Scholarships for Psychology Majors: Financing Your Degree

Are you a psychology student looking for financial aid to support your educational journey? We’re here to help.

This guide will explore different types of scholarships available plus help you understand their requirements and eligibility criteria. We’ll also highlight some notable psychology scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in 2023 that can save you money on your psychology degree. Let’s dive in!

Psychology continues to be one of the most popular majors as the number of psychology degree enrollments has been steadily increasing over the years. But paying for your education is a big concern for many students.

Here’s a fact from the White House—the cost of attending public and private four-year colleges has nearly tripled since 1980, even when adjusted for inflation. The same source also states that the rising federal student loan debt, which has surpassed $1.6 trillion and continues to increase, poses a substantial financial burden on students aspiring for higher education.

Scholarships attract talented individuals and ensure that financial constraints don’t keep you from pursuing a psychology degree. Scholarships for psychology majors come in various forms and structures, including grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. 

Scholarships cover tuition fees and may assist with expenses such as textbooks, research materials, conference attendance, and even living costs, offering you extensive support throughout your academic journey.

If you are pursuing a psychology major or considering it as your field of study, explore and apply for scholarships specifically tailored for you. Let’s look into the eligibility criteria for psychology scholarships in 2023.

Psychology major scholarship eligibility can vary depending on the specific scholarship program and its sponsoring organization. Here are some standard requirements and eligibility often considered.

Academic Achievement

Scholarship committees may request official transcripts to evaluate your academic history and course selection. Transcripts provide a comprehensive overview of your academic performance, including grades received in specific courses and the overall rigor of your coursework.

Scholarship programs prioritize you if you have completed relevant coursework in psychology. Remarkable performance in psychology-related subjects demonstrates your genuine interest in the field and a solid foundation of knowledge.

Financial Need

Some scholarships are based on financial need, aiming to support those facing financial barriers in pursuing their psychology degree. You may need to provide documentation of your financial circumstances, such as family income and assets, to determine eligibility.

Essay or Personal Statement

Scholarships often require you to submit an essay or personal statement highlighting your passion for psychology, career goals, and reasons for seeking financial assistance. It allows you to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations to scholarship committees.

The essay should articulate your long-term goals. You can discuss specific areas of psychology you wish to specialize in or your desire to impact individuals, communities, or society positively.

You should also attach letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or professionals who can attest to your academic abilities, character, and potential as a psychology major.

Specific Criteria

Certain scholarships may have specific requirements tailored to their focus. For example, scholarships for research-oriented psychology majors may require a research proposal or evidence of previous research experience.

Related: How long does It take to get a student loan?

Beyond merit and need-based scholarships, you can actively seek funding opportunities that align with your academic achievements, research interests, financial situation, or personal background. 

You must thoroughly research scholarship options, consult your college’s financial aid office, and utilize online scholarship databases to maximize your enrollment chances.

Minority Scholarships

Minority scholarships support students from underrepresented minority groups. These scholarships promote diversity and inclusivity within the discipline. They provide opportunities for students who may face additional challenges due to societal barriers and aim to increase representation in the field.

Prominent examples:

• Point Foundation LGBT Scholarships
• Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships

Professional Association Scholarships

Professional associations, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or regional psychological associations—including the Eastern Psychological Association, Midwestern Psychological Association, and similar others—offer scholarships for psychology majors.

If awarded a scholarship, you can connect with professionals and experts in psychology. Networking can open doors to mentor relationships, internship opportunities, or future collaborations.

Other examples:

• Psi Chi Graduate Scholarships
• Association for Psychological Science (APS) Student Grant Competition
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Scholarships
• American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Foundation Scholarships

State or Regional Scholarships

Many states provide scholarships specifically for residents pursuing a degree in psychology. The state government, local organizations, or private donors may fund these scholarships. 

State-based scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria, such as residency requirements, and are worth investigating for potential funding opportunities.

Prominent examples:

• Florida Psychological Association (FPA) Foundation Scholarships
• Texas Psychological Foundation (TPF) Scholarships
• New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA) Scholarships

University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities and colleges offer scholarships exclusively for psychology majors enrolled at their institutions. These scholarships may consider various factors, including academic achievement, community involvement, or research interests.

You should consult your aspiring institutions’ financial aid offices or websites for scholarship information.

Some examples:

• Stanford University Psychology Department Scholarships
• University of California, Berkeley Psychology Scholarships

Let’s explore a range of psychology scholarships available in 2023 for undergraduate and graduate students. The scholarships may differ in eligibility criteria, award amount, and specific focus areas within psychology.

In addition, some scholarships may also offer additional benefits, such as mentorship opportunities or networking events. Keep reading to find out.

Psychology Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarships often come with additional opportunities that can add to your undergraduate experience. They may offer access to exclusive mentorship programs, internships, research opportunities, or study abroad programs.

These opportunities can provide valuable hands-on experiences and strengthen your resume for future academic or career pursuits.

Related: Undergraduate Degree in Psychology: Why Should You Consider It?

Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive merit-based scholarship awarded annually to undergraduate students in the US.

Truman Scholars receive numerous benefits, including financial support for graduate or professional school, up to $30,000, which may be used for tuition fees, books, and living expenses. 

Scholars also gain access to a vast network of alums, and public service professionals, fostering mentorship and career development opportunities.

