As more recent college graduates head back to school instead of entering today’s rather challenging job market, more organizations are creating scholarships for graduate students to pursue an advanced degree.
Not only is enrolling in graduate school a great way to concentrate on a specific field and increase marketability to future employers, but it also pays off as a smart fiscal move for the future. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report found that workers with a master’s degree or higher earn 30 percent more each year than those with just a bachelor’s degree. If you want greater career advancement and employment opportunities, read on to learn more about the scholarships for graduate students that are available to help you reach your fullest potential in higher education.
1. Alpha Kappa Alpha Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Deadline: August 15th
With the goal of promoting lifelong learning, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation offers both merit and need-based scholarships annually for up to $2,500 for full-time graduate students who are enrolled in at least their second year of graduate studies at an accredited degree-granting institution. Qualified applicants must demonstrate community service involvement, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit three letters of recommendation.
Contact
Alpha Kappa Alpha Foundation Graduate Scholarships
5656 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 947-0026
akaeaf@akaeaf.net
2. American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarships
Deadline: May 31st
Each year, the American Indian College Fund presents the Full Circle Scholarships to recognized members of a federal or state-recognized tribe and descendants of an American Indian tribe who are enrolling full-time in a graduate degree program at any accredited institution. In order to qualify for up to $2,000 in funding, applicants must be U.S. citizens, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
Contact
American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarships
8333 Greenwood Blvd.
Denver, CO 80221
(800) 776-3863
Scholarship Link
3. American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Deadline: May 23rd
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation) provides up to 20 general Graduate Scholarships annually for $5,000 apiece to deserving students who are currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program full-time for study in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, and/or audiology. Eligible applicants must submit a letter of acceptance, an official transcript, a five-page response essay, and three confidential letters of recommendation.
Contact
American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Graduate Scholarships
2200 Research Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 296-8703
foundationprograms@asha.org
4. Beinecke African Scholarship Program for Graduate Studies
Deadline: February 21st
Established in 1996 to honor Edwin, Frederick, and Walter Beinecke in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Beinecke African Scholarship Program for Graduate Studies is available for young men and women of African descent who show exceptional promise for pursuing graduate education in wildlife conservation or ecology at a university in the United States. Annually, the program selects 20 scholars who will receive $4,000 prior to entering graduate school and an additional $30,000 while attending graduate school.
Contact
Beinecke African Scholarship Program for Graduate Studies
8240 Peach Lane
Fogelsville, PA 18051
(610) 395-5560
beineckescholarship@earthlink.net
5. Boren Fellowships for International Study Abroad
Deadline: January 28th
With preference for countries, languages, and fields of study that are critical to U.S. national security, the Boren Fellowships for International Study Abroad provide up to $30,000 for graduate students who are interested in studying overseas in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, be matriculated in a graduate degree program at an accredited American institution, and plan to participate in a study abroad program that meets institution standards.
Contact
Boren Fellowships for International Study Abroad
1400 K St. NW 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 326-7672
boren@iie.org
6. Central Intelligence Agency Graduate Scholarship Program
Deadline: October 15th
Offering an unmatched opportunity to work at an Agency facility in Washington D.C. for at least 60 to 90 days before graduation, the Central Intelligence Agency Graduate Scholarship Program will give up to $18,000 annually for qualified full-time graduate students nationwide. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be at least 18 years of age, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need with a household income less than $70,000.
Contact
Central Intelligence Agency Graduate Scholarship Program
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20505
(703) 482-0623
Scholarship Link
7. Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
Sponsored by the Marine Technology Society, the Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarships are presented annually for $2,500 to student members who are currently enrolled full-time in an accredited degree program in a marine technology, marine engineering, or any other marine science. For consideration, qualified students must submit one letter of recommendation, one character reference letter, a transcript, and a 500-word personal essay.
Contact
Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarships
1100 H St. NW Suite LL-100
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 717-8705 ext. 102
scholarships@mtsociety.org
8. Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Memorial Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: November 15th
In recognition of his valuable contributions to the field of electrical engineering, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) bestows the Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Memorial Graduate Scholarship for $24,000 to full-time graduate students enrolled in an accredited engineering school. Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents, have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited engineering college, and have a declared major in electrical engineering.
Contact
Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Memorial Graduate Scholarship
445 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(732) 562-5501
awards@ieee.org
9. David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
Designed to help support promising future aerospace professionals, the David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship is offered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for $2,500 to full-time graduate student members who are pursuing a career in the space industry. Qualified candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 or higher, be studying a topic related to an AIAA Technical Committee, and be participating in research in the air and/or space sciences.
