Online Resources & Scholarships for Psychology Students
Whether you’re just starting to look into psychology degree programs or nearing graduation, you can save yourself both time and money by learning where to find valuable scholarship opportunities and support services. This guide will introduce you to some of today’s top scholarships for psychology students along with application tips and access to online resources aimed at helping you succeed in your psychology studies and beyond.
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Scholarships and Grants for Psychology Students
Paying for college usually requires drawing from many funding sources that may include:
- Student loans
- Scholarships and grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- Fellowships and assistantships (grad students)
- VA benefits (military vets)
- Tuition payment plans
Scholarships and grants are the most popular of these sources because they’re not paid back, making them essentially “free money” for your education. With that popularity, though, comes competition, with lots of applicants vying for awards.
That shouldn’t discourage you from seeking out those scholarship opportunities for which you’re eligible. So, to get you started on your funding search, here are 10 great scholarships currently offered to psychology undergraduate and graduate students:
American Psychological Foundation (APF) Graduate Student Scholarships
Open to master’s and doctorate students in Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology (COGDOP) member programs. Nine scholarships are awarded annually to assist with students’ research costs.
Application submittals include a thesis or dissertation proposal, department endorsement, CV/resume, and transcript.
Amount: Up to $5,000
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APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship
This award goes to a minority master’s or doctorate psychology student committed to improving conditions in marginalized communities. Preference is given to applicants preparing for careers in academia, clinical service delivery, and public policy.
Academic excellence and financial need are both considered in award selections.
Amount: $4,000
Goldstein & Schneider Scholarships by the Macey Fund
Available to SIOP members who are doctoral students majoring in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology (or a closely-related field). The award is based on the potential of the applicant’s proposed study to make substantial theoretical and practical contributions to I-O psychology.
Application requirements include a current CV, nomination letter, summary of dissertation research, and letter from the applicant’s doctoral advisor.
Amount: $7,500
Hope for Healing Scholarships
Two awards (one undergraduate, one graduate) are available to students in college degree programs focused on mental or behavioral health. Awards are made based on academic performance, essay quality, and potential for positive impact on the mental or behavioral health field.
Amount: $5,000
Malyon Smith Scholarship Research Award
Open to full-time graduate students in psychology to advance research on sexual orientation and gender identity. Submittals include a current CV, research project description, and letter from a faculty member.
Amount: $2,000
Michael Sullivan Diversity Scholarship Fund
Open to full-time graduate students in good academic standing, this program funds the enhancement of issues of diversity and inclusion. Submittal requirements include a cover letter, overview of the applicant’s research proposal and budget, and letter of support from a faculty member.
Amount: $500 to $1,000
Deborah Crockett Scholarship Program
Sponsored by the National Association of School Psychologists, this scholarship is open to minority psychology graduate students pursuing a specialist degree in school psychology. Requirements include a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and NASP membership.
Along with funding, recipients receive a year of NASP membership and access to mentoring by previous scholars.
Amount: $5,000
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The NIH scholarship is available to sophomore, junior, and senior college students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science health-related research.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA (or be in the top 5% of their class) and commit to working for the NIH for 62 weeks for each full or partial year of support.
Amount: Up to $20,000
Psi Chi Scholarships
Open to undergraduate and graduate members of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. Awards are based on academic excellence, financial need, Psi Chi participation, and qualities consistent with the Psi Chi mission.
Application materials include both personal and financial need essays, and letter of recommendation from a Psi Chi faculty advisor.
Amount: Varies
Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships
Eight awards are made annually to outstanding undergraduate psychology students with a 3.5 minimum GPA and demonstrated financial need.
Materials submitted include faculty recommendation, current CV, transcripts, and a personal statement describing the applicant’s involvement in the science and application of psychology.
Amount: $5,000
The Keys to Succeed on Psychology Scholarship Applications
Almost all scholarships are competitive, so just meeting the minimum application requirements isn’t enough. You’ll need to find ways to stand out from — and above — the other applicants.
Following these five tips can help you increase your chances of landing those scholarships you really want:
Key #1: Start sooner than you think you need to.
Your scholarship search and application process will take time, so the earlier you start, the better. Give yourself plenty of time to gather all required documents (letters of recommendation, personal statement, essays, etc.) in order to both meet all deadlines and ensure you submit the very best materials you can.
Key #2: Play the odds.
Pick the scholarship programs you feel you have the best chance of winning and put the time and effort needed into winning them. That way you won’t be wasting your time on those scholarships you have little chance of landing, no matter how enticing the award amount.
Key #3: Bigger isn’t always better.
Some scholarships have big award amounts that make them particularly popular. The problem is that big awards mean bigger competition.
So, don’t just focus on the big ones. Contests with smaller awards are likely less competitive and, therefore, offer better chances of you winning them.
And keep in mind that those smaller awards can really add up to big money.
Key #4: Explain your “why.”
Always put quality time and effort into your personal statement. Express your passion for psychology and offer a strong pitch for what you can contribute to the field.
And, as you share your story, make sure it ties clearly to your related plans for the future.
Key #5: Check your application carefully.
Nothing will sink your chances of winning a scholarship faster than an incomplete or subpar application package. It’s critical, therefore, to pay close attention to details.
Consider asking a friend or family member to read your personal statement, cover letter, and so forth to check for typos, missing words, or unclear information. And, most importantly of all, do not miss a deadline.
Essential Funding Resources for Psychology Students
Financial preparation for psychology education can extend beyond scholarships through multiple channels such as credit monitoring, financial planning, and building sustainable money management habits. Below are several quality resources you can tap into online to assist in that preparation:
Association for Psychological Science (APS)
The APS is an international professional organization whose goal is “advancing scientific psychology across disciplinary and geographic borders.” Membership benefits include award and grant opportunities, mentorships, and access to research resources.
Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)
The ABPsi was formed to address issues facing black psychologists and the larger black community. Its Student Circle offers a range of scholarship, student support, networking, and leadership development opportunities.
Clever Girl Finance
Online platform that emphasizes the importance of intentional financial management and encourages women to step beyond their financial comfort zones. Their comprehensive approach helps women develop practical strategies for managing money effectively and building sustainable wealth.
The Essential FAFSA Checklist for College Students
Students seeking financial assistance for their education must begin by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA. This EduMed guide walks readers through each step of the FAFSA submittal process.
The College Student’s Guide to Financial Aid
Another great EduMed guide, this one focusing on the numerous financial support options available to college students (scholarships, grants, loans, work-study opportunities, etc.) and what you can do to develop a strategy to manage your educational costs.
Psychology Student Network
The APA-sponsored Psychology Student Network features tons of great resources for psychology students, including articles, podcasts, announcements of upcoming psychology events, and more. Article titles include “The Benefits of Joining a Psychology Club” and “Finding a Paid, Post-Bacc Research Position”.
Social Psychology Network (SPN)
With thousands of members in over 100 countries, the Social Psychology Network is one of the world’s largest online communities for psychology professionals and students. Along with useful tools and resources, the SPN sponsors job postings and ways to connect with experts and potential mentors.
Transitioning to Online School: A Guide for Healthcare Students
This EduMed guide provides tips on how to make a smooth and successful transition to online learning. Topics include online learning tools and technology, mastering the virtual classroom, communicating effectively, and much more.
It’s great advice for avoiding early missteps that can impact your grades, scholarships, and finances.
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