Scholarships & Online Resources for Psychology Students
Whether you’re just starting to look into psychology degree programs or are nearing graduation, learn where to find scholarships, support services, and online resources that can help you succeed.
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According to the U.S. Department of Education, 6% of all bachelor’s degrees in the U.S. are in psychology, making it one of the most popular majors. This is because a psychology degree from a fully-accredited institution opens doors to many careers in a broad range of fields. However, earning your degree in psychology can be challenging. It takes a substantial commitment of time, effort, and funding.
Below you’ll find information on scholarships and other funding opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate psychology majors. You’ll also find a list of useful resources for help before, during, and after obtaining your psychology degree.
Scholarships and Grants for Psychology Students
College usually requires drawing from many funding sources, the most common of which is student loans. Student loans must be paid back with interest, though, which can take years. Fortunately, there are other resources, primarily scholarships and grants, to help pay for college. These sources don’t need to be paid back, so they’re essentially free money. Below are some of the best scholarship and grant opportunities, along with resources, available for psychology students learning on campus and online.
School-based Scholarships in Psychology
Scholarship and grant sponsors include government agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and even private businesses and individuals. The best sources, though, may be colleges and universities themselves. Many schools sponsor internal awards exclusively for their students, and it’s common for some to be designated for specific majors like psychology. To find out more about internal and external scholarships and grants, contact your school’s financial aid office or psychology program’s director. You’ll also find award information on the school’s financial aid website.
Below are two schools with internal scholarships for psychology majors.
Psychology Scholarship Spotlight: Divine Mercy University
Located in Arlington, Virginia, Divine Mercy University (DMU) is a private, Catholic, graduate university whose Institute for the Psychology Sciences (IPS) is its primary academic focus. Both new and continuing IPS master’s and PsyD students are eligible for many internal scholarships, including several exclusively for psychology majors. Award amounts are substantial, with many paying up to half of the degree’s cost, and a few even more. One of these psych-specific scholarships is highlighted below.
St. Irenaeus Scholarship
$13,750 (aggregate total divided among a limited number of awardees)
Varies. Contact program for current availability.
Eligibility
Exclusively for students in the PsyD program. Based on academic excellence and financial and family needs. Must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.
How to Apply
Follow the “Apply Now” link on the scholarship website.
For detailed information on all DMU internal scholarship opportunities, visit the university’s Scholarship Program webpage.
Psychology Scholarship Spotlight: Ohio State University
Ohio State University’s (OSU) psychology department has a PhD and both BS and BA degrees in psychology. The psychology department also boasts a vigorous financial aid program featuring a dozen internal scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students, and six are exclusively for psychology majors. Each award comes with a unique academic focus and application requirements. One of these exclusive scholarships is highlighted below.
Lawson Undergraduate Psychology Scholarship
$2,900
3/1
Eligibility
Open to full-time OSU students seeking a BA or BS in psychology. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have completed at least two semesters at OSU, have a minimum of 60 credit hours, including 15 in psychology, and have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
How to Apply
Submit required documents to the Psychology Department Scholarship Committee by March 1st.
Visit OSU’s Psychology Department Scholarships webpage for access to more psychology-specific undergraduate scholarships and internal awards open to all undergrads.
National and Regional Psychology Scholarships
Santa Fe Civitan
$2,000
7/10 (annual)
Eligibility
Junior and senior undergrads and graduate students with a 3.0 or better GPA are eligible. Must plan to work with special needs children and be a legal resident of and enrolled in a college or university in New Mexico, Colorado, or El Paso County, Texas.
How to Apply
Contact the scholarship program for application process and requirements.
American Psychological Foundation
Up to $5,000
6/24 (annual)
Eligibility
Open to master’s and doctorate psychology students in a COGDOP-member degree. 21 different scholarships available.
How to Apply
Follow the application link on scholarship website.
American Psychological Foundation
$4,000
1/31 (annual)
Eligibility
Must be a minority master’s or doctorate student committed to improving conditions in marginalized communities.
How to Apply
Apply online by following the link on the scholarship website.
Bethesda Lutheran Communities
$3,000
5/12 (annual)
Eligibility
Must be a junior or senior with minimum 3.0 GPA at a 4-year college or university planning a career in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Must be an active, communicant member of a Lutheran congregation.
How to Apply
View the scholarship webpage for specific instructions.
Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology
$3,000
Varies
Eligibility
Available to minority doctoral students majoring in I-O psychology. Awarded based on potential of proposed study to make substantial theoretical and practical contributions to the I-O psychology field.
How to Apply
Follow the application instructions on the scholarship webpage. Materials required include CV, nomination letter, summary of dissertation research, and letter from doctoral advisor.
