Psychology Scholarships & Grants for 2025
Psychology students can access scholarships ranging from $250 awards to multi-year research grants up to $135,000. Start by filing FAFSA, then explore merit-based, need-based, and research-specific awards from organizations like the American Psychological Foundation, APA divisions, and university-specific programs. Many require at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated interest in psychology.
Career opportunities in psychology are vast and rewarding. Whether you're pursuing roles in counseling psychology, clinical practice, forensics, or human resources, every path requires quality education. With tuition reaching tens of thousands of dollars annually, financing your psychology education can feel overwhelming.
The good news? Psychology students don't need to shoulder the financial burden alone. Numerous scholarships and grants exist specifically for students pursuing psychology degrees, from associate to doctoral programs.
Scholarships come in many forms. Merit-based awards recognize academic achievement, while need-based aid considers financial circumstances. You'll also find scholarships for community service, athletics, extracurricular activities, identity-based opportunities, and employer or military benefits.
Table of Contents
Why Pursue Psychology Scholarships: The Financial Impact
Understanding the return on investment for your psychology education helps put scholarship opportunities in perspective. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, psychology-related careers offer substantial earning potential:
| Career Path | Median Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counselors | $59,190 | $39,090 | $98,210 |
| Marriage & Family Therapists | $58,510 | $39,010 | $91,010 |
| Clinical Psychologists | $92,740 | $52,530 | $148,880 |
With graduate psychology programs typically requiring 2-7 years, depending on degree type and specialty, reducing student debt through scholarships significantly improves your financial outcome over a career spanning 30+ years. Every scholarship dollar earned is one less dollar borrowed, saving you money on interest payments and giving you more financial freedom after graduation.
Types of Psychology Scholarships
Psychology scholarships fall into several categories, each with different eligibility requirements:
Merit-based scholarships recognize academic excellence. These typically require GPAs of 3.5 or higher, strong test scores, and impressive academic transcripts. Universities, professional organizations, and private foundations offer them.
Need-Based Scholarships consider your financial circumstances. These awards help students who demonstrate financial need through FAFSA documentation. Income levels are easily quantifiable, making the application process more straightforward for qualifying students.
Research Grants support students conducting original research in psychology. Graduate students particularly benefit from these opportunities, which fund dissertation research, empirical studies, and innovative projects that advance the field.
Diversity Scholarships encourage participation from underrepresented groups in psychology. These include awards for ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and other groups working to increase diversity in the profession.
Specialty Focus Awards target specific psychology subfields like clinical psychology, school psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or forensic psychology. Professional associations and divisions often sponsor these scholarships.
Employer and Military Benefits shouldn't be overlooked. Many employers offer tuition assistance, and military service members can access education benefits specifically for psychology training.
How to Find and Apply for Psychology Scholarships
Start with FAFSA
When choosing a school, your first step is completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This single application opens doors to federal aid and state grants, and many colleges use FAFSA data to determine eligibility for institutional scholarships. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for need-based assistance and is required by most schools to consider you for their financial aid programs.
Check University Resources
Visit your high school counselor or your college's financial aid office. These professionals know about local opportunities that never get advertised nationally. Organizations, foundations, and local business groups regularly award scholarships to students in the community. Don't forget to ask about opportunities through your employer or your parents' employers.
Use Online Search Too. The US Department of Labor sponsors CareerOneStop, a free, comprehensive tool for finding scholarships, fellowships, and grants. This searchable database connects you with thousands of funding opportunities specifically for psychology students.
Contact Professional Organizations
The American Psychological Association and its divisions offer numerous scholarships. Join student memberships in specialty organizations like the Association for Psychological Science, Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, or state psychological associations. These memberships often cost less than $50 annually but provide access to exclusive scholarship opportunities.
Application Timeline
| Timeline | Action Items |
|---|---|
| September-October | Research scholarships, update your resume, and create a master list of opportunities with deadlines. |
| November-December | Request letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or mentors who know your work well |
| January-March | Submit applications (this is peak deadline season for fall semester awards) |
| April-May | Follow up on pending applications and accept awards requiring responses |
| June-August | Complete the required paperwork for accepted awards and coordinate with your university's financial aid office. |
Psychology Undergraduate Scholarships and Grants
Undergraduate psychology students have access to a wide range of scholarships, with awards ranging from $250 to $5,000. Many students combine multiple smaller scholarships to reduce their education costs significantly.
American Psychological Foundation (APF) Undergraduate Awards
The American Psychological Foundation offers the most comprehensive scholarship programs for psychology students, distributing over $2 million annually across 95+ programs.
