School Psychology Scholarships: Complete Funding Guide for Graduate Students
School psychology graduate students can access scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 annually through professional organizations, including NASP (up to $5,000), American Psychological Foundation ($2,000-$5,000), and Psi Chi ($3,000). Additional funding comes from university assistantships, federal programs like HRSA, and state-specific scholarships. Most require NASP membership, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and enrollment in accredited programs.
Graduate programs in school psychology open doors to a rewarding career helping students succeed, but the path comes with significant financial investment. EdS programs typically cost $20,000 to $50,000, while doctoral programs can exceed $80,000. With the growing demand for school psychologists and median salaries around $86,930 nationally, strategic scholarship planning can dramatically reduce debt and accelerate your career start.
Numerous funding opportunities exist specifically for school psychology students. From professional organization awards to university assistantships and federal training grants, understanding the scholarship landscape is essential for making graduate education affordable.
Find The School Psychologist Graduate Scholarship Info You Need
Why School Psychology Scholarships Matter
Professional Organization Scholarships
University-Based Financial Aid
State and Regional Opportunities
Application Process and Timeline
Funding Your School Psychology Education
Why School Psychology Scholarships Matter
The investment in school psychology education pays off through strong career prospects and meaningful work. School psychologists earn a median annual salary of $86,930, with experienced professionals and those in high-paying states earning significantly more, according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. California offers powerful earning potential with some of the nation's highest salaries, while states like Colorado and New Mexico also provide competitive compensation. However, entry-level positions and those in lower-paying states may start closer to $55,000 annually.
The field faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals. The National Association of School Psychologists recommends a ratio of one school psychologist per 500 students, but the nationwide average during the 2023-2024 school year fell far short of this goal. Schools nationwide struggle to fill positions, creating excellent job security and growth opportunities. This workforce shortage has spurred increased scholarship availability from both public and private sources.
However, graduate school costs can create substantial debt burdens. The difference between attending a public state university, which costs $8,000-$9,000 annually, and a private institution, which costs $50,000-$80,000+ for a complete program, significantly impacts your financial future and return on investment. Scholarships bridge this gap, allowing you to focus on clinical training and professional development rather than financial stress.
Professional Organization Scholarships
Professional psychology organizations offer some of the most substantial and targeted funding for school psychology students. These awards recognize academic achievement, promote diversity, and support professional development—note: Scholarship amounts and availability change annually. Always verify current funding levels and deadlines with the sponsoring organization.
NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship
The National Association of School Psychologists Educational and Research Trust (NASP-ERT) Minority Scholarship stands as one of the field's most significant funding opportunities. Established in 1995, this program provides $5,000 annually to minority students enrolled in NASP-approved school psychology programs.
Eligible students must identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African American, or Hispanic/Latino. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and hold NASP membership. One critical restriction: this scholarship is available only to specialist-level (EdS) students. Doctoral candidates (PhD or PsyD) are specifically ineligible for this particular award.
Psi Chi Graduate Scholarships
Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, awards eight scholarships of $3,000 each annually. These competitive scholarships help defray direct educational costs, including tuition, institutional fees, and required textbooks. Membership in Psi Chi is needed, making it valuable to join as an undergraduate if possible.
American Psychological Foundation Programs
The American Psychological Foundation distributes over $2 million annually across more than 95 programs. Several aspects particularly benefit school psychology students:
- COGDOP Graduate Student Scholarships provide 21 annual awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 specifically for research costs associated with thesis or dissertation work. These competitive awards recognize outstanding graduate students pursuing psychology research.
- Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship awards $4,000 to graduate psychology students from minority or underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship particularly values students committed to serving underserved populations.
- Paul E. Henkin School Psychology Travel Grant offers $1,000 to support APA Division 16 (Society of School Psychology) student members attending the APA Annual Convention. This grant helps offset conference costs while providing valuable networking opportunities.
University-Based Financial Aid
Many institutions offer graduate assistantships that combine tuition support with professional development opportunities. These positions typically require 10-20 hours of work per week and provide both tuition waivers and stipends.
Graduate assistantships come in several forms. Research assistantships involve working with faculty on studies, providing valuable experience in psychological assessment and intervention research. Teaching assistantships allow you to gain instructional experience, often supporting undergraduate psychology courses. Departmental assistantships involve administrative work within psychology departments or campus counseling centers.
Specific university examples demonstrate the value of these opportunities. Marist University offers $4,500 tuition waivers for first-year students, with most continuing for a second year, saving $9,000 total. Adelphi University provides various assistantship types, including research, teaching, and departmental positions, offering 5-10 hours of work weekly in exchange for tuition remission.
When researching graduate programs, ask specifically about assistantship availability and application processes. Many programs guarantee assistantships to all admitted students, while others award them competitively.
