Psychology scholarships help pay for the costs of earning a degree in the field. Scholarships do not require repayment, making them one of the best options for students seeking aid. A variety of organizations and schools award scholarships based on financial need, merit, diversity, and other criteria. Depending on each scholarship’s rules, students may use the award to pay for tuition and fees, textbooks, housing, and cost of living.
Due to the rising cost of higher education, most psychology students need help financing their degree. Cuts to state funding contributed to a 37% increase in tuition from 2008-2018. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 83.8% of first-time, full-time, degree- and certificate-seeking undergraduate students received financial aid for the 2018-19 school year. Financial aid for psychology majors may include scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans.
Students can find many psychology scholarships, including for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
How To Apply for Scholarships
Keep reading to learn more about where to look for psychology scholarships, an explanation of the types of scholarship sponsors, and potential requirements for eligibility. We also discuss strategies for successful psychology scholarship applications.
Where To Look for Scholarships
Researching the thousands of scholarships from companies, individuals, nonprofits, and schools requires time and effort. High school students can start the scholarship discovery process by talking to school counselors, who typically hold extensive knowledge about scholarships. Counselors can offer suggestions about where to find them, when to apply, and how to put together the best application.
Many candidates find that the best place to explore psychology scholarships is on the American Psychological Association (APA) search page, which lists dozens of opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. Other places to look include college financial aid offices, the U.S. Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool, and the reference section of local libraries.
Types of Scholarship Sponsors
Groups offering college scholarships include professional associations, school departments, nonprofit foundations, and local community groups. Other scholarship sponsors include corporations, governments, employers, and individuals.
The APA and other professional groups in the field provide a wealth of opportunities out of a desire to support the next generation of psychologists. Most scholarship sponsors ask that applicants meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for aid. Below, we describe requirements students may need to meet to win psychology scholarships.
Possible Requirements
When applying for psychology scholarships, students usually need to meet several requirements to qualify. Sponsors often set eligibility criteria based on factors like academic achievement, identity, and membership in professional organizations. The scholarship application process typically requires submission of supporting materials and documentation. See below for examples of possible eligibility and submission criteria.
- Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Be an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in psychology
- Be a member of the student chapter of the APA
- Belong to an ethnic minority group
- College transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay or personal statement
Application Strategy
Filling out applications can be time-consuming and hard work, so applicants must strategize about how to apply for psychology scholarships. Degree-seekers can limit their search to scholarships for psychology majors or even those devoted to their specialization or concentration. Psychology majors can also prioritize applying for scholarships based on aspects of their identity, like gender, religion, or ethnicity.
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Other factors that impact which scholarships to apply for include deadlines, award amount, and the difficulty or ease of applying. Students may also want to consider the way that scholarships can impact financial aid eligibility and vice versa.
Available Psychology Scholarships
The list below includes undergraduate psychology scholarships, graduate psychology scholarships, and scholarships for psychology students at any degree level. Although not exhaustive, this list provides a good starting point for psychology majors looking for scholarships for college.
Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships
American Psychology – Law Society Award for Best Undergraduate Paper
This scholarship recognizes the best undergraduate paper on topics related to psychology and the law. Applicants must submit one copy of their paper and a letter of support from their mentor. The committee judges papers based on their originality, quality of writing, contribution to the field, and independence.
Award: $150-$500
Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Grant
The international honor society in psychology offers this grant to undergraduate Psi Chi student members conducting field research in social psychology. Applicants must submit a research proposal and letter of recommendation from a faculty sponsor. Award recipients should turn in a final report within one year.
Award: $1,500-$3,500
Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarship
The American Psychological Foundation (APF) awards this scholarship to outstanding undergraduate psychology majors with financial need and a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Application requirements include a CV, current transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation. Recipients can use the scholarship to pay for tuition, fees, textbooks, and other direct educational costs.
Award: $5,000
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship
The NIH offers this competitive scholarship to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who plan to pursue careers in biomedical, social science, and behavioral health-related research. The scholarship is renewable up to four years.
Award: Up to $20,000 per year, paid summer research training at the NIH, and paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation
Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarship
The International Honor Society in Psychology awards eight scholarships annually to exceptional undergraduate psychology majors. The aid can pay for direct educational costs, including tuition, student fees, and textbooks. Applicants must be Psi Chi members and submit a CV, personal financial information, and a financial need essay.
