Diving into the world of psychology opens doors to careers dedicated to impactful change and understanding the intricacies of human behavior. As the cost of higher education escalates, finding financial support becomes a crucial step in your educational journey. You’re not alone—83.8% of full-time, first-time undergraduates sought financial aid in the 2018-19 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
We’ve compiled essential information and practical advice to guide you towards scholarships specifically designed for psychology students, helping you mitigate costs and focus on your studies. Once you’re ready to begin pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology, we’ve got you covered. Let’s navigate the financial aid landscape together, turning your educational aspirations into achievable goals.
30 Scholarships and Grants for Psychology Students
Embarking on your psychology academic journey online doesn’t mean you have to bear the financial burden alone. Scholarships and grants can significantly lighten the load, making your educational goals more accessible and achievable.
We’ve curated a list of 30 scholarships and grants tailored for online psychology students. These awards vary in their criteria, amounts, and application processes, but they all share a common goal: to support students like you in reaching their academic potential in psychology.
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General Scholarships for Online Psychology Students
“A Bold Mind” Psychology No-Essay Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship is for students with a passion for psychology, aiming to ease the financial burden of their education. Open to any student currently pursuing a degree in psychology. Unique for its no-essay application process.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
BetterHelp: Future of Mental Health Scholarship
- Amount: Varies
- Description & eligibility: Provided by the world’s largest therapy service, this scholarship supports individuals pursuing graduate studies, aiming to improve access to high-quality mental health services. The scholarship is part of BetterHelp’s mission to provide private and affordable therapy options.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Clubs of America Scholarship Award for Career Success
- Amount: $1,000
- Description & eligibility: Available to U.S. and international undergraduate students with GPAs of 3.0 or higher, applicants must demonstrate passion for their chosen career and educational path and submit an essay about their chosen profession.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Empowering Future Psychologists: Scholarships for Students Pursuing Higher Education
- Amount: $600
- Description & Eligibility: This scholarship is offered by Casinos Blockchain to undergraduate and graduate psychology students. It requires an essay on “Can Temperament Type Predict Online Gambling Addiction?” and aims to support students’ educational expenses while addressing a critical issue in online gambling and mental health.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Ethan To Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000
- Description & eligibility: Created in memory of Ethan To, this scholarship supports low-income undergraduate or graduate students studying psychology and/or counseling. Applicants should have a minimum 3.5 GPA for undergraduates and 3.2 for graduates. Special consideration is given to first-generation college students.
- Deadline: Feb 16, 2024
Future Counselors of America Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Description & eligibility: Open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students majoring in psychology and intending to pursue careers in relationship counseling or a related field. Candidates must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and submit an essay on the psychology of online dating.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Lullelia W. Harrison Counseling Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in counseling. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a relevant program and provide proof of enrollment.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
National Institute of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
- Amount: Up to $20,000
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship program is tailored for students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher, demonstrate significant financial need, and be ready to commit to service obligations in the NIH Intramural Research Program.
- Deadline: March 29, 2024
On A Dragonfly’s Wings
- Amount: $500
- Description & eligibility: Designed for high school graduates advancing to higher education in mental health fields like psychology, social work, counseling, and recreational therapy. Applicants need a 3.5 GPA and an essay response to an assigned question. The scholarship emphasizes breaking mental health stigmas.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship is dedicated to outstanding psychology undergraduate students with financial need. Eligible candidates should be majoring in psychology at an accredited institution and have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA. The program embraces applicants from diverse backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive selection process.
