Financing a college education can be very expensive and the process of taking out loans can also come with a hefty price tag. However, there is an affordable solution that can help alleviate the stress associated with paying for college. If you are interested in becoming a psychologist or want to pursue another psychology occupational role, there are many resources that offer funding for completion of a bachelor, master’s, doctorate, and postdoctorate degree. Since the matriculation process may also include extensive research, there is funding available that will provide financial assistance for the tenure of your research venture. Listed below are 25 sources for college students majoring in the field of psychology.
1. Current and prospective students who are interested in attending Western Washington University can complete an application for the Adams-Woodring Scholarship. This scholarship is available to undergraduate psychology majors. Applications are accepted year round prior to the May 3rd deadline. Scholarship applicants can visit here to complete and submit an online application. At this time, there is no information disclosed regarding the yearly amount, however, students are welcome to contact Western Washington University’s School of Psychology for details regarding the requirements and academic year award amount.
2. Psychology students who plan on attending or are current students at Washington University are welcome to apply for the Arnold J. Lien Scholarship. Each year scholarships in the amount of $1,000 are awarded to full-time and part-time students. These scholarships are renewable and also include a living stipend in the amount of $1,000. In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must provide proof of excellent grades in academics and high SAT or ACT scores. Applications are accepted online through Washington University’s website here
3. Current students and prospective students who plan on attending the University of California Los Angeles are welcome to apply for a stipend available through the Psychology Research Opportunity Programs division. Funding is available for winter and spring semesters. The requirements for this funding opportunity include status as a sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in Psychology with a 2.7 cumulative GPA and 3.0 major GPA in addition to proof of an academic economic need. Students are also required to complete designated courses prior to applying for funding. Applications are available in October. For more information, visit here
4. Scholarships are available for women who are Psi Chi members and majoring in psychology. For example, the Allyn and Bacon Psychology Award offers scholarships to applicants who can write and present the best empirical research paper. Award amounts are $1,000 for the first place winner, $650 for the second place winner, and $350 for the third place winner. For more information, visit here
5. The American Psychological Foundation is an excellent resource for psychology majors. The Ester Katz Rosen Fund is one of the grant awarders associated with this foundation. Graduate students and entry level psychology professionals can apply for a grant for research proposals. Available funding is available up to $50,000. For more information visit here
6. The Bruce and Evelyn Otto Fellowship offers $2,500 to psychology students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The deadline for applications is January 14. To access the fellowship application, please visit here
7. The Nancy B. Forest and L. Michael Honaker Master’s Grant for Research in Psychology is accepting applications from graduate students who are members of the American Psychology Association for Graduate Students. The award amount is $1,000. Applications are available here and the application deadline is May 7, 2014. Applicants must also submit a cover letter, research proposal, curriculum vitae, and a letter of recommendation. For complete details, please visit here
8. The Carol Williams-Nickelson Award for Women’s Leadership and Scholarship in Women’s Issues is available to eligible members of the American Psychology Association for Graduate Students. Members can apply for this award if there is an established background of viable leadership work that has been implemented on the local, regional, or national level. Applicants must be a current doctoral student enrolled in an accredited university psychology program. Online applications are available . An abbreviated curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, and a 1,500 word essay is also required for application consideration. For complete details please visit here
9. The Randy Genson Memorial Grant offers $6,000 for eligible students who are in the process of or who plan on completing work in family, couple, multigenerational, theoretical, assessment, or clinical practice areas. Eligible applicants include those who are graduate students who are attending school full time, capable of completing a viable project and have received IRB approval for a proposed projects. Online applications are available here For more information about the grant please visit here
10. The Frank D. Payne Memorial Scholarship is available for eligible students who will be completing a psychology degree program at San Jose State University. The award amount is $500 and applicants must possess a 3.5 GPA. A statement must also be included with the application indicating future career goals in the psychology field. Scholarship applications are available here
11. The Career Advancement Scholarship is available for women who are financially challenged and want to pursue a career in the psychology field. If applying for this scholarship, you must be at 25 years old, a undergraduate or master’s degree level student, be able to provide financial status, and is currently a U. S. resident. If awarded this scholarship, all required degree courses must be completed within two years. Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands residents are also welcome to apply. For more information about this scholarship please visit here
12. The Basic Psychological Research Grant provides funding for graduate students who are currently or will be completing a psychology science based research project. The award amount is $1,000 and applicants must be members of the American Psychology Association for Graduate Students and currently attending a regionally accredited university half time. Applications for this grant is available here Applicants must also provide a cover letter, abbreviated curriculum vitae and abbreviated research proposal. The deadline for this award is December 3, 2014.