Award: $3,000
Graduate Psychology Scholarships
American Psychological Foundation Graduate Student Scholarship
APF awards 21 scholarships for graduate student thesis or dissertation research annually. Applicants enrolled in a master’s or doctoral psychology program and at any stage of graduate study can apply. Students must submit an online application form, a letter of recommendation from their research advisor, a brief outline, CV, and transcript.
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Award: $2,000-$5,000
Ungerleider/Zimbardo Travel Scholarship
The APA Science Directorate awards these scholarships to help graduate psychology students pay for travel to the annual APA conference to present their research. Applicants must be APA student affiliates or associate members. To apply, submit a statement of research interests, abstract of the research to be presented at the conference, CV, and copy of the APA convention poster or paper acceptance.
Award: $300 travel award
APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship
This scholarship assists minority graduate psychology students dedicated to improving the conditions of marginalized communities. The scholarship committee prefers applicants planning for a public policy or academic clinical service delivery career. Application requirements include a self-statement, abbreviated CV, and letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor.
Award: $4,000
National Register of Health Service Psychologists Credentialing Scholarship
This scholarship supports psychology doctoral students, early-career psychologists, and postdoctoral trainees. Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed an APA-accredited, Canadian Psychological Association-accredited, or National Register-designated psychology program. Candidates must join the National Register Associate Program. Other requirements include acceptance into, current enrollment in, or completion of an internship or postdoctoral supervised experience.
Award: Covers the cost of the application fee ($150) for becoming credentialed by the National Register
Benton-Meier Scholarship
APF awards the Benton-Meier scholarship to graduate students specializing in neuropsychology to support their research. Applicants must have completed a doctoral candidacy and must demonstrate research competence. If the applicant’s research involves human participants, they must receive institutional research board approval before APF can award the scholarship.
Award: $2,000
Scholarships for Undergraduates and Graduates
Franklin D. Boyce Health Scholarship
The John Randolph Foundation awards this annual scholarship to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in a health-related field, including psychology. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit a completed application.
Award: $2,500
Kay Wilson Presidential Leadership Award
This scholarship goes to one outstanding Psi Chi chapter president each year. Open to undergraduate or graduate psychology students, this award requires nomination from a faculty advisor, chapter members, or fellow officers. Recipients also receive an engraved plaque to commemorate their scholarship.
Award: $1,200
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American Addiction Centers (AAC) Behavioral Health Scholarship
AAC awards this scholarship to future behavioral health professionals planning to pursue careers in behavioral health and addiction studies. Application requirements include a first-person essay explaining why the applicant wants to pursue a career in behavioral healthcare. Applicants need a minimum 3.2 GPA and can be full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students.
Award: $2,500-$5,000
Society for Military Psychology Student Research Grant
The Society for Military Psychology, a division of APA, offers this award to up to two undergraduate and graduate psychology students to help pay for costs associated with research that demonstrates excellence in military psychology. Recipients must present their research findings at the APA convention.
Award: $1,500
Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality Research Award
This award supports undergraduate and graduate research on the psychology of spirituality and religion. The program gives out up to six awards annually. Applicants must submit a CV, research proposal, letter of support from the student’s supervisor, and a proposed project budget.
Award: $500
How Scholarships Differ From Other Aid
A variety of other types of financial aid for psychology majors can help pay for school, including federal and private loans, work-study, grants, and fellowships. Below, we explain other types of aid available for paying for college besides scholarships.
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Federal Loans
The U.S. government helps students pay for college by offering federal student and parent loans including benefits typically not available with private loans. Benefits of some federal loans include low and/or fixed interest rates, deferred payment while in school, and income-driven repayment plans.
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Work-Study
The federal work-study program subsidizes part-time employment for students while in school to help pay for their degrees. Off-campus and on-campus jobs exist for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with demonstrated financial need. When possible, work-study jobs relate to the student’s field of study.
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Grants
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Like scholarships, grants are a type of financial aid that do not require repayment. Grants tend to be need-based, while scholarships often include a merit-based component. The federal government, state governments, nonprofit organizations, and universities all award grants.
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Fellowships
Typically merit-based and competitive, fellowships provide financial support to subsidize graduate students’ academic work. Fellowships often cover tuition and may include a cost-of-living stipend or pay for expenses like travel to an academic conference.