- Deadline: July 10, 2024
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School-Based Scholarships for Psychology Students
Alice Conger Patterson Scholarship
- Amount: Varies
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship is for women aged 23 or older attending selected North Carolina institutions. Candidates must have a 2.6 GPA or higher, pursue a liberal arts degree, and demonstrate financial need. Schools include Salem College, UNC Greensboro, North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State University, High Point University, Wake Forest University, Guilford College, and Greensboro College. There is a preference for Salem College attendance.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Amanda Williams Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Amount: Varies
- Description & eligibility: Available to full-time undergraduate psychology majors at Clemson University. Selection is based on academic merit with a required minimum 2.5 GPA. An essay describing passion for sports and future goals is required.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Spirit of Ann Frank Awards
- Amount: $10,000
- Description & eligibility: Open to undergraduate students at Providence College majoring in Journalism or Psychology, selection for this scholarship is based on academic achievements, potential for career success, and community or school activity involvement. Financial need must be demonstrated via FAFSA.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Burt Stangarone Endowed Scholarship
- Amount: $600
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship recognizes a psychology major at Stony Brook University who has demonstrated exceptional potential and a clear financial need. Applicants must be full-time undergraduates with more than 89 credits and showcase a zest for life, compassion for others, and a genuine eagerness to learn.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
John W. Perry Endowed Scholarship in Psychology
- Amount: $600
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship is awarded annually to a Stony Brook University psychology major. Eligible students are full-time undergraduates not graduating in the application year and share Perry’s zest for life, curiosity, and commitment to self-improvement.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Lawson Memorial Fund Scholarship
- Amount: $3,000
- Description & eligibility: The fund aims to support students balancing work and education, enabling them to dedicate more time to their academic pursuits. Applicants should have completed at least two semesters at OSU with a GPA of 3.0 or above and show financial need.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
UNF Gray Scholarship
- Amount: $16,000
- Description & eligibility: The UNV Gray Scholarship is open to U.S. students planning to attend the University of North Florida as freshmen within the College of Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have a UNF recalculated GPA of 3.6 or higher and an SAT score of 1360+ or an ACT score of 28+.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
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Grants for Psychology Students
Lizette Peterson Homer Grant
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Description & eligibility: Aimed at supporting research that focuses on the psychological and behavioral aspects of preventing injuries in children and adolescents, this grant reflects Lizette Peterson-Homer’s legacy and dedication to improving children’s health and well-being. The grant encourages proposals that align with injury prevention in pediatric psychology, providing funding to further such crucial research initiatives.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Routh Research and Dissertation Grant
- Amount: $2,500
- Description & eligibility: This grant is available for both undergraduate and graduate students actively engaged in research within clinical child and adolescent psychology. Potential recipients must submit a comprehensive application that includes a cover letter.
- Deadline: January 13, 2024
Leonard And Helen R. Stulman Foundation Scholars Grant
- Amount: $25,000 to $150,000
- Description & eligibility: This grant supports programs primarily in greater Baltimore and the State of Maryland that focus on mental illness research and services. Special interests include promoting recovery for serious mental illnesses, increasing access to mental health treatment for underserved populations, and adopting evidence-based practices in treatment settings.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Thelma Hunt Research Grant
- Amount: $3,000
- Description & eligibility: Offered by the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, this grant is available to students and faculty members conducting empirical research in psychology. Applicants must submit a research project proposal and documentation of IRB approval.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
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State-based Scholarships for Psychology Students
Morgenson Scholarship Fund
- Amount: $12,000
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship is for U.S. citizens pursuing a career in human services, health sciences, or visual arts, having resided in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska for at least one year. Preference is given to LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and allies supportive of the LGBT community.
- Deadline: January 25, 2024
Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship
- Amount: $1,250
- Description & eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and Delaware residents who are high school seniors planning to enroll full-time at the University of Delaware or Delaware State University. Applicants must intend to major in the humanities or social sciences.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Dale Wilson-Mondovi Grange Trust Fund Scholarship
- Amount: Varies
- Description & eligibility: Available for residents of eastern Lincoln County and western Spokane County in Washington. For undergraduates majoring in agriculture, business administration, psychology, or a related field. Selection is based on financial need, academic achievement, and good character.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Pride Foundation Alaska Scholarship
- Amount: $12,000
- Description & eligibility: For students in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, this scholarship is open to LGBT students, members of LGBT families, or allies supporting the LGBT community. Applicants must be residents of the applicable states for at least three months.
