PSYCHOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS

If you've been inspired by Jean Piaget, B.F. Skinner, Carl Rogers, or other influential psychologists to study the human mind, psychology scholarships can go a long way towards financing your educational and research endeavors.

As a psychology student, you'll receive the opportunity to learn more about human development, fine-tune your research skills, become a better communicator, gain a greater appreciation for human diversity, help those in need, and increase your understanding of yourself and those around you. Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, psychology degrees can transform into plentiful job options ranging from psychiatry and therapy to business and education.

Related: Top 19 Cheap Online Psychology Degree Programs (Bachelor's)

Below we've highlighted 20 of the best scholarships for psychology majors fascinated by human thought and behavior. No Freudian slips found here, only bundles of cash available for aspiring psychologists!

1. AAPA Psychology Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

Each year, the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) provides a $500 scholarship to Filipino American college seniors who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in clinical, counseling, social, organizational, industrial, community, health, child, or any other field of psychology. Eligible candidates must plan to receive an M.A. or Ph.D. degree, be accepted at an accredited U.S. graduate school, supply two letters of recommendation, show a commitment to the Filipino American community, and write a 1,000-word personal statement describing their interests in psychology. Recipients will also be given individual mentorship on research ideas and opportunities for networking in professional organizations.

Contact

AAPA Psychology Scholarship
5025 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(480) 727-7340

Scholarship Link

2. APF Graduate Student Scholarships

Deadline: June 30th

Ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000 apiece, the American Psychological Foundation (APF) distributes Graduate Student Scholarships annually to 25 outstanding college students who are completing an interim master's or doctoral degree program for psychology in the United States. Qualified candidates must intend to eventually receive a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree, be nominated by their university's department of psychology, show financial need to cover research costs for their thesis or dissertation, and have good academic standing. Along with the application, students must submit a letter of recommendation, three-page outline of their research project, current curriculum vitae, and an unofficial college transcript.

Contact

APF Graduate Student Scholarships
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843

3. Bisexual Foundation Scholarship Award

Deadline: February 1st

As part of the APA's Division 44, the Bisexual Foundation Scholarship Award is granted annually for $1,000 to deserving graduate students who are advancing research on the psychology of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, especially on bisexuality. To qualify, applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in a Department of Psychology, be earning a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, attend an APA-accredited graduate school in America, and be emerging scholars in the psychological field of human sexuality. Applications must include a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, letter of recommendation from a faculty supervisor, and complete research project description.

Contact

Bisexual Foundation Scholarship Award
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843

Scholarship Link

4. CPA-F Minority Scholarship Program

Deadline: November 3rd

Through the California Psychological Association Foundation, the CPA-F Minority Scholarship Program is hosted each year to award $2,000 to three graduate students from ethnic minority groups who plan to become professional psychologists as teachers, researchers, practitioners, supervisors, and administrators. Applicants must already possess an accredited bachelor's degree, have been accepted into a doctoral program in psychology at an approved institution within California, exhibit financial need, and wish to focus their psychological career in helping minority communities. Students are required to submit an official college transcript, three letters of recommendation, proof of enrollment, and a personal essay detailing their future plans.

Contact

CPA-F Minority Scholarship Program
1231 I Street Suite 204
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 286-7979

Scholarship Link

5. Donald Mattson Scholarship Award

Deadline: May 23rd

Sponsored by the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the Donald Mattson Scholarship Award is presented annually for $500 to graduate students who are currently enrolled in an accredited program studying clinical mental health counseling or counseling psychology. Eligible applicants must carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, attend an approved U.S. graduate school, exhibit leadership in their communities, and have a sincere dedication to treating mental health issues. To apply, individuals must submit an application, one letter of nomination from a faculty advisor, one letter from their AMHCA state chapter, and a three-page biographical sketch or resume.

Contact

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

6. Dorothy Harris Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: December 29th

Since being founded by Billie Jean King in the Women's Sport Foundation, the Dorothy Harris Endowed Scholarship has been awarded for $1,500 each year in honor of a pioneer for women who became the first resident sport psychologist at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in 1980. Qualified applicants must be female graduate students attending an approved American institution to receive a master's or doctoral degree in physical education, sports psychology, sports sociology, or sport management. Preference is given to young female athletes with good sportsmanship who have limited financial means for affording college.