Eligibility:

• You should currently be enrolled at an accredited institution in the US.
• If you are on a four-year graduation track, you should be in your second-to-last year of undergraduate studies. If you are on a shorter graduation track (three years or fewer), you should be in your final year of studies.
• You must be planning to attend graduate school to pursue a career in public service. The foundation encourages taking time between your undergraduate and graduate studies, so you are not required to commit to immediate enrollment in graduate school.

Merit, Financial Need and Other Scholarships | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The Educational Advancement Foundation awards merit, financial need, and other types of scholarships for undergraduate students who have excelled in their academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, community service, or other areas of distinction. 

Scholarships from $750 to $2,000 are provided to undergraduate and graduate students with strong academic performance and those who overcome hardships to pursue their educational aspirations.

Eligibility:

• You must be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting institution, completing at least your second year of college (sophomore or beyond).
• Your current enrollment should be at an accredited educational institution in the US.
• You need to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (for merit scholarship) and 2.5 (for financial need scholarship).

Related: What Is a GPA (Good Grade Point Average)?

Undergraduate Scholarship Program

The Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a scholarship program designed to support undergraduate students pursuing degrees in biomedical and behavioral research fields. The UGSP provides financial assistance and valuable research opportunities to eligible students.

Through the UGSP, you may receive financial support that covers tuition fees, educational expenses, and reasonable living expenses, with a maximum amount of up to $20,000 per academic year. The scholarship is initially awarded for one year but can be renewed for up to four years, depending on the student’s academic progress and program eligibility.

Eligibility:

• You must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited four-year undergraduate institution.
• Your financial aid office must certify you as having “exceptional financial need,” indicating that you come from a disadvantaged background.
• You should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale or be within the top 5 percent of your class.

About UGSP NIH: One of the unique aspects of the UGSP is that it requires you to fulfill NIH service obligations during each scholarship year. You’re committed to dedicating your time and efforts to NIH research projects or programs for each full or partial scholarship year.  These service obligations provide you with invaluable research training and experience, allowing you to work alongside leading scientists and contribute to cutting-edge research initiatives at the NIH.

David L. Boren Scholarship Program

David L. Boren Scholarship Program supports undergraduate students to participate in study abroad programs in strategic parts of the world essential to US interests.

You must study abroad in a country or region of your chosen language. The foreign study experience should be focused on academic coursework and cultural immersion.

The program encourages you to develop language skills in less commonly taught languages and pursue study abroad experiences in regions critical to US national security interests.

Eligibility:

• You must have completed high school or earned a GED.
• You should be at least 18 or older by the national application deadline.
• Your study abroad program should take place in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
• You must plan to study in a country where you are not a citizen.

Scholarships for Graduate Students in Psychology

Graduate education can be expensive, and scholarships help alleviate the financial burden. Many scholarships for graduate students in psychology provide research funding and professional development opportunities.

These scholarships may support research projects, conference presentations, or publication costs, allowing students to engage in impactful research and build professional networks.

Pilot International Foundation, Inc. PIF

The PIF Graduate Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing graduate studies in brain safety and health, including but not limited to neuroscience, psychology, special education, and speech-language pathology. 

The scholarship program recognizes the importance of advanced education in these areas and seeks to support you in positively impacting individuals affected by brain-related challenges.

Eligibility:

• You must be prepared for or be already involved in a career working with individuals with disabilities or brain-related disorders.
• You must maintain a GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale or 4.01 on a 5.0 scale.

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) is a federal program administered by the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The program aims to provide financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing doctoral-level studies in health professions and nursing programs.

The SDS program provides scholarships to eligible students and may cover the cost of tuition fees and other reasonable educational expenses. The scholarship awards are granted competitively, considering factors such as financial need and academic merit.

Eligibility:

• To qualify for the SDS program, you must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited doctoral-level health professions program. 
• You should come from a disadvantaged background, typically determined based on factors such as family income, education level, and the environment in which you grew up.

Graduate Student Scholarships, Lee Hakel Graduate Student Scholarship, and Mary L. Tenopyr Scholarship

The Graduate Student Scholarships from Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) are awarded to graduate students who are pursuing research or advanced studies in the field of industrial and organizational psychology. 

The Lee Hakel Graduate Student Scholarship, valued at $3,500, is awarded to the highest-ranked student. The second highest-ranking student may receive the Mary L. Tenopyr Scholarship worth $3,000. Additionally, two more scholarships of $3,000 each are currently being awarded.

Eligibility:

• You must be a student member of SIOP.
• Your advisor should have approved your dissertation plan.
• Please note that if you have defended your dissertation, you’re not eligible for this scholarship.

Related: Should I Get a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology?

Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship

The APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship awards $4,000 to graduate students from marginalized societies who show a keen interest in improving the negative impact of disparities on communities of color and of particular descent, and especially those of African descent.

Eligibility:

• You must be a minority graduate student.
• You should be enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral program.

Scholarships provide invaluable opportunities to obtain financial assistance and make your educational dreams a reality. 

Receiving a scholarship not only eases the financial burden but also signifies recognition of your exceptional academic achievements, research potential, and commitment to the field of psychology. 

In addition to scholarships, general financial aid programs play a significant role in supporting your educational goals. By filling out FAFSA, you can access substantial amounts of federal, state, and institutional financial support.