- Lizette Peterson Homer Injury Prevention Grant - $5,000 for research into psychological aspects of injury prevention for children and adolescents
- Condon Prize for Best Student Essay - $500 for outstanding essays in psychological anthropology
- AED Student Research Grants - $1,000 for eating disorders research conducted by student members
American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) Awards
The American Psychology-Law Society supports students interested in the intersection of psychology and law.
- Diversity in Psychology and Law Research Award - $500-$1,000 for research supporting diversity in psychology and law
- AP-LS Grants-in-Aid for Undergraduate Students - Up to $1,000 for empirical undergraduate research
- Access Path (AP) Program - Financial support for underrepresented students to gain research experience
Psi Chi Honor Society Scholarships
Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, awards over $300,000 annually in scholarships to members.
- APS Convention Society Research Awards - $400-$500 for the best research papers and posters at APA conventions
- Chapter Awards - Various amounts available through local Psi Chi chapters at member universities
Additional Undergraduate Opportunities
- Association for Psychological Science Student Grants - $500 to encourage student research, APS website
- Applied Social Issues Internship Program - $300-$2,500 for intervention projects applying social science principles
- Delta Gamma Foundation Florence Margaret Harvey Memorial Scholarship - $1,000 for blind or visually impaired students in rehabilitation/education fields
- Rudolph Dillman Memorial Scholarship - $2,500 for blind or visually impaired students in rehabilitation/education
- Child Welfare and Development Scholarship - $1,000 for students pursuing careers in child welfare
- Seasons in Malibu Annual Scholarship - $1,500 to highlight the importance of mental health
- The Virtuous Prom Peace Scholarship - $250 for female students studying psychology or related social sciences
- Megan Meier Memorial Scholarships - $1,000 for students addressing bullying and cyberbullying in their communities
Grants and Scholarships for Graduate Students in Psychology
Graduate students pursuing master's degrees or doctoral programs have access to larger awards, including research grants and fellowships ranging from $500 to $135,000.
American Psychological Foundation (APF) Graduate Programs
The APF offers psychology's most prestigious graduate scholarships and research grants:
| Award Name | Amount | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Mentored Research Scholar Grant | $10,000-$135,000 | Cancer-related psychological research |
| Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grants | Up to $50,000 | Psychological understanding of gifted children/youth |
| APF Visionary Grants | $20,000 | Research, education, and intervention projects |
| Wayne F. Placek Grants | $10,000 | LGBT issues in behavioral/social sciences |
| Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship | $5,000 | Reducing stigma associated with mental illness |
| APA 125th Anniversary Scholarship | $3,000 | General graduate psychology education |
| Charles and Carol Spielberger Scholarship | $5,000 | Thesis/dissertation research costs |
| William C. Howell Scholarship | $2,500 | Thesis/dissertation research costs |
| Benton-Meier Scholarships | $2,500 | Neuropsychology graduate students |
American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) Graduate Awards
The AP-LS provides substantial funding for psychology and law research:
- Research to Enhance Impact and Diversification - Small grants ($1,000-$5,000) and large grants ($15,000-$50,000) for interdisciplinary research
- Grants in Aid for Early Career Professionals - $5,000 for members within 10 years of receiving their degree
- AP-LS Student Grants-In-Aid - Up to $2,000 for empirical graduate research addressing psycholegal issues
- AP-LS Dissertation Awards - Variable amounts for dissertations in psychology and law
- Saleem Shah Early Career Award - $2,000 for early career excellence and contributions
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
NASP supports future school psychologists through its Education and Research Trust:
- NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program - $5,000 for minority graduate students in psychology programs
- NASP Research Grants - Up to $5,000 for research addressing NASP's strategic goals
- Graduate Student Research Grants - Up to $1,000 for three exceptional graduate students annually
Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)
- Lee Hakel Graduate Student Scholarship - $3,500 for doctoral students conducting I-O psychology research
- Mary L. Tenopyr Graduate Student Scholarship - $3,000 for doctoral I-O psychology research
APA Graduate Student Organization (APAGS)
The APAGS offers multiple awards for psychology graduate students:
- David Pilon Scholarships for Training in Professional Psychology - $1,000 for supplementing professional practice training
- Nancy B. Forest and L. Michael Honaker Master's Grant - $1,000 for dissertation research
- Ellin Bloch and Pierre Ritchie Diversity Dissertation Grant - $1,000 for diversity-focused research
Additional Graduate Opportunities
- Paul E. Henkin School Psychology Travel Grant - $1,500 for APA Division 16 student members to attend conventions
- Annette Urso Rickel Foundation Dissertation Award - $1,000 for public policy dissertation research
- CPA-F Scholarship - $2,000 for ethnically diverse California psychology students
- SPSSI Grants-In-Aid Program - $1,000-$2,000 for social problem research
- Harry and Pola Triandis Doctoral Thesis Award - $500 for cross-cultural psychology research
- Janet Hyde Graduate Student Research Grant - $500 supporting feminist research in psychology
- Marion and Donald Routh Student Research Grant - $1,000 for pediatric psychology research
- Applied Behavior Analysis EDU Excellence in Practice - $1,000 for ABA master's students
- Pi Gamma Mu Scholarships - $1,000-$2,000 for graduate education in social sciences
Application Tips and Strategies
Don't Self-Eliminate
Students with GPAs below 3.5 shouldn't rule themselves out. While high-achieving students with 3.5+ GPAs have advantages for merit-based awards, many scholarships consider the complete application package. You can win prizes based on community involvement, athletic talent, unique experiences, research potential, and personal circumstances.