Federal Funding Programs
Federal funding represents a significant but often overlooked resource for school psychology students. While students don't typically apply directly to these programs, they benefit through institutional participation.
HRSA Graduate Psychology Education Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) Program represents the nation's primary federal program dedicated to psychology education and training. This program provides up to $450,000 annually for institutions to train doctoral students in health service psychology in integrated behavioral health services.
Students benefit through funded training placements, stipends, and enhanced clinical experiences. When evaluating programs, ask whether the institution participates in HRSA GPE funding, as this often translates to better financial support and training resources.
NIH Training Programs
The National Institute of Mental Health offers various fellowship and training programs that support graduate education in mental health research. While these primarily target doctoral students conducting research, they provide comprehensive funding, including tuition, stipends, and research support.
State and Regional Opportunities
State-specific scholarship programs vary significantly but can provide substantial support, particularly for students willing to commit to serving underserved areas.
Tennessee's Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship offers up to $15,000 for Tennessee residents pursuing graduate degrees in behavioral health fields, including school psychology. Recipients commit to serving in Tennessee for a specified period after graduation, addressing the state's mental health workforce shortage.
The Washington State Association of School Psychologists provides annual awards to at least one qualified graduate student studying in Washington. These state association scholarships, while sometimes modest in amount, demonstrate professional commitment and strengthen your resume.
Regional opportunities also exist through community foundations, local mental health organizations, and school districts offering tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing graduate degrees. Research opportunities specific to your state or region by contacting your state psychological association and state school psychologist association.
Specialty Scholarships
Specialized funding targets students with unique skills or those committed to serving specific populations.
Bilingual Therapies School Psychologist Scholarship
This scholarship offers up to $9,000 for master's and doctoral students entering their internship year. Eligibility requires speaking a second language at native or near-native proficiency and planning to work with bilingual/bicultural children. Given the growing diversity in schools and the shortage of bilingual school psychologists, this scholarship addresses a critical workforce need.
Division 16 Grant Program for School Psychology Internships
APA Division 16 (Society of School Psychology) provides grants up to $10,000 to develop new APPIC school psychology internship programs. While this doesn't directly fund students, it creates additional internship opportunities, addressing one of the field's significant bottlenecks. More internship sites mean better placement rates and potentially more funded positions.
Eligibility Requirements
Understanding standard eligibility requirements helps you identify opportunities early and position yourself competitively. Most school psychology scholarships share several core requirements, though specific criteria vary by program.
| Requirement Category | Typical Standards | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Standing | Minimum 3.0 GPA; many prefer 3.5+ | Maintained throughout the award period |
| Program Accreditation | NASP-approved or regionally accredited | Verify your program's status early |
| Citizenship/Residency | US citizen or permanent resident | Some international student exceptions exist |
| Professional Membership | NASP, APA Division 16, or Psi Chi membership | Join before application deadlines |
| Degree Level | Varies by scholarship (EdS, PhD, or PsyD) | NASP-ERT excludes doctoral students |
| Enrollment Status | Full-time enrollment is typically required | Part-time students are rarely eligible; verify individual scholarship policies. |
Diversity-focused scholarships have additional requirements. The NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship requires identification as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African American, or Hispanic/Latino. The Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship targets students from minority or underrepresented backgrounds with demonstrated financial need.
Degree-level restrictions vary significantly and require careful attention. The NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship specifically restricts eligibility to EdS (Education Specialist) students and explicitly excludes PhD and PsyD doctoral candidates. Other scholarships may prefer or require doctoral enrollment. Always read eligibility requirements carefully to avoid wasting time on applications where you don't qualify.
Financial need requirements vary significantly. Some scholarships, like Queen-Nellie Evans, require FAFSA completion and documentation of need. Others are awarded based purely on merit without monetary consideration. Read each opportunity's requirements carefully to avoid wasting time on applications for which you don't qualify.
Application Process and Timeline
Successfully securing scholarship funding requires strategic planning and careful attention to deadlines. Most applications require similar materials, allowing you to develop a core set of documents you can adapt for multiple opportunities.
Standard application materials include completed application forms (often online), official transcripts from all attended institutions, two to three letters of recommendation from faculty or supervisors familiar with your academic work, personal statements or essays (typically 500-1,000 words), a current resume or curriculum vitae, and financial need documentation for need-based awards.
Application deadlines cluster around specific times of year, requiring careful calendar management. Note: Specific deadline dates shift slightly year to year, so always verify current deadlines directly with each scholarship program.
Fall deadlines (October-November): American Psychological Foundation programs typically have November 1 deadlines. Winter deadlines (December-February): NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship applications are generally due in mid-January. Spring deadlines (March-May): Many university-based assistantship applications and Psi Chi scholarships have spring deadlines. Summer deadlines (June-August): Specialty scholarships and some state programs may have summer deadlines or rolling admissions.