Contact
David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship
1801 Alexander Bell Drive Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 264-7500
stephenb@aiaa.org
10. Emerging Maternal and Child Health Graduate Student Scholarship
Deadline: November 15th
Through the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP), the Emerging MCH Graduate Student Scholarship provides $2,500 in financial assistance annually to degree candidates in the last year of a master or doctoral level program with a strong focus in maternal and child health. Qualified candidates should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, have interned or worked in a Title V program, and show consistent active participation in public community service activities.
Contact
Emerging Maternal and Child Health Graduate Student Scholarship
2030 M St. NW Suite 350
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 775-0436
lfreeman@amchp.org
11. Feeding Tomorrow General Education Scholarships
Deadline: February 10th
Annually, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) awards the Feeding Tomorrow General Education Scholarships for $2,000, $2,500, and $5,000 as funding to graduate students who are actively pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree full-time in biology, nutrition, food science, or food microbiology with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Selection will be strongly based on exceptional scholastic achievements, leadership experience, and commitment to the food science and technology profession.
Contact
Feeding Tomorrow General Education Scholarships
525 West Van Buren Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 782-8424
info@ift.org
12. Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) has established the Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship to provide $5,000 for deserving students who are enrolled in their final year of a graduate healthcare management program in pursuit of an MHA, MPH, or MBA. Qualified applicants should be enrolled full-time in an accredited program, demonstrate financial need, and be participating in a residency related to healthcare administration/management.
Contact
Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
One North Franklin St. Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 424-2800
contact@ache.org
Scholarship Link
13. Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship for Graduate Students
Deadline: April 1st
Established in 1989 by the American Statistical Association to encourage more women to enter statistically-oriented professions, the Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship for Graduate Students is presented annually for $2,000 to female students in the United States and Canada who are admitted full-time in a master’s or doctoral degree program related to statistical sciences. Along with the application, students must submit three letters of recommendation, all academic transcripts, and a one-page personal essay on career aspirations.
Contact
Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship for Graduate Students
732 North Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-1221
pamela@amstat.org
14. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Arts Award
Deadline: November 7th
Annually, the Jack Kent Cookie Foundation Graduate Arts Award provides up to $50,000 for recent alumni with exceptional artistic and/or creative promise to pursue up to three years of study at an accredited graduate institution in the U.S. or abroad. Qualified candidates must demonstrate unmet financial need, have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution within the past five years, have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, and plan to major in the performing arts or visual arts.
Contact
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Arts Award
44325 Woodridge Parkway
Lansdowne, VA 20176
(855) 509-5253
scholarships@jkcf.org
15. John L. Carey Graduate Scholarship in Accounting
Deadline: April 1st
Administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the John L. Carey Graduate Scholarship presents $5,000 in financial assistance to liberal arts and non-business degree holders who have decided to pursue graduate studies in accounting for obtaining CPA licensure at any accredited U.S. institution. Recipients will be chosen based on academic performance, leadership potential, future career interests in accounting, educational background, and financial need.
Contact
John L. Carey Graduate Scholarship in Accounting
220 Leigh Farm Rd.
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 402-4500
scholarships@aicpa.org
16. Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
With the goal of recognizing outstanding graduate students in the United States who excel in academics as well as community service, the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association offers up to 25 annual scholarships for $1,500 each to graduate students who are majoring in science, engineering, or related fields at an accredited U.S. institution. Eligible applicants must be of Korean heritage, have graduate student status, and exhibit potential for becoming a future leader for closer cooperation between the U.S. and Korea.
Contact
Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association Scholarships
1952 Gallows Rd. Suite 300
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 748-1221
admin@ksea.org
17. LAGRANT Foundation Minority Graduate Student Scholarships
Deadline: February 28th
For African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American students, the LAGRANT Foundation has created Minority Graduate Student Scholarships to grant $5,000 to members of minority ethnic groups who are pursuing a full-time graduate degree with an emphasis in public relations, marketing, communications, or advertising. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, carry a total of 12 credits or more per semester, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and agree to attend a career development workshop.
Contact
LAGRANT Foundation Minority Graduate Student Scholarships
600 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1520
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(323) 469-8680
erickainiguez@lagrant.com
18. Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Endowed Scholars Program
Deadline: May 1st
Offering renewable grants for up to $5,000, the Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Endowed Scholars Program is available to full-time graduate students in the District of Columbia or Maryland who are enrolled in a master’s degree program in social work or other mental health field at an accredited university. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, be fluent in English and a second language, and agree to work full-time as a bilingual specialist in mental health one year for each year of funding upon completion.
