Pursuing graduate studies can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to financing your education. However, there’s good news! In this article, we present 26 Graduate School Scholarships that cater to all types of students.
Whether you’re a merit-based achiever or a student in need of financial aid, we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive guide will take you through the various opportunities available to you.
So, sit back and read on to discover the school scholarships that can help shape your future. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the options available to you.
Graduate School Scholarships Programs
On average, almost 62% of high school graduates choose to go to college. Out of those, about one-third decide to get more advanced degrees like master’s or doctorate degrees. People who go for extra education usually end up making more money.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with postgraduate degrees earn 18 to 44% more money than those with only an undergraduate degree. But going to graduate school can cost a lot, and student loans can eat into the extra money you make after graduating. So, for many graduate students, getting scholarships is super important. It’s like a key to getting more money and having a more satisfying career.
Turn to the next to discover the 26 top scholarship programs for all graduate students.
1. The Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
- Amount: Full tuition equivalent + $250,000 personal stipend
- Sponsor: The Hertz Foundation
- Who Can Apply:
- Applicants must be either college seniors, first-year graduate students, or individuals taking a gap year while preparing for graduate school.
- Declared major in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering.
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, four letters of recommendation, and an essay.
The Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship, funded by a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing science education, provides support for doctoral research in STEM-related fields. This merit-based fellowship places significant emphasis on the essay component during the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to showcase their enthusiasm for creative problem-solving, particularly in addressing pressing issues in the contemporary world. Aside from the financial benefits, recipients will gain lifelong access to a valuable network within the Hertz Community. All application materials must be submitted in English.
2. National GEM Consortium Fellowships
- Amount: $16,000 minimum stipend + full tuition and fees
- Sponsor: The National GEM Consortium
- Who Can Apply:
- Need at least a 2.8 GPA out of 4.0
- Identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American
- Studying engineering or computer science
- Able to do a two-summer internship with the sponsoring company
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, resume
The National GEM Consortium has been around for almost 50 years. They want to help students who are becoming scientists and engineers. The GEM Fellowships give support over several years to students from groups that are not often represented in these fields.
To apply, you should be working towards a higher-level degree in a science or engineering field. If you get the scholarship, you’ll receive a good amount of money and have your tuition covered at a GEM university. Plus, you’ll get a chance to do an internship with a company linked to GEM. One important thing to remember is that there are different deadlines for applying, so make sure to keep track of all of them. Remember, all application materials must be in English.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
3. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship
- Amount: $25,000 stipend and 50% of tuition
- Sponsor: The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
- Who Can Apply:
- Both your parents must have been born outside the U.S. and couldn’t become U.S. citizens when they were born.
- You need to have a bachelor’s degree.
- You should be no older than 30.
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 3 recommendation letters, test scores (if needed for your program), 2 essays
This fellowship, supported by Paul and Daisy Soros, is for people who are new to America or children of immigrants. It helps them pay for their studies after finishing their bachelor’s degree. The good thing is, you can apply no matter what you studied, where you studied, or how good your grades were.
Instead of focusing on all that, the people who decide on the scholarships want to know what makes you special. Since it’s for new Americans, they also want to see that you care about the values in America’s Constitution and Bill of Rights. One important thing to remember is that you have to be either a U.S. citizen or someone who can stay in the U.S. for a long time (like having a green card or refugee status) to apply.
4. The Beinecke Scholarship Program
- Amount: $34,000
- Sponsor: The Sperry and Hutchinson Company
- Who Can Apply:
- Planning to start a research-focused master’s, doctoral program, or MFA
- Studying arts, humanities, and/or social sciences
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 3 recommendation letters, personal statement, resume/CV, work sample/portfolio, a letter from the dean
The Beinecke Scholarship Program is a special fund created in memory of the Beinecke family, known for their philanthropy. This scholarship is based on merit and is meant to help college students who show they need financial support. If you qualify for a Pell Grant, that’s a plus, so definitely think about applying.
Just keep in mind, that you must go to one of the specific universities listed, and your university has to nominate you. But don’t let that discourage you—there are more than 130 schools on the list, so there’s a good chance yours is included. If you meet the criteria, go ahead and give it a shot!
