policy area. Graduate fellows have had the opportunity to work with organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute, American Public Health Association, National Urban League, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, on top of working for members of Congress.

Award: Stipend of $29,700

Who Can Apply: Students who have completed a master's degree or J.D. prior to the program start date (doctoral students are NOT eligible to apply). Please see website for full list of eligibility requirements.

Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship

The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship began in 1997 and is awarded to standout Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American and women students. Applicants are to apply for this fellowship when submitting the Summer Associate application. What is interesting about this opportunity is that upon successful completion of the summer internship and acceptance of a full-time offer, recipients of this fellowship will be awarded an additional $40,000, plus any full-time Associate signing bonus, as applicable.

Amount: $5,000

Who Can Apply: First-year MBA students pursuing the Summer Associate position at Goldman Sachs who are Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American or women. Available in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Dallas, Greenwich, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, West Palm Beach, Washington D.C.

Minority Graduate School Scholarships

ABA Diversity Scholarship

The ABA Diversity Scholarship was designed to expand the number of traditionally underrepresented groups among the management and operation divisions of the transportation, travel and tourism industry. The ABA Foundation notes that there are many professions that are relevant to the travel and tourism industry, so students studying accounting, hospitality management, and more should feel welcome to apply. This scholarship requires a 500-word essay that will be about the role you hope to play in advancing the future of the transportation, motorcoach, travel, and tourism/hospitality industry.

Award: $5,000

Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students at accredited universities majoring in or studying coursework relevant to the travel and tourism industry

Graduate School Scholarships for Teachers

TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant requires recipients to agree to complete four years of qualifying teaching as a condition for getting the grant. TEACH Grant recipients agree to teach in a high-need field at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families. If recipients fail to complete the teaching service obligation, the grant converts into a loan. The TEACH Grant is part of federal student aid and requires you to complete the FAFSA and attend an eligible program.

Award: Up to $4,000 per year

Who Can Apply: Be enrolled in a TEACH-Grant eligible program as an undergraduate, post baccalaureate, or graduate student at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program. Please see the website for full eligibility details.

Federal Pell Grant for Postbaccalaureate Teacher Certification Program

The federal Pell Grant is generally only an option for undergraduate students, however, there is one exception for students enrolled is a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program. The Pell Grant will require you to complete the FAFSA.

Award: Up to the Pell Grant maximum for the applicable award year

Who Can Apply: Students that already earned a bachelor’s degree enrolled in an eligible program. The student must be enrolled in courses required by a state in order for the student to receive certification or licensure to teach in an elementary or secondary school in that state.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Teachers for America's Future - Graduate Scholarships

Students pursuing a graduate degree or credential/licensure for the purpose of teaching STEM subjects should consider applying for this scholarship if they are U.S. citizens. Applicants cannot have an expected graduation date that is the same year the scholarship is awarded. Graduate-level candidates have to be in at least their second semester of their program, taking at least two semester-equivalent courses per term at an accredited college or university in the United States, and maintaining a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Award: $2,500

Who Can Apply: U.S. Citizens with a B.S. degree in a STEM major studying education for the purpose of teaching STEM subjects in a U.S. school in grades K-12

Graduate School Scholarships for Veterans

Google SVA Scholarship

One of the ways Google exercises its commitment to military veterans is through its partnership with Student Veterans of America (SVA). Each year eight recipients are awarded this generous scholarship and invited to the Google Scholars Retreat in the summer. This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate student veterans pursuing a Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree, or a degree in a closely related technical field.

Award: $10,000

Who Can Apply: Student veterans currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a university or intending to enroll as a full-time student at a university within the next academic year. Please see website for full details.

Tillman Scholar Program

The Tillman Scholar Program is open to spouses, veterans and service members who are full-time students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree at an accredited public or private U.S.-based institution. In addition to the scholarship, recipients can expect opportunities for leadership development and networking.

Award: Varies

Who Can Apply: Veteran and active duty service members from all branches of the military including National Guard and Reserves who have served in pre- and post-9/11 service areas and current spouses of veteran or active duty service members, including surviving spouses

Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program

The Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program is for women who have served or are serving in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard. However, the lineal descendant of a woman who has done the same can apply as well. This program provides support to students pursuing certificate programs, community college coursework, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees at accredited institutions. These scholarships are based on a variety of factors: merit, academic potential, personal essay, community service, letters of recommendation, and financial need.