FHE Health
$5,000
Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility
Two awards (one undergraduate, one graduate) to students in a college degree program focused in mental or behavioral health. Awarded based on academic performance, essay quality, and potential for positive impact on the mental or behavior health field.
How to Apply
Submit application online using the form on scholarship webpage. Materials required include academic transcripts and an essay detailing reason for pursuing degree.
Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (APA Division 44)
Up to $1,000
3/30 (annual)
Eligibility
Must be a full-time graduate student in psychology advancing research on sexual orientation and gender identity.
How to Apply
Submit required application materials via the program’s email address. Materials required include current CV, research project description, and letter from a faculty member.
American Psychological Association
$500 – $1,000
1/5 (annual)
Eligibility
Available to graduate students enrolled full time at a university or college in good academic standing making progress in their program. Requested funds must go toward the enhancement of issues of diversity and inclusion.
How to Apply
Follow the instructions on the scholarship page to apply online.
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
$5,000
Varies
Eligibility
Applicant must be a minority psychology graduate student embarking on a specialist degree in school psychology. Must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and NASP membership.
How to Apply
Submit application materials to the NASP office before the application deadline.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Up to $20,000
3/29 (annual)
Eligibility
Available to sophomore, junior, and senior college students from disadvantaged backgrounds and who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA or be in top five percent of class and commit to the NIH.
How to Apply
Follow application instructions linked on the scholarship webpage. Materials required include exceptional financial need form and letters of recommendation.
Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
$3,000
Undergraduate: 6/26 (annual); Graduate: July (annual)
Eligibility
Undergraduate and graduate Psi Chi-member students are eligible. Awards are based on academic excellence, financial need, Psi Chi participation, and qualities consistent with the Psi Chi mission.
How to Apply
Submit materials via scholarship website. Materials required include personal essay, financial need essay, and letter of recommendation from Psi Chi faculty advisor.
Student Affiliates in School Psychology (SASP)
$500 – $1,000
6/5 (annual)
Eligibility
Open to school psychology graduate students. Must be a SASP member and a minority (e.g., race/ethnicity, national origin, language, sexual orientation, etc.)
How to Apply
Complete online application form and email documents. Required materials include a personal goals statement and two letters of recommendation.
American Psychological Foundation
$5,000
7/10 (annual)
Eligibility
Must be an undergraduate psychology major with a 3.5 minimum GPA and demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
Follow the link on the scholarship website. Materials required include a personal statement and proof of financial need.
American Psychological Association
$1,500
4/15 (annual)
Eligibility
Open to graduate students studying psychology, cognitive or behavioral science, or a related field at a Florida college or university. Recipients are eligible for continuing support beyond the first year based on academic achievement and progress toward their degree.
How to Apply
Apply online following the link on the foundation website.
5 Keys to Landing Your Psychology Scholarship
Being detail-oriented is the key to winning scholarships. Almost all scholarships are competitive, so just meeting the minimum application requirements is not enough. This is particularly true for psychology majors since there are so many of them. Find ways to stand out from other applicants with impressive supplemental materials. The following five keys can increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship.
1
Scholarship searches take time, so the earlier you start the better. Also, some applications have earlier-than-usual application deadlines.
2
Pick scholarship programs you have a good chance of winning, but don’t limit yourself. You could win scholarships open to all majors but exclusive to specific applicant pools.
3
Some scholarships have big award amounts, but don’t just focus on the big ones. Contests with smaller awards likely have less competition. Think in terms of accumulating many small awards.
4
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.
5
Nothing sinks chances for winning a scholarship faster than an incomplete or subpar application package. Pay attention to details, and do not miss a deadline.
If You Still Need Help Paying for School
Very few students land awards big enough to pay for everything, and most students must access other avenues. Student loans are available from a number of sources, including state governments, private lenders, and the federal government. Other funding sources include internships, assistantships, and work-study programs. Veterans should look at their GI Bill benefits. There’s also loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and possibly an NIH Loan Repayment Program. Learn more about funding your psychology degree at EduMed’s financial aid and student loan webpages.
Academic and Professional Support Resources for Psychology Students
Obtaining funding for your psychology degree is a big step toward reaching your academic and career goals. After that, it’s time to focus on your degree studies and the career ahead. Building a successful career in psychology requires help. Fortunately, there are tons of resources. The following list of support resources for psychology students and professionals can help you before, during, and after your college experience.
Psychology Student Support Centers and Services
Whether you’re still researching your college options, a freshman trying getting your bearings, already attending classes on-campus or through online or hybrid learning, or still securing financial aid or student housing, college and department student support centers can connect you to the services and resources you need to maximize success. Student support services at your school may all be housed in a single location or spread across several locations. Most school’s student services are also accessible via the school’s webpage. Below are examples of two colleges featuring robust support service programs for psychology students.