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
5. Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $30,000
- Sponsor: The Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law
- Who Can Apply:
- Black/African-America
- Studying law and in the first year (1L) at a recognized law school
- Focusing on patent law
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 1 recommendation letter, proof of acceptance/enrollment, LSAT scores, personal statement, resume
If you’re a Black law student and want to apply for a scholarship, you might want to check out the Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship. They offer a $10,000 stipend each academic year, and you can get it for up to three years.
They’re looking for students who have done well academically and are interested in patent law. The scholarship also considers your financial need, and you can apply by sending in a copy of your completed FAFSA®. It’s a good chance to get support for your education.
6. Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
- Amount: $35,000 + Summer Associate salary + $40,000 upon completion of program
- Sponsor: Goldman Sachs
- Who Can Apply:
- Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or female
- First-year MBA student
- What You Need to Apply: Online application, potential interview
The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship is a special scholarship for students in their first year of business school. It’s a great opportunity because it includes both money and a paid internship, which can help kickstart a successful business career.
To apply, you need to be a woman, a person of color, or both. If you qualify, you not only get financial support but also a paid summer internship at one of Goldman Sachs’ offices in different cities across the U.S., like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York, and others. This fellowship is a fantastic way to start your career in business.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
7. Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship
- Amount: $24,000
- Sponsor: NCAA
- Who Can Apply:
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Enrolled in a graduate program at an NCAA member institution
- Competed on a varsity athletic team at an NCAA member institution
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 4 letters of recommendation, essay, list of academic and athletic honors and awards, list of community activities.
If you’re a student-athlete thinking about going to grad school, you should definitely consider applying for the Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to one male and one female student-athlete every year.
It’s a significant and quite prestigious scholarship offered by the NCAA. To be considered, you need to be nominated by your school, so make sure to discuss it with your coach or athletic director to put yourself in the running.
8. Davis-Putter Scholarship
- Amount: $15,000
- Sponsor: Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Who Can Apply:
- Enrolled in a graduate program or trade program
- Active involvement in a social or economic justice movement
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, completed FAFSA® or SAR, personal statement
The Davis-Putter Scholarship is there to help students who are actively working for social justice causes. It’s based on financial need and supports a broad range of activism, such as economic justice, trans rights, and anti-imperialism.
It’s open to students from various backgrounds, including those who are incarcerated, and both undergraduates and graduate students can apply.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
9. AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students
- Amount: $12,000
- Sponsor: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Who Can Apply:
- Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Pacific Islander
- Enrolled or intending to enroll full-time in a PhD program
- Declared study in the field of accounting
- Currently, a CPA or planning to pursue CPA licensure
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 2 letters of recommendation
This fellowship program is for aspiring accountants and doctoral students of color. It supports students from underrepresented groups who either have a master’s degree or have three years of experience in the accounting field.
Since it’s designed for full-time students, those who are working full-time or teaching more than one course as a graduate assistant are not eligible to apply.
10. Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law & Policy Scholarship
- Amount: $10,000
- Sponsor: Association of California Water Agencies
- Who Can Apply:
- Enrolled full-time in a graduate program
- Declared study in the field of water law and policy or public administration
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, essay
The Association of California Water Agencies, a leading authority in water policy across the state, established the Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law & Policy Scholarship to assist students dedicated to addressing the climate crisis.
Each year, ACWA selects one graduate student for this scholarship. Although there’s no specific GPA requirement, candidates are chosen based on their academic accomplishments, their enthusiasm for water-related issues, and their dedication to pursuing a career in the industry.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
11. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
- Amount: $10,000
- Sponsor: Government Finance Officer Association
- Who Can Apply:
- Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Pacific Islander
- Declared study in the field of public administration, accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 1 letter of recommendation
The Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship is meant to help excellent students from communities that don’t have as many opportunities. There are 11 scholarships from the GFOA, so look into the others if you’re interested in this field. To stand out, talk about how your studies connect to what you want to do in government finance in the future.