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Private Loans
College students can apply for private loans from banks with terms set by the lender. Private loans typically cost more than federal loans and may require repayment before graduation. Interest rates can be fixed or variable.
Financial Aid for Minority Students
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Scholarships
How can I get my psychology degree paid for?
A variety of financial aid opportunities can help with paying for college. Financial aid for psychology majors includes scholarships, grants, fellowships, and federal and private student loans.
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When should I start applying to scholarships?
Psychology scholarship deadlines vary by organization and scholarship. In general, you can increase your chances of winning by applying for as many scholarships as you can, as early as possible.
What kind of scholarships are there for psychology majors?
Organizations give out all kinds of scholarships for psychology students. You can find psychology scholarships based on academic achievement, identity (ethnicity, gender, or religion), financial need, and area of study or research.
How can I find scholarships for college?
Many students begin their search for scholarships for college by researching opportunities online. Many websites list graduate and undergraduate psychology scholarships, but the American Psychology Association is a great place to start.
Recommended Reading
Many of those students go on to become psychology majors. The share of college students majoring in psychology has hovered around 6 to 6.5 percent since the early 1990s, up from about 4 to 5 percent in the 1980s.
Where can I get a bursary to study psychology? › PSYCHOLOGY BURSARIES FOR 2021 & 2022
- Department of Correctional Services Bursary.
- Dept of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC) Bursary.
- Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary.
- FNB Fund Bursary.
- FoodBev SETA Bursary.
- Gauteng Department of Health Bursary.
- KZN Department of Health Bursary.
How many scholarships can you get Philippines? ›
You can only avail one scholarship program.
Is a BA in psychology worth it? ›
The short answer is yes. A bachelor’s degree in psychology sets you up for success whether you enter the workforce immediately or continue to graduate school. Continue reading for our complete breakdown. Psychology is a fascinating science.
According to students studying psychology, there is quite a lot of reading that you need to do. Psychology is one of the more difficult degrees and many of your assignments will require you to cite your sources and will require you to back up a lot of the arguments that you have.
Where is the best place to study psychology? › 2023 Best Psychology Schools
| NAME/RANK | PEER ASSESSMENT SCORE |
|---|---|
| Stanford University Stanford, CA #1 in Psychology (tie) Save | 4.8 |
| University of California–Berkeley Berkeley, CA #1 in Psychology (tie) Save | 4.8 |
| Harvard University MA #3 in Psychology (tie) Save | 4.7 |
9 more rows Where should I start if I want to study psychology? ›
First, earn a bachelor’s degree: Psychologists often start by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Prerequisite courses include general psychology, experimental and developmental psychology, and statistics.
How much does a psychological study cost? ›
Psychological assessment is unique when compared to the costs of psychotherapy. The cost for psychological evaluation will vary depending on your needs. The cost of a full evaluation typically ranges from $1200 to $2800. All assessment services are billed at $225 per hour.
Is psychology under DOST scholarship? ›
DOST SCHOLARS may now enjoy privileges when they take up BS CIVIL ENGINEERING, BS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, AND BS PSYCHOLOGY.
What happens if you get too many scholarships? ›
If you earned scholarships and grants that amount to more than your total cost of attendance, your school may send you a refund of the leftover scholarship money. Keep in mind, you may have to pay taxes on that amount.
Which is harder BA or BS psychology? ›
The BS option involves a stronger concentration on the major area of study and students take more psychology courses than those who are pursuing a BA.
What is better a BS or BA in psychology? ›
A BA opens up opportunities in fields like criminal justice and social work while a BS prepares learners for more research-based, clinical professions. Many psychology bachelor’s degrees prepare students for specialized careers in subsets of the field, including organizational psychology and forensic psychology.
Is a BS in psychology harder than a BA? ›
That said, the rigor of curriculum is largely the same between B.A. and B.S. programs. Since the B.A. allows students to take more electives, it is often the preferred option for students who wish to explore a wider array of career options after graduating.
What is the hardest field in psychology? ›
1. Parapsychology. By its very nature, parapsychology is even more vague than “traditional” mental health practices. It’s the study of nonquantifiable phenomena, such as telepathy, telekinesis, extrasensory perception, and mind reading.