Create a spreadsheet tracking each scholarship's deadline, required materials, and application status. Start researching and preparing materials at least three months before the earliest deadline. Request recommendation letters six to eight weeks in advance, providing recommenders with your personal statement, resume, and specific scholarship information.
Funding Your School Psychology Education
Scholarships represent just one component of a comprehensive funding strategy. Understanding all available resources and making informed program choices maximizes your ability to graduate with minimal debt.
Program Cost Reality
Program costs vary dramatically by institution type and location. California State University programs offer relatively affordable options at approximately $8,000-$9,000 per year for in-state students. Public out-of-state programs typically cost $15,000-$25,000 annually. Private institutions range from $30,000 to $50,000+ per year, with complete EdS or PhD programs potentially exceeding $80,000-$120,000 total.
Geographic location significantly impacts both program costs and living expenses. Urban programs in high-cost-of-living areas like New York, California, or Massachusetts require budgeting for expensive housing and transportation. Programs in smaller cities or rural areas offer lower overall costs even when tuition is comparable.
Beyond Scholarships: Additional Funding Sources
Graduate assistantships deserve priority consideration. These positions offer both tuition support and professional development, often providing better value than loans. Look for assistantships not only within psychology departments but also across campus in counseling centers, research offices, and student services.
Federal student loans remain a reality for many graduate students. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans provide funding but require careful consideration of long-term repayment obligations. Federal loan policies change periodically, so stay informed about program updates, interest rates, and repayment options through the Federal Student Aid website.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) offers loan forgiveness for school psychologists working in qualifying public service positions, including public schools. After making 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) while working full-time for a qualifying employer, remaining loan balances may be forgiven tax-free. The program has become more accessible in recent years with streamlined application processes, but careful documentation of employment and payment history remains essential. Verify your employer's qualifying status and track your progress through the Federal Student Aid website.
Internship compensation provides another funding source. Paid internships typically offer $10,000-$30,000 stipends, helping offset program costs during your final year. When evaluating internship sites, consider both training quality and financial support.
EdS vs PhD vs PsyD Funding Considerations
Degree choice significantly impacts funding availability. PhD programs often offer better funding opportunities through research assistantships, with many programs providing full tuition waivers plus stipends for all admitted students. This comprehensive support typically extends four to six years. PsyD programs focus on clinical practice rather than research and usually offer less funding, though some programs provide assistantships or scholarships.
EdS (Education Specialist) programs, while shorter in duration (typically two to three years), usually require more out-of-pocket expenses. Fewer assistantship opportunities exist, and many students finance EdS programs through a combination of personal funds, loans, and competitive scholarships. However, the shorter timeline means less total debt accumulation and faster entry into the workforce. EdD (Doctor of Education) programs in school psychology are less common but fall somewhere between EdS and PhD programs in both duration and funding availability.
Making this decision requires weighing career goals, financial circumstances, and personal preferences. EdS programs prepare you for school-based practice in two to three years and satisfy requirements for most state licensure as a school psychologist. PhD and PsyD programs take five to seven years but offer broader career options, including university positions, research careers, and independent practice. From a purely financial perspective, fully funded PhD programs may provide better value despite the longer timeline, but consider the opportunity cost of delayed earnings and your ultimate career goals.
Application Strategies for Success
A strategic approach increases your scholarship success rate. Applying to multiple opportunities and positioning yourself competitively requires planning and persistence.
Start Early and Research Thoroughly. Begin researching scholarship opportunities during your graduate program application process. Many scholarships have deadlines during your first year, requiring quick action after acceptance. Explore opportunities through multiple channels: the APA Division 16 (Society of School Psychology) website, NASP resources, institutional financial aid offices, state psychological association websites, and professional psychology organization databases.
Apply Broadly. Given the competitive nature of scholarships, successful applicants typically submit multiple applications across different funding sources. Don't limit yourself to "perfect fit" opportunities. Apply to any scholarship for which you meet the basic eligibility requirements. Each application strengthens your skills and increases your chances.
Meet Every Deadline. Missing deadlines eliminates opportunities regardless of qualifications. Set reminder alerts two weeks before each deadline. Submit applications at least 48 hours early to address any technical issues. Track all submitted applications and follow up if you don't receive confirmation within one week.
Leverage Professional Memberships. Many top scholarships require NASP, APA Division 16 (Society of School Psychology), or Psi Chi membership. Join relevant organizations early in your graduate program. Student membership rates make this affordable, and benefits extend beyond scholarship eligibility to networking, publications, and professional development resources.
Maintain Strong Academics. Most scholarships require minimum GPAs of 3.0, with many preferring 3.5 or higher. Consistent academic performance keeps more opportunities available. If your undergraduate GPA was lower, intense graduate coursework demonstrates your capability and commitment.