12. SEG Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Sponsor: The Society of Exploration Geophysicists
- Who Can Apply:
- Declared field of study in Geophysics
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 2 academic references
For the SEG Scholarship, there isn’t a specific GPA requirement, but it’s based on merit. This means you need to show better-than-average academic performance to be competitive. The good news is that’s mostly all you need to focus on. The only other definite requirement is that you’re studying in a degree program related to geophysics.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
13. United Health Foundation Louis Stokes Scholarship
- Amount: $8,000
- Sponsor: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
- Who Can Apply:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Black/African American
- Enrolled full-time in a graduate program
- Declared study in the field of healthcare or medicine
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, video essay, resume, headshot
If you’re a Black American, currently in graduate school, and aiming for a career in healthcare, the United Health Foundation Louis Stokes Scholarship is designed for you.
This multi-year scholarship is given to four students annually to support their graduate studies. While GPA matters, those with a solid history of community service or evident leadership skills will be given priority in the selection process.
14. ASH Foundation’s Graduate Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Sponsor: American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation
- Who Can Apply:
- Enrolled full-time in a graduate program
- Declared study in the field of communication sciences and disorders
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, letter of acceptance or good standing, essay, relevant coursework, letter of application
The American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASH) Foundation holds a deep commitment to fostering effective communication. In your essay, elucidate how your personal experiences have influenced your fervor for overcoming obstacles associated with communication disorders.
Beyond the essay, applying for the ASH Foundation’s Graduate Scholarship demands a thorough engagement. However, considering the annual awarding of 15 scholarships ensures you a substantial opportunity for recognition.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
15. Oncology Nursing Foundation Master’s Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Sponsor: Oncology Nursing Foundation and Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- Who Can Apply:
- Currently enrolled in or applying to a master’s program
- Registered nurse status
- Declared focus of study in the field of oncology nursing
- What You Need to Apply: 1 letter of recommendation, essay
According to a study by Precedence Research, the field of cancer care is expected to be worth over $530 billion by 2029. As we make progress in cancer research and treatment, there’s a growing need for nurses specializing in oncology.
If you’re a registered nurse thinking about going to graduate school, the Oncology Nursing Foundation Master’s Scholarship can help with your finances and lead to a fulfilling career in this growing field.
16. (ISC)² Graduate Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Sponsor: Center for Cyber Safety and Education
- Who Can Apply:
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Pursuing a master’s degree or a PhD
- Declared focus of study in the field of cybersecurity or information assurance
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 1 letter of recommendation, essay, resume/CV
The (ISC)² Graduate Scholarship is designed for students working towards graduate degrees in cybersecurity or information assurance. Whether you’re a full-time or part-time graduate student attending classes online or on campus, you are eligible to apply.
This scholarship is awarded based on merit, with consideration given to financial need. To make a strong impression, it’s essential to express your genuine passion for cybersecurity and demonstrate your dedication to a future career in the field.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
17. Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Sponsor: American College of Healthcare Executives
- Who Can Apply:
- Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander or a member of the LGBTQ+ community
- Enrolled full-time in a graduate program
- Entering your final year of study
- Declared focus of study in the field of healthcare
- Not previously a recipient of this award or the Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, essay, resume
The Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship aims to assist graduate students with diverse ethnic backgrounds or who identify as LGBTQ+ and are enrolled in a healthcare management graduate program. While preference is given to Student Associates of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), being a member is not a mandatory requirement.
18. Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Sponsor: American College of Healthcare Executives
- Who Can Apply:
- Enrolled full-time in a graduate program
- Declared focus of study in the field of healthcare
- Not previously awarded this scholarship or the Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, essay, resume
Supported by the American College of Healthcare Executives, The Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship is designed to ease the financial load of graduate studies and help exceptional students reach their healthcare career goals.
The scholarship provides a $5,000 award for graduate students enrolled in relevant programs such as MHA, MPH, and healthcare administration MBA programs, among others.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
19. Banks Brown Graduate Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Sponsor: American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation
- Who Can Apply:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Enrolled in a graduate program
- Declared study in the field of hospitality
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, essay
The Banks Brown Graduate Scholarship, supported by the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation, is open to both full-time and part-time students. This scholarship is specifically tailored for those pursuing a graduate degree with a focus on strengthening the lodging industry and preparing the next generation for success.
