Criminal Justice Scholarships

Apply to a Criminal Justice Scholarship

Whether you're aiming to become a police officer, border patrol agent, lawyer, judge, probation officer, FBI agent, or any other contributing member of our judicial system, criminal justice scholarships can go a long way towards achieving your career goals. Many organizations and universities nationwide offer scholarship funding to help students finance their training for becoming the next Johnnie Cochran or J. Edgar Hoover.

Criminal justice degrees are smart investments for any students looking to work in law enforcement, criminology, crime scene investigation, security, or law to keep our nation's communities safer. If you're ready to take the exciting leap into a career in criminal justice, below we've highlighted 20 of the best scholarships available for paying your tuition bills.

1. ACJS Student Scholarship Awards

Deadline: October 1st

Through the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences' Student Affairs Committee, the ACJS Student Scholarship Awards are granted annually for $600 apiece to two graduate students who are pursuing a master's or Ph.D. degree in criminal justice and/or criminology. The awards are designed to support meritorious scholarship among advanced students and allow them to present their research findings at the ACJS Annual Meeting. Nominations should include a letter of nomination, a scholarly research paper, proof of current enrollment, evidence that students are attending the Annual Meeting, and other letters of support.

Contact

ACJS Student Scholarship Awards
777 West Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 948-6054

Scholarship Link

2. Anderson Criminal Justice Scholarship

Deadline: March 10th

Sponsored by the Washington State Fair, the Anderson Criminal Justice Scholarship is awarded each year for $5,000 to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors or adult learners who are pursuing career goals in the criminal justice field. Eligible applicants must be residents of Washington State, be attending an in-state accredited institution, have declared a major in criminal justice, maintain full-time enrollment, show good academic standing on unofficial transcripts, and supply two original letters of recommendation. Preference will be given to criminal justice students who are working towards a career in law enforcement.

Contact

Anderson Criminal Justice Scholarship
110 9th Avenue SW
Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 841-5390

Scholarship Link

3. ASC Graduate Fellowships for Ethnic Minorities

Deadline: March 1st

Established in 1988 by the American Society of Criminology (ASC), the Graduate Fellowships for Ethnic Minorities grant $6,000 annually to three students of color who are seeking to enter the field of criminology and criminal justice. Qualified African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Alaskan Native candidates must be pursuing a doctoral degree studying criminal justice issues, be attending accredited U.S. graduate schools, and demonstrate a commitment to a career in criminology. Applications must include proof of admission, a current curriculum vitae, official college transcripts, financial aid reports, three letters of reference, and a personal essay.

Contact

ASC Graduate Fellowships for Ethnic Minorities
1314 Kinnear Road Suite 212
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 292-9207

4. Brian Terry Foundation Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 31st

In memory of a fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent who was killed by a Mexican drug cartel, the Brian Terry Foundation hosts an annual scholarship program to college students intending to study criminal justice or a closely related field to pursue a career in law enforcement. Qualified applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, be U.S. citizens, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and attend an accredited post-secondary institution. Along with the application, candidates should submit two recommendation forms, an official transcript, two self-addressed stamped envelopes, and a personal essay describing their commitment to social justice.

Contact

Brian Terry Foundation Scholarship Program
2575 East Camelback Road Dept 3
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Scholarship Link

5. Bruce C. Bade Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 10th

Within the Blackford County Community Foundation, the Bruce C. Bade Scholarship Fund was created to honor the former Blackford County Circuit Court judge who served until 2009. In order to qualify for one of the annual scholarship awards ranging in value from $500 to $5,000, applicants must be graduating high school seniors, reside in Blackford County, plan to pursue post-secondary education at an accredited Indiana institution, be declaring a major in criminal justice or law, and exhibit financial need for assistance. Applications must be accompanied by a high school transcript, student aid reports, and an appraisal by an authorized school official.

Contact

Bruce C. Bade Scholarship Fund
121 North High Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
(765) 348-3411

Scholarship Link

6. Charles L. Gittens Memorial Scholarship Award

Deadline: April 15th

Administered by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the Charles L. Gittens Memorial Scholarship Award is presented each year for $1,000 to an African American graduating high school senior who is interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice or law enforcement. Qualified candidates must be accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution, be U.S. citizens, intend to pursue a degree in any criminal investigative studies, exhibit financial need, and carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.7. Applications should include an official school transcript, two recommendations, and a one-page essay stating career goals.