Contact

Dorothy Harris Endowed Scholarship
1899 Hempstead Turnpike Suite 400
East Meadow, NY 11554
(800) 227-3988

Scholarship Link

7. Dr. Stana Michael Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: May 15th

Within the Indiana Association of School Psychologists (IASP), the Dr. Stana Michael Graduate Scholarship is granted each year for $1,000 to students pursuing graduate training in school psychology in the NASP-approved programs at Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University, or Valparaiso University. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, reside in Indiana, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, be accepted for full-time or part-time enrollment, and have the goal of becoming a practicing school psychologist. Selection will be based on applicants' letters of recommendation, academic achievements, personal statements, work experience, and school psychology interests.

Contact

Dr. Stana Michael Graduate Scholarship
125 West Market Street Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 472-6955

Scholarship Link

8. Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: March 31st

Initially founded in 1994 by Margaret Staton to change the face of disability, the Ethel Louise Armstrong (ELA) Foundation is honored to deliver multiple $2,000 scholarships each year to female graduate students with physical disabilities who are currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. university to earn a degree in psychology or education. Candidates must be working on a master's degree or above, have good academic standing, maintain active involvement in a local or national disability organization, be willing to network for ELA, and exhibit a commitment to career advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Contact

Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarships
2460 North Lake Avenue Suite 128
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 398-8845

9. Future Counselors of America Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

On DatingAdvice.com, the Future Counselors of America Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 each year to American college students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology to build a career in relationship counseling, marital therapy, or another closely related field. Qualified candidates must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, exhibit financial need, have professional promise in psychology, and attend an accredited U.S. university full-time. Applicants will be judged on their basis of their maximum 900-word essay entitled "The Psychology of Online Dating," which should address psychological challenges facing singles.

Contact

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

10. George C. Thornton Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

New in 2013, the George C. Thornton Graduate Scholarship is offered through the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Foundation to award $3,000 to I/O doctoral students who exemplify the scientist-practitioner model with achievement in both the science and practice of industrial/organizational psychology. Eligible recipients must be student affiliates of SIOP, be earning a Ph.D. degree at a recognized I/O degree-granting university, already have completed a master's program, and be pursuing a career in the field of I/O psychology. Applications must include a graduate transcript, personal statement, ten-page summary of their completed research, current curriculum vitae, and two recommendations.

Contact

George C. Thornton Graduate Scholarship
404 East Poe Road Suite 101
Bowling Green, OH 43402
(419) 353-0032

Scholarship Link

11. Hyman-Lambert Memorial Scholarships

Deadline: June 21st

Annually, the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) awards the Hyman-Lambert Memorial Scholarships in honor of Irwin Hyman and Nadine Lambert for $1,000 to help deserving doctoral students in school psychology defray the costs of tuition and other academic expenses. For consideration, applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, graduate school transcript, current curriculum vitae, and personal statement outlining their future professional interests in school psychology. Funds can also be used to subsidize attendance costs for the American Psychological Association (APA) or National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) conventions.

Contact

Hyman-Lambert Memorial Scholarships
600 Market Street Suite 201
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 537-8031

Scholarship Link

12. ICPSR Scholarship for Psychology

Deadline: April 30th

Through the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) Council, an annual scholarship is presented to cover full tuition costs for graduate psychology students wishing to attend the ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods to conduct empirical research in the fields of developmental, family, or child psychology. Applicants must be pursuing a Ph.D. degree at an accredited North American university, be active participants in the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), and plan to attend one or both of the four-week educational sessions. Completed applications should supply a current curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, and a personal cover letter.

Contact

ICPSR Scholarship for Psychology
P.O. Box 1248
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
(734) 763-7400

Scholarship Link

13. John Frederick Steinman Fellowship Fund

Deadline: February 1st

The John Frederick Steinman Fellowship Fund is designed to grant $6,000 each year to worthy students pursuing an advanced graduate degree in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, or social work. Qualified applicants must already hold a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited U.S. university, be committed to specialized graduate training in mental health practices, display outstanding scholastic record, continue uninterrupted graduate studies, and submit at least one recommendation form. Recipients will be obligated to practice their profession at an agency within Lancaster County in Pennsylvania upon completion for at least one year per year of financial support.

Contact

John Frederick Steinman Fellowship Fund
8 West King Street
P.O. Box 1328
Lancaster, PA 17608
(717) 291-8811
Scholarship Link

14. Marie Newton Sepia Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Sponsored by the Pilot International Foundation (PIF), the Marie Newton Sepia Memorial Scholarship is presented each year for $1,000 to graduate students who are earning a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, special education, child and family studies, nursing, health science, rehabilitation, or therapy. Qualified candidates must attend an accredited university in the United States, maintain full-time enrollment status, have U.S. citizenship or a green card, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25, and be committed to a career helping children with brain-related disabilities or disorders. Applications are accessible on the foundation's website, but can only be completed by Pilot Club members.