Candidates can either be currently studying for a graduate degree in hospitality or enrolled in any graduate program after completing an undergraduate degree related to hospitality.
20. Eckenfelder Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Sponsor: Brown and Caldwell
- Who Can Apply:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Enrolled full time
- Declared study in the field of engineering or environmental science
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, essay, resume
The Eckenfelder Scholarship program was established in tribute to Dr. Wesley Eckenfelder, Jr., in recognition of his dedication to the environmental industry. This scholarship aims to support college juniors, seniors, and graduate students in their pursuit of careers related to the environment.
Applicants are encouraged to showcase their academic achievements, express their enthusiasm for environmental studies, and outline their future career aspirations within the industry as part of the application process.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
21. Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: $3,000-$4,000
- Sponsor: Overseas Press Club Foundation
- Who Can Apply:
- Declared study in the field of journalism
- What You Need to Apply: Resume, writing sample, cover letter
The Overseas Press Club Foundation sponsors 17 scholars annually to assist future foreign correspondents. The scholarship offered by the Overseas Press Club Foundation can provide financial support for students pursuing academic goals or cover expenses for a trip abroad to gain practical experience in the field of journalism. Graduates and undergraduates who are ready for travel, specializing in both traditional journalism and photojournalism, are encouraged to apply.
22. Edward C. Bryant Scholarship
- Amount: $2,500
- Sponsor: American Statistical Association
- Who Can Apply:
- Enrolled full-time in a graduate program
- Declared study in the field of statistics
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume/CV, list of extracurricular activities, list of honors and awards
The best way to honor someone obsessed with statistics is to empower someone with a similar obsession. To that end, the Edward C. Bryant Scholarship — established in the name of the founder of the American Statistical Association — supports one student each year in their pursuit of an advanced degree in statistics. To apply, you must have experience with survey statistics and a record of academic excellence in graduate school.
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
23. Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship
- Amount: $2,500
- Sponsor: American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
- Who Can Apply:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Arab-American
- Enrolled full-time in a graduate program
- Declared study in the field of mass communications
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, essay, work sample/portfolio
The Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship is given in honor of the writer Dr. Jack Shaheen. It’s for Arab-American students in their junior, senior, or graduate years of college who are studying journalism, television, radio, or film. To apply, it’s important to understand Dr. Shaheen’s work and explain how he has influenced your life and career goals in your essay.
24. Rick Guggolz Memorial Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000
- Sponsor: Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP)
- Who Can Apply:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Declared study in the field of insurance, economics, finance, or business
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 1 letter of recommendation, relevant coursework, list of extracurricular activities, list of honors and awards, list of leadership roles, summary of steps taken to pursue a career in insurance
For all you math and econ majors, here’s an easy calculation: subtract $2000 from your tuition bill. That’s correct — $2000 less in student loans to repay after graduation.
The Rick Guggolz Memorial Scholarship, offered by a professional organization of insurance executives, is meant to support graduate students in fields related to math. (Keep in mind that if you’re interested in an insurance career, you may have an advantage over other applicants.)
Check the next page for more grad school scholarships.
25. Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Sponsor: American Psychological Foundation
- Who Can Apply:
- Current graduate student
- Declared study in the field of psychology
- What You Need to Apply: 1 letter of recommendation, resume and CV, description of project, project budget proposal
The Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship, supported by the American Psychological Foundation, aims to lessen the stigma associated with mental illness.
This scholarship funds graduate-level scholarly projects that employ a psychological approach to raise awareness and alter perspectives on mental health. To increase your chances of winning, you’ll need a detailed and well-thought-out project proposal.
26. Gertrude M. Fox Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Sponsor: American Statistical Association
- Who Can Apply:
- Female
- Enrolled full-time in a graduate program
- Declared study in the field of statistics
- What You Need to Apply: Transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, essay, resume/CV, headshot
The Gertrude M. Fox Scholarship, sponsored by the American Statistical Association, aims to assist exceptional women in their pursuit of careers related to statistics. The committee offers two distinct awards—one for a female statistician in the early stages of her graduate studies and the other for a woman approaching the completion of her program.