Contact

Charles L. Gittens Memorial Scholarship Award
4609 Pinecrest Office Park Drive Suite F
Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 658-1529

Scholarship Link

7. Dan Sprehe Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: September 1st

Through the Greater Chicago Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the Dan Sprehe Memorial Scholarship is awarded in honor of a tireless crusader against fraud and corruption who passed away at the youthful age of 32. Eligible candidates must be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs with a declared major in accounting, finance, criminal justice, or business to enter a career in fraud examination. Up to 10 recipients will be chosen annually to receive a scholarship that covers the full costs of ACFE prep courses and the CFE exam.

Contact

Dan Sprehe Memorial Scholarship
15774 South LaGrange Road Suite 222
Orland Park, IL 60462
(312) 880-9701

Scholarship Link

8. Edna R. Anthony Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

Annually, the Women of BECA Inc. offer the Edna R. Anthony Memorial Scholarship to grant $500 awards to three outstanding female graduating high school seniors of color who are determined to receive a degree in criminal justice, journalism, nursing, or healthcare. Eligible applicants must be currently accepted for enrollment at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and exhibit financial need. Along with the completed application and high school transcript, candidates must write a 1,000-word essay describing why they've chosen their career path.

Contact

Edna R. Anthony Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 42039
Charlotte, NC 28215
(704) 236-6067

Scholarship Link

9. Kush Arora Federal Criminal Justice Reform Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Offered by the Maryland Criminal Lawyers in honor of a dedicated federal criminal defense attorney, the Kush Arora Federal Criminal Justice Reform Scholarship is awarded for $500 annually to undergraduate, graduate, and law school students pursuing work in the criminal justice system. All applicants must be enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions, be in good academic standing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and have a declared major related to criminal justice or law. Applications must be accompanied by a current academic transcript and a 1,000-word essay presenting a logical argument defending or critiquing the criminalization of drug possession.

Contact

Kush Arora Federal Criminal Justice Reform Scholarship
51 Monroe Street Suite 610
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 637-8415

Scholarship Link

10. Lambda Alpha Epsilon Student Scholarships

Deadline: December 31st

In collaboration with the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA), the Lambda Alpha Epsilon Student Scholarships are distributed annually for undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled in a course of study in the criminal justice field. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens, be active members of an ACJA/LAE chapter, have completed at least two semesters of accredited college coursework, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, have full-time status, and have a declared major in criminal justice. Selection will be based on candidates' academic record, financial need, recommendations, and stated career objectives.

Contact

Lambda Alpha Epsilon Student Scholarships
P.O. Box 601047
Sacramento, CA 95860
(916) 484-6553

Scholarship Link

11. Master Corporal Ronald G. Williams Jr. Scholarship

Deadline: May 31st

Formed in memory of a Delaware State Police Master Corporal, the Ronald G. Williams Jr. Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to cut tuition costs of full-time post-secondary education for graduating high school seniors from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Qualified students must be majoring in criminal justice, be accepted for enrollment in an accredited U.S. institution, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and show a strong commitment towards pursuing a career as a law enforcement officer. Completed application packets must include a high school transcript, three reference letters, and a 500-word personal essay.

Contact

Master Corporal Ronald G. Williams Jr. Scholarship
P.O. Box 5811
Wilmington, DE 19808
(302) 893-0177

12. Maurice B. Cohill Jr. Young Investigator Award

Deadline: May 1st

In honor of a former juvenile court judge, the Maurice B. Cohill Jr. Young Investigator Award is bestowed annually for $500 upon four high school juniors and seniors who have conducted research related to juvenile law and public policy, juvenile courts and probation, juvenile delinquency and dependency, or juvenile crime. Applicants must be U.S. residents, plan to attend an accredited American college upon graduation, and show a career interest in juvenile criminal justice. Recipients will also receive a prestigious letter of commendation from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ).

Contact

Maurice B. Cohill Jr. Young Investigator Award
P.O. Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
(412) 227-6950

Scholarship Link

13. My Alarm Center Student Scholarships

Deadline: July 1st

Ranging in value from $500 to $1,000, the My Alarm Center Student Scholarships are awarded annually for three outstanding undergraduate students who are currently studying law enforcement, criminal justice, law, or another closely related field to make our neighborhoods a safer place. Applicants must be freshmen or sophomores in college, be attending an accredited U.S. institution, have good academic standing, and have a strong commitment to criminal justice. For consideration, qualified candidates must submit a 1,000-word essay in a Word document describing what they hope to achieve from a security-related career.

