Online Resources & Scholarships for Psychology Students
Choosing a college and a major is hard enough; figuring out how to pay for it adds another layer of complication. Whether you’re just starting to look into psychology degree programs or are nearing graduation, you can save yourself both time and money by learning where to find scholarships, support services, and online resources that can help you succeed. Keep reading to find helpful information for both undergraduate and graduate psychology majors.
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Scholarships and Grants for Psychology Students
Paying for college usually requires drawing from many funding sources, the most common of which is student loans. However, student loans must be paid back with interest, which can take years. Fortunately, other financial resources such as scholarships and grants can help pay for college. Plus, these sources don’t need to be paid back, so they’re essentially free money. Below, you’ll find 10 scholarship and grant opportunities for psychology students. Review the list, take note of scholarships that are a good fit for you, and dig into the details so you can apply in plenty of time.
American Psychological Foundation (APF) Graduate Student Scholarships
These scholarships are open to master’s and doctorate psychology students in programs that are members of the Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology (COGDOP). More than 20 scholarships are available to assist with students’ research costs. Applications must include a thesis or dissertation proposal of up to 10 pages, 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 student committed to improving conditions in marginalized communities. Preference goes to students preparing for careers in academia, clinical service delivery, or public policy. Academic excellence and financial need are both considered in funding decisions.
Amount: $4,000
Goldstein & Schneider Scholarships by the Macey Fund
Available to minority doctoral students majoring in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, the award is based on the potential of the proposed study to make substantial theoretical and practical contributions to the I-O psychology field. Applications require a CV, nomination letter, summary of dissertation research, and letter from doctoral advisor.
Amount: $6,000
Hope for Healing Scholarships
Two awards (one undergraduate, one graduate) are available for students in a college degree program focused on mental or behavioral health. Award is based on academic performance, essay quality, and potential for positive impact on the mental or behavioral health field. Applications require transcripts and an essay detailing your reason for pursuing this degree.
Amount: $5,000
Malyon Smith Scholarship Research Award
This award is for a full-time graduate student in psychology who is advancing research on sexual orientation and gender identity. Submissions must include a 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. Applications must include a cover letter, cover sheet with an overview of the research proposal and budget, and a letter of support from a faculty member.
Amount: $500 to $1,000
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Education and Research Trust Minority Scholarship Program
Applicants must be minority psychology graduate students pursuing specialist degrees in school psychology. You’ll need a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and be NASP members. In addition to funds, the award also includes a year of NASP membership, paid convention registration and travel to receive the award, 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, and 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
Undergraduate and graduate members of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, are eligible. Awards are based on academic excellence, financial need, Psi Chi participation, and qualities consistent with the Psi Chi mission. Application includes a personal essay, financial need essay, and letter of recommendation from Psi Chi faculty advisor.
Amount: Varies
Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships
Awards recognize eight outstanding undergraduate psychology students with a 3.5 minimum GPA and demonstrated financial need. Materials required include a personal statement describing your involvement in the science and application of psychology, CV, transcript, and faculty recommendation.
Amount: $5,500
The Keys to Succeed on Psychology Scholarship Applications
Almost all scholarships are competitive, so just meeting the minimum application requirements isn’t enough. This is particularly true for psychology majors because it’s a popular degree program. You’ll need to find ways to stand out from other applicants. The following five factors can increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship.
Key #1: Start sooner than you think you need to.
Scholarship searches take time, so the earlier you start the better. Finding time to do so can be tough with projects and papers to juggle, but you truly can’t start too soon. Not all applications have the same deadline, so you’d hate to miss one because you started too late.
Key #2: Play the odds.
Pick the scholarship programs you have a good chance of winning. When you read the description, does it feel like it’s talking about you? If so, that’s one to put on your list. Remember to look both at scholarships specifically for psychology students and those open to various majors that may have other criteria, such as geography or ethnicity.
Key #3: Remind yourself that bigger isn’t always better.
Some scholarships have big award amounts, but don’t just focus on the big ones. Contests with smaller awards are also likely to have less competition. Whether you get one big check or multiple small awards, both strategies work to get your tuition paid, prevent you from accumulating student debt, and keep you focused on your studies.
Key #4: Explain your “why.”
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. As you share your story, make sure it ties clearly to your interest in psychology and your related plans for the future.
Key #5: Check your application carefully.
Nothing sinks chances for winning a scholarship faster than an incomplete or subpar application package. Pay attention to details, and don’t miss a deadline. Consider asking a friend or family member to read your personal statement, cover letter, and so forth to watch for typos, missing words, or unclear information. Allow yourself time to fix those issues before submitting your materials.
Essential Funding Resources for Psychology Students
Financial preparation for psychology education extends beyond scholarships through multiple channels: structured tuition payment plans, interstate education agreements for reduced rates, careful budgeting using financial planning tools, credit monitoring, and building sustainable money management habits. Here are 10 resources to assist you in your planning.
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. ABPSI’s Student Circle offers a range of scholarship, student support, networking, and leadership development opportunities.
Clever Girl Finance
Under the leadership of founder Bola Sokunbi, the platform 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 crucial first step opens doors to various forms of financial support, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. This checklist from EduMed walks you through each step you need to take before applying.
The Online College Student’s Guide to Financial Aid
Online education expenses can feel daunting, but numerous financial support options exist for distance learning students. By researching various funding sources, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, you can develop a strategy to manage your educational costs. Understanding the available financial assistance opportunities is crucial for making informed decisions about pursuing your online degree program.
Psychology Student Network
An APA-sponsored resource, the Psychology Student Network features articles, podcasts, announcements of upcoming psychology events, and more. Recent articles include “The Benefits of Joining a Psychology Club” and “Finding a Paid, Post-Bacc Research Position,” along with announcements about fellowships, essay contests, and graduate school fairs.
Social Psychology Network (SPN)
With thousands of members in over 100 countries, SPN 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 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.