You can apply to as many scholarships as you're eligible for, though some organizations may limit stacking or concurrent awards. Small awards add up quickly.
Write Compelling Essays
Your scholarship essay isn't just about listing accomplishments. Focus on:
- Personal connection to psychology: Explain what drew you to the field and what specific problems you want to solve
- Concrete examples: Don't just say you're passionate. Describe particular experiences that shaped your interest
- Future impact: Connect your education goals to how you'll contribute to the profession or community
- Authenticity: Committees read hundreds of essays. Genuine stories stand out more than what you think they want to hear
Build Strong Recommendation Letters
Request letters from people who know your work well, not just those with impressive titles. Give your recommenders:
- At least 3-4 weeks' notice
- Your resume or CV
- Information about the scholarship and why you're applying
- Specific examples of work you did together that they might mention
- Clear submission instructions and deadlines
Maintain Your Academic Standing
Many scholarships require renewal applications or have GPA maintenance requirements. Once you receive a scholarship, understand the terms for keeping it. This typically includes maintaining a minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher) and making satisfactory progress toward your degree.
Apply Broadly
You can apply to as many scholarships as you're eligible for, though some organizations may limit stacking or concurrent awards. Set aside dedicated time each week during application season. Create a spreadsheet tracking:
- Scholarship names and amounts
- Deadlines
- Required materials
- Submission status
- Follow-up dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high GPA to get psychology scholarships?
While many merit-based scholarships prefer 3.5+ GPAs, need-based and diversity scholarships consider other factors like financial circumstances, community involvement, research experience, and career goals. Apply to multiple scholarships with varying requirements to maximize your chances.
When should I start applying for psychology scholarships?
Start researching scholarships 6-12 months before you need funding. Most scholarships have deadlines between January and March for fall semester awards. Create a scholarship application calendar and set reminders for deadlines to stay organized throughout the process.
Can I apply for multiple psychology scholarships at once?
Yes, you can apply to as many scholarships as you're eligible for, though some organizations may limit stacking or concurrent awards. Many students combine several smaller scholarships to cover substantial portions of tuition. Check each scholarship's terms to understand any restrictions on combining awards.
Are psychology scholarships taxable?
Scholarships may be tax-free if used for qualified education expenses as defined by the IRS, such as tuition, fees, books, and required equipment. Amounts used for room and board or non-qualified other expenditures may be considered taxable income. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation, as individual circumstances vary.
What makes a strong psychology scholarship application?
Strong applications include a compelling personal statement showing genuine interest in psychology, a solid academic record, relevant volunteer or research experience, and strong letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors who know your work well. Connect your education goals to your career aspirations.
Do online psychology degree students qualify for scholarships?
Yes, students pursuing online psychology degrees qualify for most scholarships. Federal financial aid through FAFSA applies to accredited online programs, and many private scholarships don't distinguish between online and on-campus students. Always check specific eligibility requirements for each award.
What's the difference between scholarships and grants?
Scholarships typically reward merit (academic achievement, talent, or specific qualities), while grants usually address financial need. Both provide money that doesn't need to be repaid. Graduate students can also access fellowships and research grants that support specific projects or studies.
Key Takeaways
- Start early: Begin researching scholarships 6-12 months before you need funding, with most deadlines falling between January and March for fall semester awards.
- File FAFSA first: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as your foundation for all financial aid opportunities, including federal grants, state aid, and many institutional scholarships.
- Apply broadly: Submit applications to multiple scholarships you're eligible for, understanding that some may limit stacking awards. Small awards of $250-$500 add up quickly when combined.
- Build your credentials: Maintain a strong GPA, gain relevant experience through volunteering or research, and cultivate relationships with professors and supervisors for compelling recommendation letters.
- Don't self-eliminate: Apply even if you don't meet every requirement perfectly. Scholarship committees consider your complete application package, including essays, experience, and personal circumstances.
- Verify current details: Scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements change annually. Always confirm current information directly with the awarding organization before applying.
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Scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements change. Always verify current details with the awarding organization—information compiled October 2025.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists; Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists; Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
