Counseling Scholarships

Finding counseling scholarships is becoming easier for graduate students who have received the calling to help others in need.

Students who are pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in counseling can use their scholarship funding to unlock a wealth of career specialty options, including clinical mental health, school, community, addiction, marriage and family, rehabilitation, or career counseling.

Resource: Top 20 Cheap Online Master's Degrschooee in Counseling Programs

Since the job demand for counseling graduates is expected to increase by as much as 40 percent before 2020, there will be no shortage of prospects after graduation as well. If you're ready to start learning about the therapeutic techniques that can be used to help people with a range of emotional, physical, vocational, and social problems, the following are 20 great scholarships that can make your counseling degree affordable.

1. AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program

Deadline: February 4th

Each year, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) hosts a Minority Fellowship Program to award up to $20,000 for outstanding graduate students who are presently enrolled full-time in an accredited master's or doctoral program for marriage and family therapy or counseling. Eligible candidates must have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, be members of AAMFT, be enrolled in courses approved by their academic advisor, exhibit a commitment to serving underserved minority populations, and demonstrate financial need. Fellows will also receive travel stipends to attend the MFP Winter Training Institute and AAMFT Annual Conference.

Contact

AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program
112 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-9808

Scholarship Link

2. ACA Foundation Graduate Essay Competition

Deadline: December 14th

With funding from Gerald and Marianne Corey, the American Counseling Association (ACA) Foundation has created a Graduate Essay Competition to provide $1,000 to student members who are currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in counseling at an accredited U.S. college. Participants are asked to submit a 500-word essay online stating their beliefs on the fundamental purpose of having ethical standards in the counseling profession. One grand prize winner, five runner-ups, and 10 honorable mentions will be chosen for scholarships annually and given free registration to the ACA Annual Conference.

Contact

ACA Foundation Graduate Essay Competition
6101 Stevenson Avenue Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22304
(800) 347-6647

Scholarship Link

3. Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

Sponsored by the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), the Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to graduate students who are pursuing their master's or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, mental health, special education, speech pathology, gifted and talented education, or a related field. Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Tennessee who are enrolled at an accredited college to build a career addressing the special needs of children. Preference will be given to candidates who are actively involved in their state's Junior Auxiliary Chapter.

Contact

Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship
845 South Main Street
Greenville, MS 38701
(662) 332-3000

Scholarship Link

4. Donald Mattson Mental Health Scholarship

Deadline: May 23rd

Through the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the Donald Mattson Scholarship is awarded annually for $500 to graduate students who exhibit outstanding scholastic achievement in their master's degree program for clinical mental health counseling. Qualified candidates must carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, attend an accredited U.S. institution, demonstrate dedication to addressing the mental health issues of society, exhibit leadership ability, and be pursuing licensure as a CCMHC. Applicants must submit a letter of nomination from a faculty advisor, a letter from their AMHCA state chapter, and a three-page biographical statement or resume.

Contact

Donald Mattson Mental Health Scholarship
801 North Fairfax Street Suite 304
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-6002

5. Ed Dunkelblau Scholarship Award

Deadline: January 15th

In honor of his commitment and contribution to the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH), the Ed Dunkelblau Scholarship Award is distributed annually for $1,000 to counseling graduate students who showcase a sincere interest in the cultural and/or scientific applications of therapeutic humor to boost mental health. Applicants must be students of color, attend an accredited master's or doctoral program in America, have AATH membership, and maintain good academic standing. Applications must include a personal essay describing how they perceive humor to be therapeutic in benefitting patients, families, and staff.

Contact

Ed Dunkelblau Scholarship Award
220 East State Street Floor G
Rockford, IL 61104
(815) 708-6587

Scholarship Link

6. Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Fellowship

Deadline: November 15th

Administered by the American Psychological Foundation (APF), the Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Fellowship is available to award $25,000 annually for graduate students in psychology and counseling who wish to focus their career working with youth in pediatric, child-clinical school, educational, or developmental specialties. Eligible recipients must be enrolled in an accredited doctoral program in the United States, demonstrate research competence, and be committed to youth mental health. Applications must be accompanied by a research project proposal, budgeting plan, current CV, proof of IRB approval, and two recommendations.