Contact

My Alarm Center Student Scholarships
3803 West Chester Pike Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(866) 484-4800

Scholarship Link

14. Paul Janosky Criminal Justice Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Established by the Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT), the Paul Janosky Criminal Justice Scholarship is designed to provide a one-time award for $1,000 to a graduating high school senior or full-time college student from Miami-Dade, Broward, or Monroe counties in Florida. Eligible applicants must be the sons or daughters of a sworn law enforcement officer within Miami-Dade County, be planning to major in criminal justice or public safety at an accredited college, and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. Candidates will be required to complete a scholarship application, attach current certified transcripts, and supply two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Paul Janosky Criminal Justice Scholarship
1030 NW 111 Avenue Suite 232
Miami, FL 33172
(305) 594-6662

Scholarship Link

15. Regina B. Shearn Scholarship

Deadline: January 31st

As the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma has created the Regina B. Shearn Scholarship in honor of the first Executive Director to award $1,500 annually to one undergraduate and one graduate student member currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice at an accredited U.S. institution. Applicants must submit a recent transcript signed by their chapter advisor, a current resume outlining their leadership experience, and a five-page personal statement exploring their educational perspectives and purposes. Recipients will be chosen based on their academic performance, leadership abilities, involvement in community service, recommendations, citizenship, and moral character.

Contact

Regina B. Shearn Scholarship
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
(954) 262-7004

16. Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

In memory of a motivated police officer for the International Falls Police Department who was killed when a distracted driver crossed the center line and hit his car head on, the Rile Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship is awarded for $2,500 annually through the Duluth Superior Area (DSA) Community Foundation. Qualified applicants must reside in Koochiching County, be attending college to obtain a four-year degree, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and show a clear interest in pursuing a career within the criminal justice system. Preference will be given to candidates seeking to become law enforcement officers like Burnell.

Contact

Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship
222 East Superior Street Suite 302
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-0232

Scholarship Link

17. Robert "Bobby" Deckard Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

Within the SAISD Foundation, the Robert "Bobby" Deckard Memorial Scholarship was created to provide $1,000 to students graduating from Highlands High School who are involved in the Police Explorers program and wish to continue their studies in post-secondary education with a criminal justice major. Eligible candidates must be actively involved in extra-curricular activities, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, complete at least 20 hours of community service, and exhibit a clear commitment to pursuing a career in criminal justice to protect the city of San Antonio like Deckard. Applications must include official high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a short personal statement.

Contact

Robert "Bobby" Deckard Memorial Scholarship
141 Lavaca Street
San Antonio, TX 78210
(210) 554-2235

Scholarship Link

18. Thurgood Marshall NABCJ Scholarship Award

Deadline: March 25th

Sponsored by the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ), the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Award is offered for $2,000 annually to a deserving undergraduate minority student planning to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a closely related field in the upcoming fall. Eligible applicants must be accepted into an accredited four-year institution, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need based on hardship or lack of opportunity. Candidates must submit an application will an official transcript, proof of college admissions, family income tax forms, documentation of community service, and a 1,000-word explaining their reasons for pursuing a career in criminal justice.

Contact

Thurgood Marshall NABCJ Scholarship Award
1801 Fayetteville Street Suite 106
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 683-1801

19. Virginia Sheriffs' Institute Scholarships

Deadline: May 1st

Each year, the Virginia Sheriffs' Institute offers several scholarships for at least $1,000 apiece to young people statewide who need financial assistance to advance their educational endeavors in the criminal justice field. Qualified candidates must live in a locality led by a member sheriff, have a declared major in criminal justice, be attending a Virginia college full-time, and display potential for a career in law enforcement. All applications must include high school or college transcripts, proof of university enrollment, SAT/ACT scores, a letter of recommendation from a local sheriff, and a personal essay.

Contact

Virginia Sheriffs' Institute Scholarships
701 East Franklin Street Suite 706
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 225-7152

Scholarship Link

20. WIFLE Annual Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 1st

First introduced in 2009, the Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Annual Scholarship Program is designed to award $1,500 to a regular or associate member who is planning to physically attend an accredited four-year college or university full-time with a major in criminal justice, public administration, or another closely related social science. To qualify, candidates must have completed at least one full academic year, carry a minimum GPA of 3.0, be actively involved in community service projects, be U.S. citizens, and be sponsored by a police official. Preference will be given to any applicants who are currently serving or have served an internship with a federal law enforcement agency.

Contact

WIFLE Annual Scholarship Program
2200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 102
Arlington, VA 22201
(301) 805-2180

Scholarship Link

While the price tag for higher education may be hefty, the knowledge and skills acquired with a criminal justice degree are priceless for successfully entering this field. If you're struggling to find the money to finance your education out of pocket, be resourceful by applying to some of these great criminal justice scholarships and turning your passion for justice into a rewarding career.

See also: 50 Best Value Colleges for a Criminal Justice Degree