- Deadline: January 5, 2024
Vermont DAR Good Citizenship Scholarship
- Amount: $500
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship recognizes Vermont high school seniors pursuing a degree in social sciences. Candidates should embody dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism and demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. Selection is by teachers and peers.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
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Diversity-based Scholarships for Psychology Students
Chicago Benton Bernstein Scholarship
- Amount: $25,000
- Description & eligibility: For Jewish graduate students involved in professional study in the helping professions. Eligible students immigrated to the U.S. with HIAS Chicago’s assistance or sought permanent residency/citizenship through them on Jan. 1, 2000.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
IHS Health Professions Scholarship Program
- Amount: Varies
- Description & eligibility: Open to American Indian and Alaskan Native undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in health-related professions, applicants for this program must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and be enrolled or accepted for full- or part-time study.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
NFRW National Pathfinder Scholarship
- Amount: $2,500
- Description & eligibility: Established in honor of First Lady Nancy Reagan, this scholarship is open to female U.S. citizens pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. Applicants must be college sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students. Requires letters of recommendation, transcript, and an essay on career goals.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
The Fund for Racial and Ethnic Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Scholars
- Amount: Varies
- Description & eligibility: This scholarship aims to support undergraduate students from traditionally underrepresented communities of color. Applicants should strongly desire to pursue a graduate degree in psychology, particularly in clinical and/or research areas.
- Deadline: TBD 2024
Key Ways to Increase Your Chances of Earning a Psychology Scholarship
Navigating the waters of financial aid and scholarships can be challenging, but the right approach significantly enhances your chances of securing funding for your psychology degree. The 15 strategies below can help position you as a strong candidate for various psychology scholarships.
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Highlight Community Involvement & Extracurriculars
Being an active community member reflects positively on your character and values. Elaborate on how you have given back through volunteering at local shelters, participating in community clean-up programs, or assisting in organizing community events.
If you’ve held leadership positions in clubs or organizations, especially those related to psychology or mental health, mention these experiences. Discussing your involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly those that showcase your interpersonal skills, can also be beneficial. Scholarship committees look for well-rounded applicants with proven service and leadership track records.
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Write an Impactful Essay or Personal Statement
Your essay is a window into your world and a chance to let your personality shine. Focus on creating an authentic and engaging narrative, weaving in personal stories that underscore your passion for psychology. Start by creating a list of topic ideas based on some of your memories that offer a good story to tell. Talk about specific moments in your life that sparked your interest in the field and how those moments have fueled your desire to pursue a psychology degree. Use relatable examples and help the reader paint a picture in their minds when applicable. Address the essay prompt directly, making every effort to stand out from the crowd. A well-crafted essay can leave a lasting impression on the scholarship committee and significantly boost your chances of success.
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Showcase What Makes You Unique
Use your application to highlight the unique qualities, interests, and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for a psychology scholarship. Discuss any unique research interests or specific branches of psychology that fascinate you. Elaborate on what you plan to do with your psychology studies and the direction you see your career going. The more detailed you are, the more your passion and uniqueness will shine through. If you have overcome challenges or have a unique perspective that has shaped your interest in psychology, share these stories. Demonstrating how your unique qualities will contribute to the field of psychology can set you apart and make your application memorable.
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Source Solid Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation are a critical element to your scholarship application. Reach out to professors, mentors, or professionals who know you well and can vouch for your passion for psychology, academic prowess, and personal qualities. Give them context about the scholarship and explain why you are a great fit for the award. Offer them insights into your career aspirations and how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals. A detailed, personal recommendation letter can give the scholarship committee the assurance they need to invest in your education.
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Follow Directions and Submit Early
Attention to detail is key when completing your scholarship applications. Ensure that you have meticulously followed all instructions and included all required documentation. Ask a friend or family member to check your application against the requirements, so you feel confident when sending in the completed application.
Submitting your application well ahead of the deadline not only demonstrates your organizational skills and strong work ethic but also ensures that any potential issues can be addressed promptly. This proactive approach speaks volumes about your commitment and reliability, traits that are highly valued in the field of psychology. Any mistakes or missing information should be avoided, as these can immediately disqualify you from the scholarship running.