Award: Up to $2,500

Who Can Apply: A woman who has served or is serving honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard or the lineal descendant of a woman who has served or is serving honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard. For graduate students, applicant must have achieved an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must be enrolled in or accepted into a Masters or Doctoral program.

Nursing Graduate School Scholarships

Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Scholarship

Army Nurse Corps Association pays it forward with a scholarship program to support nurse education to qualified students. This scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in nursing or nurse anesthesia. Also, nursing or anesthesia students whose parent(s), spouse, or children have current or previous service in the US Army (Active Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve) are welcome to apply. Students must not be currently receiving funding by a component of the US Army (e.g., ROTC scholarship students and students receiving full GI Bill benefits).

Award: $3,000

Who Can Apply: Students enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program in nursing or nurse anesthesia who are serving or have previously served in any branch, at any rank, of a component of the US Army (Active Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve)

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship helps several students each year reach their healthcare career goals. To date, the scholarship has funded qualified applicants with more than $8 million in scholarship funds. Selection criteria for this scholarship include college GPA, academic records in medical school, nursing and/or pharmacy, community involvement/volunteer service, and essay content. These scholarships will be awarded to students and practitioners who are seeking their degree for the purpose of actively treating patients.

Award: $5,000 or $10,000

Who Can Apply: Graduate student or college senior enrolling in a graduate school who can provide a proof of enrollment to a graduate program in medical school, nursing, and/or pharmacy. Has one or more years of school remaining. Resident of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico or the District of Columbia.

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

Students who are accepted into the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program get their tuition, eligible fees, and other eligible educational costs paid for in exchange for agreeing to work at an eligible facility with a critical shortage of nurses-a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF)-upon graduation. Also, scholarship awardees receive a monthly stipend. Funding preference is given depending on the financial need of an applicant.

Award: Paid tuition, fees, and other educational costs

Who Can Apply: U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a national, or a lawful permanent resident enrolled-or accepted for enrollment-in a professional nursing degree program at an accredited school of nursing in the U.S. Applicant should have no federal judgment liens, no existing service commitment, and not be overdue on a federal debt

Grad School Scholarships for Women

Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarships

The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA) lists several scholarships for female students pursuing degrees in Accounting at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. Applicants are selected based on their commitment to pursuing a degree in accounting in preparation for a career in accounting or finance, aptitude in accounting and business, and plan for achieving these personal and professional goals.

Award: Up to $2,000

Who Can Apply: Female US citizens attending accredited US schools pursuing an accounting degree with financial need

Ethnic Minority and Women's Enhancement Graduate Scholarship

The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee collaborated to create this graduate scholarship. It serves to boost the amount of qualified minority and female candidates in intercollegiate athletics. This scholarship awards $10,000 to 13 ethnic minorities and 13 female college graduates entering their first year of a sports administration program or program that will help the applicant get a career in intercollegiate athletics.

Award: $10,000

Who Can Apply: Students or student-athletes at an active NCAA member institution who are seeking admission or have been accepted into a sports administration or other graduate program that will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics (athletics administrator, coach, athletic trainer or other career that provides a direct service to intercollegiate athletics). Please see website for full list of eligibility requirements.

Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship

The Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship was created to encourage more women to pursue careers in Statistics. It is sponsored by the American Statistical Association (ASA) Committee on Women in Statistics and Caucus for Women in Statistics. Each year, two scholarship recipients are selected.

Award: $1,000

Who Can Apply: Women who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada and who are admitted to full-time study in a graduate statistics program

Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Scholar Awards

P.E.O. Scholar Awards are merit-based awards for women pursuing a doctoral degree at an accredited college or university. Women who are well established in their doctoral programs, study or research are given priority. The application for this scholarship cannot be completed until the Chapter Nomination Form and letter are received.

Award: Varies

Who Can Apply: Women nominated by a local chapter of the PEO, who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada, within two years of completing a doctoral degree, and have at least one full academic year of work remaining in August of the award year. Please see website for full list of eligibility requirements.

Are you interested in more scholarship opportunities?

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