Contact
Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Endowed Scholars Program
2 East Read St. 9th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 332-4171
scholarships@bcf.org
19. National Black MBA Association Scholarship Awards
Deadline: June 6th
With the mission of increasing the pool of Black talent for business in the public and private sectors, the National Black MBA Association offers annual scholarship awards for up to $10,000 to graduate student members who are entering their first year in a full or part-time accredited MBA program in the United States. Recipients must be a financially active member, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, and be actively involved in local community service.
Resource: Top 25 Most Affordable Online Business Graduate Degrees 2014
Contact
National Black MBA Association Scholarship Awards
1 East Wacker Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 236-2622
info@nbmbaa.org
20. Paul and Daisy Soros Graduate Fellowships for New Americans
Deadline: November 1st
The Paul and Daisy Soros Graduate Fellowships for New Americans are awarded annually for up to $20,000 in tuition assistance to green card holders and naturalized citizens who are entering their first or second year of graduate studies at an accredited U.S. institution. Qualified candidates must have been born outside of the United States, have not reached their 31st birthday, already hold a bachelor’s degree in good standing, and exhibit a commitment to the values expressed in the U.S. institution.
Contact
Paul and Daisy Soros Graduate Fellowships for New Americans
224 West 57th St.
New York, NY 10019
(212) 547-6926
pdsoros@sorosny.org
21. Ralph W. Shrader Diversity Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Through the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), the Ralph W. Shrader Diversity Graduate Scholarship presents up to $2,500 to minority graduate students who are enrolled full-time in an accredited STEM degree program in the U.S. Qualifying majors include electrical engineering, computer science, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer information systems, technology management, physics, mathematics, bioinformatics, or any other majors related to the mission of AFCEA.
Contact
Ralph W. Shrader Diversity Graduate Scholarship
4400 Fair Lakes Court
Fairfax, VA 22033
(800) 336-4583
Scholarship@afcea.org
22. Ruth G. and Joseph D. Matarazzo Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th
Sponsored by the American Psychological Association (APA) Foundation, the Ruth G. and Joseph D. Matarazzo Scholarship provides $3,000 annually to assist an outstanding graduate student enrolled in an interim master’s or doctoral program for psychology with research costs associated with the thesis or dissertation. All applicants must submit a full research proposal for consideration, which will be judged based on context, clarity, appropriateness, research design, general importance, and the budgeted use for requested funds.
Contact
Ruth G. and Joseph D. Matarazzo Scholarship
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843
foundation@apa.org
23. Susan E. Stutz-McDonald Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: February 17th
Each year, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) grants two Susan E. Stutz-McDonald Foundation Scholarships for $2,500 apiece to deserving young female engineers who are pursuing a graduate degree in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering at any ABET-accredited U.S. institution. In honor of Susan’s unique passions for solving the world’s water problems, preference will be given to women focusing on water or wastewater engineering.
Contact
Susan E. Stutz-McDonald Foundation Scholarships
203 North La Salle St. Suite 1675
Chicago, IL 60601
(877) 793-4636
scholarships@swe.org
24. Thomas S. Memorial Graduate Student Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
For outstanding members of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, the Thomas S. Memorial Graduate Student Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to individual members who are entering graduate school for the first time to pursue a master’s degree in history. Along with the application, students must submit an official transcript, current resume, curriculum vitae, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a letter from the department chair.
Contact
Thomas S. Memorial Graduate Student Scholarship
4202 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33620
(813) 974-8215
info@phialphatheta.org
25. Western Regional Graduate Program
Deadline: Varies
In Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, the Western Regional Graduate Program has been designed to save graduate students an average of $14,000 annually by allowing them to pursue a master’s, post-baccalaureate certificate, or doctoral degree outside of their home state while paying in-state tuition rates. To be considered for the reduced tuition rate, students must apply directly to the department of the institution of enrollment and fulfill all of the usual department requirements.
Contact
Western Regional Graduate Program
3035 Center Green Drive Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 541-0200
knawrocki@wiche.edu
Scholarship Link
While it is clear that graduate school comes with a multitude of benefits, it is important that you build a solid financial plan before writing out another large tuition check. With the rising costs associated with pursuing an advanced degree, you will need many sources of financial aid or you could burden yourself with double the student loan debt that you have already accumulated over the last four years. Therefore, check out these 25 great scholarships for graduate students to prevent racking up too much debt when chasing your dreams for career success.