The hardest degree subjects are Chemistry, Medicine, Architecture, Physics, Biomedical Science, Law, Neuroscience, Fine Arts, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Education, Computer Science and Philosophy. Let’s dive right in, and look at why these subjects are the hardest degree subjects.
Which field of psychology is the easiest? ›
At the graduate level, the master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology is probably the easiest to attain. As doctorates go, the Doctor of Psychology (Psy. D.) degree may be easier than the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.
Which field of psychology is most popular? ›
Clinical psychologists make up the single largest specialty area in psychology. 1 Clinicians are psychologists who assess, diagnose and treat mental illnesses. They frequently work in mental health centers, private or group practices or hospitals.
What is the most useful psychology degree? ›
Clinical Psychology
Licensed clinical psychologists who generally hold doctoral degrees will find the best career opportunities, entering well-paying positions in healthcare or mental health organizations, schools, government and nonprofit agencies, or private practice.
Where is psychology most in demand? › 14 Psychology Jobs in High Demand
- Vocational/Career Counselor. …
- School Psychologist. …
- Family Marriage Counselor. …
- Engineering Psychologist. …
- Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist. …
- Clinical Psychologist. …
- Forensic Psychologist. …
- Geropsychologist.
Which type of psychology is best to study? › Best Concentrations in Psychology
- Research/Experimental Psychology.
- Forensic Psychology.
- Health Psychology.
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
- Neuropsychology.
- Social/Personality Psychology.
- Sports Psychology.
- Quantitative and Measurement Psychology.
What subjects are best for psychology? ›
Entry requirements
A levels – While you don’t need to have all three sciences at A level for a psychology degree, most universities prefer at least one out of chemistry, physics, biology, or maths. Overall, a combination of good, academic A level subjects is required.
What subject is closest to psychology? › What other similar subjects to psychology could you study?
- A sociology degree – the study of the development and structure of human society.
- A criminology degree – the scientific study of crime and criminals.
- A behavioural sciences degree – the study of human actions.
Is becoming a therapist worth it? ›
A career in therapy can be an incredibly rewarding job for someone who likes to interact with and help people. Time spent helping people to lead more productive, functional and happier lives can be deeply satisfying.
Why is psychology expensive? ›
Your Psychologist would also then have a range of expenses – including their own insurances, their own professional development costs, their own registration and professional membership fees. These are all required to remain legally practising, and are often in the thousands of dollars per year.
How many years do you have to study to be a psychologist? ›
A first B-degree with psychology as a major subject (3 – 4 years) 2. A postgraduate honours degree in psychology (1-2 years) 3. A professional masters degree in clinical psychology or research psychology (2 years).
How much is CHED scholarship? ›
Full CHED scholars enrolled in a private university receive P20,000 for tuition and other school fees, P35,000 in allowance, and P5,000 for books every semester.
How much do DOST scholars get? ›
This scholarship gives one of the highest living allowances among government-funded scholarships, amounting to PhP 7,000 per month. If you haven’t applied yet, make sure to read this article first: DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship | Now Accepting Applicants. Online application is until December 2, 2022.
Who qualifies for DOST scholarship? ›
Applicants for the scholarship must be natural-born Filipinos of good moral character and in good health. Application is open to students in the STEM strand. Those in the non-STEM strand may also apply provided they belong to the top 5% of their graduating class.
What GPA is good enough for a scholarship? ›
Minimum requirements range from around 2.0 on the lower end to 3.75 or higher for competitive academic scholarships. Generally speaking, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a decent shot at qualifying for a variety of scholarships.
What GPA do I need to get a full scholarship? ›
One of the most common grade point average requirements is a 3.0 average. (Again, every scholarship provider is different and it’s up to them to set their eligibility criteria, not us.) While some scholarships are based on a student’s GPA, most scholarship aren’t only about a student’s GPA.
What is the easiest scholarship to win? ›
Top easy scholarships in 2022
- $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship.
- $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay.
- $2,500 Christian Connector Scholarship.
- $5,000 Graduate School Scholarship.
- $2,000 College Repayment Grant.
- Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship.
- Annual Catholic College Scholarship.
What increases your chances of getting a scholarship? ›
- Raise Your GPA for More Scholarships. Many scholarships have requirements surrounding GPA levels. …
- Raise Your ACT / SAT Score. …
- Raise Your Class Rank. …
- File the FAFSA. …
- Participate in Community Service. …
- Brush Up on Your Essay Skills.