Contact

Marie Newton Sepia Memorial Scholarship
102 Preston Court
Macon, GA 31210
(478) 477-1208

Scholarship Link

15. NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program

Deadline: November 3rd

Since 1995, the National Association of School Psychologists has hosted the NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program annually to lower financial barriers for minority graduate students who will ultimately deliver quality school-based mental health services to diverse student populations. In order to qualify for a $5,000 award, candidates must come from underrepresented ethnic minority groups, be attending an approved graduate program in school psychology, be U.S. citizens, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, be NASP members, exhibit financial need, and have the goal of becoming a practicing school psychologist.

Contact

NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program
4340 East West Highway Suite 402
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-0270

16. Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant

Deadline: November 1st

Administered by the American Psychological Foundation (APF), the Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant is given for $15,000 each year to an outstanding graduate psychology student who is conducting empirical or applied research focused on lesbian, gay, and bisexual family psychology or therapy. Eligible applicants must be pursuing a doctoral degree program at an accredited U.S. institution, maintain good standing, be endorsed by a supervising professor, have IRB approval, and wish to focus their career in studying LGBT family issues. Recipients will be chosen based on their stated career goals, quality of proposed work, expected research outcomes, professional competence, and academic record.

Contact

Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843

17. Soaring Heart Scholarship Award

Deadline: January 15th

Created in 2008 by Mike Schaefer after his partner committed suicide, the Soaring Heart Scholarship Award is granted through the Pride Foundation to provide $2,000 to aspiring mental health practitioners committed to offering compassionate support to people dealing with trauma, grief, illness, death, and violent acts. Eligible undergraduate or graduate students should be studying an accredited university in the United States with good academic standing in a degree program for psychology, social work, counseling, therapy, or a related field. Applications will only be accepted from individuals who have lived in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, or Oregon for at least one year.

Contact

Soaring Heart Scholarship Award
2014 East Madison Street Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-3318

18. Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship

Deadline: October 1st

Also offered through the American Psychological Foundation (APF), the Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship is designed to award $10,000 each year to support the research of graduate psychology students who are seeking to increase the public's understanding of the stigma and psychological pain experienced by people with physical disabilities. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. university, maintain good academic standing, have a declared major in a psychology discipline, and have received IRB approval for their disability research. Along with the application, candidates must submit a maximum five-page project proposal, estimated budget plan, current CV or resume, and one letter of recommendation.

Contact

Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843

19. Thelma Hunt Research Grants

Deadline: September 15th

In honor of a beloved psychologist who served as historian for the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology from 1973 to 1979, the Thelma Hunt Research Grants are bestowed annually for $3,000 each. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students must be active Psi Chi members, have attained at least junior-level status, attend an accredited U.S. university, maintain good academic standing, and be conducting empirical research that addresses any psychological issue directly related to Psi Chi. Candidates must write a research project proposal with a budget plan, submit the proposal electronically before the deadline, and compose an impact statement if their research is funded.

Contact

Thelma Hunt Research Grants
825 Vine Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 756-2044
Scholarship Link

20. Walter Gleason Ph.D. Scholarship

Deadline: November 15th

Established by the Wisconsin Psychological Association (WPA) in honor of the former President who was instrumental in creating vehicles of recognition for student research, the Walter Gleason Ph.D. Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 each year. Qualified applicants must be full-time graduate students, attend an accredited doctoral psychology program in Wisconsin, have current WPA membership, have a history of service to their community, and maintain good academic standing. Applications must be accompanied by proof of enrollment, official college transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a 500-word personal essay.

Contact

Walter Gleason Ph.D. Scholarship
126 South Franklin Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 251-1450

Scholarship Link

As if paying for tuition, room and board, academic fees, textbooks, and other college living expenses wasn't enough, psychology majors are often faced with the added cost of conducting their own research too. Since higher education prices aren't going anywhere but up, it's essential that psychology students take advantage of various sources of financial aid available to reduce the financial burden of their four to nine years of post-secondary education! Consider applying to some of these excellent psychology scholarships to ensure you have enough funding to pursue your dreams in boosting the well-being of our world.

See also: Top 25 Cheap Online Master's in Psychology Degree Programs