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Although not housed in one place, UCLA offers comprehensive support services to its over 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Psychology department-specific resources, accessed via the department’s Departmental Administrative Units web page, include student counseling services, IT services, financial services program, and infant and toddler care services. Psychology majors can utilize support services provided to all UCLA students, including the career tools and resources of the UCLA Career Center and personal and emotional support through CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services). Additionally, the New Student & Transitions Programs offers support to incoming undergraduates.
Brigham Young University (BYU)
BYU’s Provo campus houses three highly-respected psychology degree programs. In support of its undergraduate and graduate students, BYU’s psychology department offers an impressive array of support services, most of which can be found on the department’s Student Resources web page. These resources include academic advising through the FHSS College Advisement Office and research opportunities and job postings through the Career Center. Psych Central offers psychology students a location for individual and group research and study. BYU psych majors can also participate in many clubs and organizations, including the Counseling and Psychological Services Student Outreach Counsel, the BYU Psych Association, and the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology.
Resources for Online Psychology Students
Working on a degree program online has definite advantages, but it also has unique challenges. Online students must learn the learning management system and become accustomed to virtual communication. They’ll also spend time doing online research for reports and other assignments. There are many useful online resources inclusive of or specifically for distance learners. Below are some examples.
- APA Online Psychology Laboratory
The American Psychological Association allows students to explore online demonstrations of scientific concepts and to participate in web-based, classic psychological studies. It is accessible via desktop or laptop and on iPhone or Android smartphones through the OPL app. - APA Style
The APA Style guide’s website provides online students with the foundational rules for effective scholarly communication in the field of psychology. Visitors can access information on style and grammar guidelines, tutorial videos, webinars, handouts and guides, and sample student papers. - Electronic Journals and Periodicals
This website offers online psychology students access to dozens of psychology-related, peer-reviewed journals and journal articles, online bibliographies, and more. - HSU Open Educational Resources (OER)
Presented by Humboldt State University in California, this website offers open education teaching and learning resources, including textbook collections, videos, and online courses for online psychology students. - Transitioning to Online School: A Guide for Healthcare Students
This 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
Student Organizations and Professional Associations
- American Psychological Association (APA)
The largest and best-known professional association for psychologists and psychology students in the world, the APA offers a range of services and resources for both undergraduate and graduate students. - American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS)
APAGS provides psychology graduate students with “a united voice to enrich and advocate for graduate student development.” Graduate student membership is included with APA Student Affiliate membership. Undergrads can also join. - Association of Black Psychologists (ABPSI)
The ABPSI was formed to address serious issues facing black psychologists and the larger black community. ABPSI’s Student Circle offers a range of scholarship, student support, networking, and leadership development opportunities. - 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. - Psi Chi
Psi Chi is the international honor society in psychology and one of the largest honor societies in the United States. Membership benefits include networking opportunities and access to over $400,000 in annual scholarships, grants, and other awards funds.
Online Communities, Networking Sites, and Other Social Groups
- Academic Psychology subreddit (r/AcademicPsychology)
This subreddit offers a place for psychology master’s students and professionals to discuss academic issues and scholarly articles concerning the psychology field. - Forums at PsychCentral
A free online community offering tens of thousands of threads and hundreds of thousands of posts covering topics related to psychology. Groups include those for work and careers and student study issues. - Psychology Students subreddit (r/psychologystudents)
This 40,000-member sister subreddit of r/AcademicPsychology focuses on providing peer networking for undergraduate-level psychology students. Topics include study methods, homework help, and job-related advice. - Social Psychology Network
With nearly 10,000 members in over 160 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 posting and messaging forums as well as its Facebook page and Psychology News on Twitter. - The Student Doctor Network Psychology Forums
Co-hosted by PsychCentral, the Student Doctor Network’s Psychology Forums provide an online community with hundreds of discussion threads concerning doctoral degrees (PsyD and Ph.D.) and students.
Articles, Videos, Books and Podcasts
- APS Student and Early Career Webinar Series
Provides webinar videos aimed at helping psychology students and new professionals. Topics include Online Research: Tools and Techniques, The Basics of Peer Review, and Virtual Networking: How to Network and Find Collaborators from Afar. - Classics in the History of Psychology
This website offers access to full texts of historically significant scholarly public domain documents. Over 25 books and 200 articles are accessible along with links to more than 200 related works. - gradPSYCH Blog
An APA-sponsored blog connecting psychology graduate students for discussing issues important to APAGS members. An APAGS’s membership is not required for access. - Psychology (Textbook)
Offered free online through Rice University’s OpenStax, this textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of the core concepts of psychology. Meets the scope and sequence of a typical single-semester, college-level introductory course in psychology. - Psychology Student Network
Another APA-sponsored resource, the Psychology Student Network features articles, podcasts, announcements of upcoming psychology events, and more. Visitors can access both current and past issues.