Develop Research Experience. Many funding opportunities, particularly at the doctoral level, emphasize research involvement and potential. Engage in faculty research projects, present at conferences, and pursue publication opportunities. These experiences strengthen both scholarship applications and your professional development.
Craft Compelling Personal Statements. Personal statements allow you to stand out beyond grades and test scores. Address why you're pursuing school psychology, your commitment to serving students, and how the scholarship advances your goals. Be specific about your career plans and demonstrate understanding of current field challenges. Have faculty, mentors, or career services staff review drafts before submission.
Choose Recommenders Strategically. Strong letters of recommendation come from individuals who know you well and can speak specifically to your abilities, accomplishments, and potential. Faculty members who've taught multiple courses, research supervisors, and practicum supervisors make excellent recommenders. Please provide them with comprehensive information about the scholarship and your relevant accomplishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start applying for school psychology scholarships?
Begin researching scholarships during your graduate program application process, ideally six to twelve months before starting your program. Many first-year student scholarships have deadlines in the fall or winter of your first academic year. Starting early allows you to join required professional organizations, prepare strong application materials, and meet all deadlines without rushing.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes, you should apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. There are no restrictions on applying to several opportunities, and most students who successfully fund their education combine various sources. Be aware that some scholarships require disclosure of other awards, so read each application's terms carefully. Receiving one scholarship typically doesn't disqualify you from others.
What if I don't qualify for minority-specific scholarships?
Many excellent funding opportunities don't require minority status. Focus on merit-based scholarships through organizations like Psi Chi, APF's COGDOP program, and university assistantships. State association awards, specialty scholarships like the bilingual scholarship (if applicable), and university-based funding remain available. The broader psychology scholarship landscape includes numerous opportunities beyond diversity-focused programs.
Are there scholarships specifically for EdS students?
Yes, the NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship specifically targets specialist-level students and excludes doctoral candidates. Many university-based scholarships and assistantships are available to EdS students. However, EdS students generally face more limited funding compared to PhD students. This makes strategic scholarship application especially important for specialist-level students.
How competitive are school psychology scholarships?
Competition varies significantly by scholarship. Major national awards like NASP-ERT and Psi Chi scholarships are highly competitive, often receiving hundreds of applications for limited spots. University-specific funding and smaller state association awards typically face less competition. Your competitiveness depends on GPA, experience, recommendations, and how well you articulate your goals. Strong academic performance (3.5+ GPA), relevant experience, and compelling personal statements significantly improve your chances.
Do I need to be a NASP member to apply for scholarships?
Many major school psychology scholarships, including the NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship and various APA Division 16 (Society of School Psychology) awards, require NASP or APA Division 16 membership. Student membership rates are affordable (typically under $100 annually) and provide benefits beyond scholarship eligibility, including publications, conferences, and networking. If you're serious about school psychology, membership is a worthwhile investment that opens multiple funding opportunities.
What happens if I don't receive any scholarships?
Not receiving scholarships doesn't mean you can't pursue a career in school psychology. Many successful professionals funded their education through graduate assistantships, federal student loans, and part-time work. Focus on securing graduate assistantships, which provide both funding and valuable experience. Explore employer tuition reimbursement if you're already working in education. Federal student loans, while requiring repayment, remain available with income-driven repayment options. Consider Public Service Loan Forgiveness if you plan to work in public schools. Many school psychologists successfully manage education debt through strategic financial planning.
Key Takeaways
- Substantial funding exists through professional organizations (NASP, APA, Psi Chi), with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 annually. Amounts and availability change yearly, so verify current information.
- Graduate assistantships provide comprehensive support through both tuition waivers and professional development opportunities for 10-20 hours of work weekly, often offering better value than standalone scholarships.
- Professional membership is essential as most major scholarships require NASP, APA Division 16, or Psi Chi membership. Join early to access maximum opportunities and networking benefits.
- Degree type significantly impacts funding availability, with doctoral programs (PhD/PsyD) typically offering more comprehensive funding through research assistantships, while EdS students rely more heavily on competitive scholarships and loans.
- Early application and a broad strategy increase success since most successful students combine multiple funding sources. Begin researching six to twelve months before starting your program.
- Application timing is critical with deadlines clustered in fall (October-November) and winter (December-February) for first-year student awards. Verify current deadlines as dates shift annually.
- Strong academic performance opens opportunities, as most scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA, with highly competitive awards preferring a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Consistent performance maximizes funding options.
Ready to Explore School Psychology Programs?
Finding the right graduate program is the first step toward securing scholarship funding. Explore accredited school psychology programs that offer substantial financial support and align with your career goals. The investment in your education today builds a rewarding career serving students and families tomorrow.
May 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for School Psychologists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, education level, work setting, and other factors. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
