With psychology scholarships in the US, opting to pursue a degree in psychology opens doors to a profession that not only positively impacts lives but also presents opportunities for career advancement and personal development. According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to expand by 6.1% until 2032, in line with the national average for job growth across various sectors.
Entering the realm of psychology, whether in general, clinical, forensic, organizational, or school psychology, demands significant commitment to education, often spanning several years, if not a decade, to qualify for licensure in your chosen specialization.
The financial aspect of financing this education can seem daunting, but there are avenues beyond student loans to explore. We’ve identified scholarships, grants, and fellowships tailored specifically for psychology students, catering to various needs and circumstances.
Some are geared towards those engaged in research involving human subjects, requiring approval from an institutional review board, while others prioritize applicants with demonstrable financial need. Nonetheless, all these resources aim to alleviate the financial strain associated with pursuing your educational aspirations.
Psychology Scholarships In The US For Undergraduate Students
Starting a journey towards a psychology career typically commences with obtaining a bachelor’s degree. This educational milestone opens doors to various entry-level positions in fields like human resources and social services, while also laying the groundwork for pursuing further education at the graduate level.
Given the increasing cost of bachelor’s tuition, averaging around $20,000 annually for public universities, it’s crucial to prioritize securing scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
The APF Brehm Scholarship For Psychology
Psychology undergraduates with a verified financial requirement and at least a 3.5 GPA are eligible.
Prize: Six grants valued at $5,000 each.
Application Criteria: Apply through the web by submitting a CV, academic record, reference letter, and an essay detailing your engagement in psychology thus far and your plans for the future.
Additionally, demonstrate financial need by furnishing your FAFSA Student Aid Report and tuition documentation.
Scholarship Provided By Fontana Transport Inc.
High school seniors from low-income backgrounds, maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA, and being the first in their family to pursue a four-year college education are eligible. The scholarship offers $5,000 to one recipient.
To apply, submit your transcripts and proof of college enrollment online. While not mandatory, a recommendation letter from a faculty member is strongly encouraged.
The NIH Scholarship
Students currently enrolled in a behavioral or social health-related research program, with a minimum GPA of 3.3, and verified by the NIH for significant financial need are eligible. They must undertake a 10-week paid summer research program annually. Upon graduation, they are required to work full-time in an NIH research lab for one year for each year they received funding.
The scholarship offers between 15 and 20 awards, each worth up to $20,000, renewable for up to four years.
Applicants must submit a resume, transcript, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a financial need form online. Semifinalists will undergo phone interviews in mid-July.
Scholarships Offered By Pilot International
Undergraduate students in service-oriented fields aiming to pursue careers in youth development, assisting families in need, or promoting brain safety and fitness are eligible. Applicants must be enrolled for at least 12 semester hours in the upcoming term, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and demonstrate financial need.
The scholarship offers up to $1,500 and is renewable for three additional years.
To apply, candidates must email their resume, transcript, and financial details, along with two recommendation letters and an essay outlining their career aspirations.
Scholarships, Grants, And Fellowships For Graduates
Earning a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology can expand your career options and potentially lead to higher earnings. However, pursuing these degrees requires a significant investment in education. Fortunately, there are scholarships, grants, and fellowships available to help students with the costs of tuition, living expenses, and research.
The APAGS Scholarship
Graduate students at an advanced level engaged in groundbreaking studies within psychology or neuroscience, regardless of specialization, are eligible to apply. To qualify, individuals must hold membership in the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS).
Funding comprises 12 to 15 grants valued at $1,000 each, with a segment of the funds designated for projects addressing diversity-related themes.
Application entails submitting a research proposal delineating the study’s objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Additionally, those seeking consideration for diversity funding must furnish a 250-word essay elucidating how their research endeavors will advance this particular domain.
The APF Scholarship
Graduate students engaged in research for their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation, regardless of their stage of study, are eligible to apply. Master’s degree students seeking to pursue a doctoral program are also welcome to apply.
The scholarship offers varying amounts: four awards of $5,000, one award of $3,000, one award of $2,500, and 15 awards of $2,000, totaling 21 scholarships annually. The funds are designated for research-related expenses exclusively.