When should you start applying for scholarships? ›
Some deadlines are as early as a year before college starts, so if you’re in high school now, you should be researching and applying for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years.
Is there a downside to scholarships? ›
Cons of College Scholarships
Since there are so many options and sources for scholarships vs grants, you’ll have to do more research and put in more time. Scholarships provide access to education to a larger number of students. The large amount of options also makes competition high for most scholarships.
› resources › full… › Learn everything to know about scholarships for psychology students, including how to find and apply for grants, awards and fellowships. A scholarship fund can substantially cover a good portion of your tuition, books, and other college fees. In this article, you can find a list of psychology sch… Are psychology majors common? ›
Psychology is one of the most popular college majors throughout the world.
Is psychology the second most common college major? ›
Business and Management, 10.93% Nursing, 8.07% Engineering, 7.12% Psychology, 6.67%
How many students take psychology as a major each year? ›
psychology (116,861) biological and biomedical sciences (116,759) engineering (115,640)
What percentage of people get an A in psychology? ›
A total of 28.7% of pupils achieved A*-A grades in psychology compared to 36.4% for all subjects.
What is the best major to pair with psychology? ›
You can also add a relevant second major or an academic minor to your plan of study. Psychology is an excellent double-major for students who want to go into marketing, management, human resources, law enforcement or criminal justice, social work, theology, and healthcare, for example.
Which field of psychology is most interested? ›
The following are 11 of the most exciting options in this diverse and intriguing field.
- #1 Addictions. …
- #2 Clinical Psychology. …
- #3 Industrial-Organizational Psychology. …
- #4 Forensic Psychology. …
- #5 Counseling Psychology. …
- #6 Child Development. …
- #7 Behavioral Neuroscience. …
- #8 Experimental Psychology.
What is the most useful psychology degree? ›
Clinical Psychology
Licensed clinical psychologists who generally hold doctoral degrees will find the best career opportunities, entering well-paying positions in healthcare or mental health organizations, schools, government and nonprofit agencies, or private practice.
What is the least popular major? › Here is the list of top 10 least popular majors in the USA.
- Library Science. …
- Educational Psychology. …
- Drama and Theater Arts. …
- Human Services and Community Organization. …
- Clinical Psychology. …
- Composition and Speech. …
- Visual and Performing Arts. …
- Miscellaneous Fine Arts.
The hardest degree subjects are Chemistry, Medicine, Architecture, Physics, Biomedical Science, Law, Neuroscience, Fine Arts, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Education, Computer Science and Philosophy. Let’s dive right in, and look at why these subjects are the hardest degree subjects.
Is a psychology degree worth it 2022? ›
Yes, a psychology degree is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations over the next 10 years.
Is psychology major in demand? ›
Psychologist Job Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.” The BLS also lists the median salary of psychologists at $105,780 per year.
Is psychology a valuable major? ›
Psychologists can find work in a wide range of fields. This includes jobs in schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment, social services, and applied psychologists for businesses. Also, a psychology degree is highly valued in the job market because of the range of skills psychology majors acquire.
Do psychology majors write a lot of papers? ›
Those majoring in psychology are often expected to write a wide variety of papers, ranging from lab reports to research papers. In almost all cases, you will need to structure your paper in a specific way and follow the rules of APA format.
Is it hard to get a 7 in psychology? ›
Remember, just three per cent of all Higher Level IB Psychology students achieve the maximum mark of 7.
What is the average study score for psychology? ›
So, the scaling process adjusted the study scores downwards so that the average VTAC Scaled Study Score for Psychology was 28. Even if you are doing a subject that traditionally gets scaled down, the adjustment will not affect you as much if you get a high study score.
Is an AA in psychology worth it? ›
If you’re asking yourself, is an associate’s in psychology worth it? The answer is yes. Not only can you transfer to bachelor’s programs and beyond, but you can also earn a living in jobs that are perfect for people with the degree. Here are some of the highest-paying jobs with an associate degree in psychology.
› Education › Best Colleges › Psychology is a skills-based major that can prepare students for graduate-level programs in psychology, education, law, medicine and business. It is a widely cu… The surprising results show that in contrast to the view that it prepares students for very little of practical value, the undergraduate psychology major is one…
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