Resource: Top 10 Cheap Online Master's in Educational Counseling and School Counseling Degree Programs

Contact

Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Fellowship
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843

7. Fred Adair Rural Counseling Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

Thanks to a grant from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the Fred Adair Rural Counseling Scholarship was established to award $5,000 in financial support to master's-level graduate students who are earning a counseling degree in Virginia or Colorado. Qualified students must be enrolled in a CACREP-accredited institution, maintain good standing, have completed at least 18 credit hours, be committed to receiving the NCC credential prior to graduation, and reside in a rural area defined by the HRSA. Recipients must agree to provide counseling services to a rural community for at least two years upon completion.

Contact

Fred Adair Rural Counseling Scholarship
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 232-0376

Scholarship Link

8. Future Counselors of America Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

As a renowned dating forum featuring articles from renowned relationship experts, DatingAdvice.com offers the Future Counselors of America Scholarship to grant $1,000 each year to undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in psychology, counseling, marriage therapy, or a related field. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, attend an accredited U.S. educational institution, and show a sincere commitment to pursuing a career in relationship counseling. Students are required to submit a 500-900 word essay titled "The Psychology of Online Dating" to describe challenges facing singles today.

Contact

Future Counselors of America Scholarship
15 SE 1st Avenue Suite B
Gainesville, FL 32601
(888) 217-5962

Scholarship Link

9. JDRF Outreach Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 15th

Through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the Outreach Scholarship Program is hosted annually to grant $1,000 to college students earning an undergraduate or graduate in psychology, counseling, social work, and other mental health fields to successfully help individuals overcome the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes. Eligible candidates must attend an accredited four-year college or university, be actively involved within the diabetes community, have high academic performance with a GPA of 3.0 or above, and participate in community service or extra-curricular activities. A $5,000 Rising Star Scholarship is also offered for incoming college students who have Type 1 diabetes too.

Contact

JDRF Outreach Scholarship Program
26 Broadway
New York, NY 10004
(800) 533-2873

Scholarship Link

10. Lullelia W. Harrison Counseling Scholarships

Deadline: February 1st

For both members and non-members, the Lullelia W. Harrison Counseling Scholarships are bestowed annually for $500 to $1,000 apiece by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Educational Foundation to lower tuition expenses for achieving an accredited counseling degree within the United States. Qualified candidates must be matriculated undergraduate or graduate students, maintain full-time enrollment, have good academic standing, exhibit financial need, and have documented community service involvement. Applications must include a 150-word personal essay, official transcripts, three recommendation letters, proof of enrollment, and a W-2 form.

Contact

Lullelia W. Harrison Counseling Scholarships
1734 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-3103

Scholarship Link

11. Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 13th

Offering up to $4,000 in financial support, the Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship is presented annually by the Nassau Counselors' Association (NCA) for full or part-time graduate students who are actively pursuing an accredited master's degree in counseling. To qualify, candidates must either attend graduate school, reside in, or be completing a counseling internship within Nassau County, New York on Long Island. Eligible students should also be NCA members, demonstrate academic achievement, have completed one year of graduate studies, submit two letters of recommendation, and be working towards a counseling career.

Contact

Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship
2301 Grand Avenue
Bellmore, NY 11710
(516) 255-8920

Scholarship Link

12. Melanie Merola O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 4th

With the goal of fostering better support for mental health, the Melanie Merola O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship was established to give $2,500 to graduate students who are pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, marital therapy, social work, or a related mental health field. Eligible applicants must be accepted or enrolled at an accredited U.S. graduate school, be actively involved in extra-curricular or volunteer activities, and demonstrate an interest in one or more of the ideals to which Melanie committed herself. Applications must include a curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, two reference letters, and a personal essay.

Contact

Melanie Merola O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship
245 Washington Street Suite 4666
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Scholarship Link

13. Nancy Howell Scholarship Award

Deadline: August 25th

Through the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of North Carolina (LPCANC), the Nancy Howell Scholarship Award is presented for $500 each year to two outstanding graduate students who demonstrate potential for leadership in the counseling profession. Qualified applicants must be active LPCANC student members, be enrolled in a CACREP-accredited master's or doctoral counseling program, reside within North Carolina, and be working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Applications won't be complete without a resume or CV, three letters of professional recommendation, and a 300-word goals statement.