Applicants must submit their materials online, including a transcript, CV, thesis/dissertation outline, and a recommendation letter from their research advisor.
Psychology Scholarships In The Us
The APF McGuigan Dissertation Award Scholarship
Doctoral students focusing on mental function from both behavioral and neural viewpoints in their dissertation research are eligible. The dissertation must be approved by a doctoral committee before applying.
Award: $2,000 for research-related expenses.
Application: Apply online, providing a CV, project timeline, detailed budget, and a proposal outlining goals, methods, and expected results.
The APF Visionary Scholarship
Graduate students engaged in groundbreaking research or intervention endeavors targeting specific domains such as:
- Utilizing psychology to assist vulnerable communities.
- Implementing strategies to curb violence.
- Investigating the correlation between behavior and well-being.
- Combatting stigma and discrimination.
Funding: Grants of up to $20,000 are available. The number of grants distributed varies, typically averaging around eight annually. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating potential for significant backing from prominent federal or foundation funding bodies.
Application Process:
Submit an online application including a CV, project timeline, comprehensive budget breakdown, and a proposal outlining your objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Scholarship
Students enrolled in graduate programs at the master’s or doctoral level, focusing on research-driven disciplines within the realm of science, including psychology, are eligible for this National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship.
The fellowship entails an annual stipend of $32,000 for three years, accompanied by an additional $12,000 per year designated for tuition. Approximately 2,000 fellowships are granted annually.
To apply, candidates must provide a detailed proposal outlining their research agenda and budget, along with their current academic transcripts, a minimum of two recommendation letters, and a personal statement delineating their academic background and professional aspirations. The NSF offers templates to assist applicants in fulfilling these requirements precisely.
Scholarship By The Society For The Advancement Of Psychotherapy
Graduate students engaged in research aimed at enhancing the processes and outcomes of psychotherapy are invited to apply for grants. Applicants must hold membership in the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy. Approval from an institutional review board is mandatory for studies involving human participants.
Funding:
Three grants, each totaling $5,000.
Application Requirements:
To apply, send an email containing your CV, your mentor’s CV, and a comprehensive project description outlining your objectives, methodologies, and expected results.
Additionally, provide a 300-word statement elucidating your qualifications for executing the research successfully. Submit two letters of recommendation, with one specifically addressing your mentorship for the project.
Psychology Scholarships In The Us For Minority Students
Scholarships tailored for minority students not only enhance educational access for underrepresented individuals but also amplify the field’s significance by fostering deeper comprehension of the challenges facing diverse communities.
While some scholarships are inclusive to all minority groups, others target specific demographics or fields of study for financial support.
The Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship
Graduate students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees, showcasing a dedicated effort towards enhancing the well-being of marginalized groups, are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to those aspiring for roles in clinical service or public policy.
Prize: $4,000 grant
Application Criteria:
Submit an online application including an updated CV, a statement detailing your alignment with the scholarship’s objectives, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty mentor.
Fellowship For Minority Predoctoral Students Sponsored By The Ford Foundation
African Americans, Alaska Natives, Puerto Ricans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Mexican Americans who are participating in a research-focused doctoral program aimed at a PhD and have a dedication to teaching or research in higher education are eligible.
Funding: Around 70 fellowships offering $24,000 annually for a three-year duration.
Application Criteria:
Submit an online application including a proposal outlining your study plan and future career aspirations, a summary of your past research and academic accomplishments, and an essay detailing your involvement and dedication to promoting diversity in education and the broader community.
HRSA Scholarship For Native Hawaiians
Individuals of Native Hawaiian descent enrolled in a clinical psychology doctoral program are eligible for this scholarship. Successful applicants are obliged to dedicate two to four years working in a healthcare institution that caters to Native Hawaiians and other marginalized groups in Hawaii.
The scholarship covers tuition for one to four years and includes a monthly stipend of approximately $1,300.
To apply, candidates must complete an online application, provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, evidence of Hawaiian heritage, and three written statements outlining their dedication to serving the Native Hawaiian community. An interview is also part of the application process.
Conclusion:
If you are aspiring to study psychology as a major, these resources are sufficient to get you a head start on how to find psychology scholarships in the US.