13. The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority General Graduate Fellowship offers funding to graduate level African American female students. This fellowship award is available to students who are completing a master’s, doctorate or post-doctorate degree. The award amount is $2,500 and open to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority members and non-members. Applications are available here For more information please visit here The deadline for this award is February 1, 2015 and February 1, 2016.
14. The John Frederick Steinman Foundation offers fellowships to eligible students who will be furthering academic studies in psychology, social work, and psychiatry. This award is $6,000 and is renewable annually. The award is granted to students who will be future Lancaster County, Pennsylvania psychology professionals. Interested applicants can request an application by writing to the John Frederick Steinman Fellowship Fund Committee, c/o M. Steven Weaver, Secretary, 8 West King Street, P. O. Box 1328 Lancaster, PA 17608-1328. The deadline for this award is February 1, 2015 and February 1, 2016.
15. The Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Program has funding available for full-time doctoral students who are attending an accredited university. This award includes three year funding, travel stipends, dissertation assistance, and program resources. Additional funding application guidelines are available here Online applications can be completed by visiting here A cover letter, two essays, a curriculum vitae, three recommendation letters, GRE scores, unofficial transcripts, and an addictions training plan must also be submitted for funding consideration. For more information please visit here
16. The Division 19 Research Grant is available to Division 19 undergraduate and graduate student affiliates who will be conducting psychology research. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited psychology program and good academic standing. The award amount is $750 and applications are available here A one page cover letter, five-page research summary, a two page curriculum vitae, and one recommendation letter must be submitted with the grant application. For more details about the application process, visit here
17. The College Scholarship Award is open to eligible students who are financially disadvantaged. Students must be enrolled in an accredited degree program that is listed as an approved education provider by The Bailey Family Foundation. Applicants must possess a 2.5 GPA. Online applications are available here The award amount is $5,000.
18. The NASP – ERT Minority Scholarship Program offers scholarships to psychology students who will be assuming the role of a psychologist. The award amount is $5,000 and scholarship winners are announced at the NASP Annual Convention. For more information about how to apply visit here
19. The Arbuckle Leadership Award is available for psychology students enrolled at Missouri State University. Applicants can visit hereto apply online. Two letters of recommendation from MSU psychology faculty, supervisor, advisor or sponsor is required for application consideration. The scholarship amount varies and can be renewed every year.
20. The Michael Sullivan Diversity Scholarship Fund is open to full time graduate students. The award amount is $500 to $1,000. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, detailed budget, letter from the Chair Review Committee, and proposal. Applications and details are available here
21. The AFSCME/UNCF Scholars Program offers psychology majors opportunities to apply for one of ten scholarships that are awarded annually. The scholarship award amount is $5,000. Applicants are required to have a 2.5 GPA. Applicants should also be a sophomore or junior. Applicants can request an application by contacting Philip Allen, Education Coordinator 1625 L St. NW, Washington DC 20036. Additional information about this scholarship can also be found here
22. The Lizette Peterson – Homer Injury Prevention Grant Award is available to psychology majors who are completing research projects regarding injury prevention for children and adolescents. Applicants must provide proof of research ability and possess IRB approval for proposed research. Applications can be found here Applicants are also required to submit a research proposal, curriculum vitae, and faculty supervisor letter. Additional information regarding requests for proposals can be obtained by visiting here The award amount is $5,000 and application deadline is October 1, 2014.
23. The Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship is available for psychology students who will be working on mental illness research projects. The award amount is $5,000. Applicants must be full time graduate students who can provide proof of research ability in the area of mental illness. Applicants must also have IRB approval for proposed research projects. Requests for proposal information can be downloaded here A detailed proposal, curriculum vitae, and a faculty advisor letter of recommendation. The deadline for accepting applications for this scholarship is May 15, 2014.
24. The Gallagher Koster Health Careers Scholarship Program offers scholarships for full time undergraduate psychology students who are a junior or senior, and in need of financial assistance. Applicants are required to possess a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students may only receive scholarship funding from this program for only two years. Interested applicants can sign up for email alerts regarding the open application period and deadline by visiting here
25. The National Pathfinder Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate psychology women students. The award amount is $2,500. Applications can be downloaded here A state federation president certification must also be included with the scholarship application. Interested applicants can download an application here Requests for an application can also be obtained by writing to Scholarships and Internships, 124 N. Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314.
Conclusion
These psychology education financial resources are just a few scholarship sources that are able to help students achieve degree and research goals. Although it is not guaranteed which financial source will award the funding you desire, applying for several resources on an annual basis will help increase your chances of obtaining a significant amount of money to pay for your tuition, books, and other fees. In an effort to reduce application denial, you should make sure that all requested documentation is submitted in a timely manner.