Contact

Nancy Howell Scholarship Award
P.O. Box 266
Knightdale, NC 27545
(919) 723-7087

Scholarship Link

14. NBCC Foundation Military Scholarship

Deadline: November 15th

Administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation, the Military Scholarship is awarded for $5,000 annually to graduate students who are presently enrolled full-time in a master's-level counseling program in the United States that is approved by the CACREP for excellence. Eligible students must carry at least six credits per term, be prior or current active duty U.S. military service members, wish to apply for the NCC credential prior to graduation, and have unmet financial need. Recipients must agree to provide mental health services to military personnel, veterans, and their families for at least two years after degree completion.

Contact

NBCC Foundation Military Scholarship
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 232-0376

Scholarship Link

15. Sandra Koscielniak Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: September 11th

As part of the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY), the Sandra Koscielniak Graduate Scholarship is distributed in the amount of $1,000 annually for supporting graduate students who are enrolling in an accredited master's degree program for social work, counseling, psychology, family therapy, recreation, or prevention. Applicants must have prior experience working in youth services, demonstrate leadership ability, be committed to a career in social services with children, and attend an accredited Illinois university. Completed applications should include a current resume, two letters of reference, proof of enrollment, and a 100-word statement on career goals.

Contact

Sandra Koscielniak Graduate Scholarship
250 South Route 59
Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 483-5799

16. Services for Transition Age Youth Fellowship

Deadline: Varies

Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Services for Transition Age Youth (STAY) Fellowship Program is offered to award $6,000 in financial support to extraordinary graduate students who are enrolling full-time in terminal master's degree programs for psychology or counseling. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, plan to become mental health practitioners, and have a strong commitment for working with transitional youth ages 16 to 25. Preference will be given to ethnic minority students of African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander descent.

Contact

Services for Transition Age Youth Fellowship
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843

17. Tony DeBlase Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: January 15th

In remembrance of a renowned educator and leatherman, the Tony DeBlase Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by the Pride Foundation to Award $2,000 to graduate students who are planning to enter the fields of sex education, sex therapy, marriage therapy, or other counseling-related fields that further the understanding of human sexuality. Qualified applicants must be pursuing accredited post-secondary education and have lived for at least three months in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. Preference will be given to students who are self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) or straight allies.

Contact

Tony DeBlase Memorial Scholarship Fund
2014 East Madison Street Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-3318

Scholarship Link

18. Vincent H. Bond Scholarship Award

Deadline: March 13th

To honor his 33-year career in making positive contributions to the rehabilitation field for persons with disabilities, the Vincent H. Bond Scholarship Award is granted for $1,500 each year by the Arkansas Rehabilitation Association (ARA). Eligible recipients must be enrolled full-time as graduate students at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, have a declared major in rehabilitation counseling, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, demonstrate knowledge of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation program, and pass an interview via Skype. Applications should include a cover letter, official college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.

Contact

Vincent H. Bond Scholarship Award
Graduate Education Building Room 324
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-3208

Scholarship Link

19. Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship

Deadline: May 15th

Administered by the American Psychological Foundation (APF), the Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship is offered for $5,000 each year to outstanding graduate students in psychology and counseling psychology who are making great strides towards mitigating the stigma of mental illness within the American society. Qualified candidates must be enrolled full-time in a master's or doctoral program in the United States, have good academic merit, be committed to research on stigma, and be conducting a thesis or dissertation research project. Applicants must submit a project proposal, complete budgeting plan, CV or resume, and advisor recommendation.

Contact

Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843

20. William L. White Student Scholarship

Deadline: May 31st

Recently created in January 2015, the William L. White Student Scholarship is designed by the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) to provide $1,000 to undergraduate students and $2,000 to graduate students who are pursuing a degree related to addiction or substance abuse counseling. Eligible candidates must be conducting addiction studies research in NASAC-accredited programs, have at least one full academic year remaining, carry a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have current NAADAC student membership. Applications need to include an unofficial transcript, three recommendations, and an APA-formatted research paper on addiction recovery systems.

Contact

William L. White Student Scholarship
1001 North Fairfax Street Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 548-0497

Scholarship Link

Earning a degree in counseling will prepare you for plentiful rewarding career opportunities, but you'll first need to afford at least four to six years in post-secondary schooling to receive professional licensure to practice. Since the costs associated with tuition, textbooks, room and board, and other academic supplies is rising steadily, it's important to find various sources of financial aid to avoid overwhelming debt. Check out these great counseling scholarships to help finance your dreams of improving the well-being of individuals, families, groups, or communities.