College Scholarships for History (2025 - 2026) Majors

Article Read Time Is 5 Mins

Scholarships and Grants for History Majors

History scholarships provide financial support for students pursuing degrees in history, public history, or museum studies. These awards are offered by universities, historical societies, government organizations, and private foundations to encourage students passionate about research, preservation, and education in the humanities.

Are There Scholarships for History Majors?

Yes, there are numerous scholarships and grants for students majoring in history. Awards are available for various specializations, including U.S. history, world history, archival research, and historical preservation. These programs recognize students who demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to studying the past.

What Is the Gilder Lehrman History Scholar Award?

The Gilder Lehrman History Scholar Award is a prestigious national award recognizing outstanding history students. Eligibility includes:

  • Enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in history or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated academic excellence and dedication to historical scholarship.
  • Submission of an essay or research paper as part of the application process.

Recipients gain national recognition, financial awards, and opportunities to participate in historical events and conferences.

Are There Scholarships for Women in History?

Yes, many scholarships are designed specifically for women pursuing degrees in history or related fields. Examples include:

  • Phi Alpha Theta Scholarships: Awards for female undergraduate and graduate students who excel in historical studies.
  • Margaret Storrs Grierson Scholarship: Supports women studying history, with a focus on women’s and gender history.

These programs aim to promote gender equity and empower women to contribute to historical research and academia.

What Is the National WWII Museum Student Scholarship?

The National WWII Museum Student Scholarship honors students with a strong interest in World War II history. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Being a high school senior or college undergraduate.
  • Submitting an essay, video, or multimedia project about World War II history.
  • Exemplary academic performance and research ability.

Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and often include an invitation to visit the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

Are There Scholarships for High School Seniors Interested in History?

Yes, several programs support high school seniors who plan to study history in college. Examples include:

  • James Madison Memorial Fellowship: Provides funding for students planning to become history or social studies teachers.
  • National History Day Scholarships: Awards students who excel in historical research and presentations through the National History Day competition.

These scholarships encourage students to explore history early and pursue degrees in the humanities.

What Is the American Historical Association (AHA) Research Grant?

The American Historical Association (AHA) Research Grant supports original historical research conducted by undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility includes:

  • Membership in the American Historical Association.
  • Submission of a detailed research proposal and budget outline.
  • A project focused on an innovative or underexplored area of history.

Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000 and may cover travel, archival access, or research materials.

Are There Scholarships for Public History and Museum Studies?

Yes, students pursuing careers in public history or museum studies can apply for specialized funding opportunities, including:

  • Smithsonian Institution Internships and Fellowships: Provides financial support for students engaged in museum, archival, or research projects.
  • American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Fellowship: Supports students preparing for careers in public history, curation, or preservation.

These opportunities are ideal for students seeking hands-on experience in museums, archives, or cultural institutions.

What Is the Organization of American Historians (OAH) Scholarship?

The Organization of American Historians (OAH) Scholarship assists students specializing in U.S. history. Key details include:

  • Funding for undergraduate and graduate research projects in American history.
  • Opportunities to present work at OAH annual meetings and network with professional historians.

Scholarship amounts vary, and recipients gain national recognition within the history community.

Are There Corporate Scholarships for History Majors?

Yes, several corporations and foundations offer scholarships for history majors who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence. Examples include:

  • Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Awards high-achieving high school seniors pursuing diverse fields, including history and social sciences.
  • Rotary Foundation Global Grant: Supports graduate-level studies abroad in history, peace, or international relations.

These programs often include professional networking, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities.

What Are Some University-Specific Scholarships for History Majors?

Many colleges and universities offer internal scholarships for history students. Examples include:

  • University of Virginia Corcoran Department of History Scholarships: Awards for outstanding undergraduate and graduate history students.
  • Yale University History Fellowships: Need-based and merit-based funding for students excelling in research and writing.
  • Stanford University Humanities Fellowships: Provides support for interdisciplinary research in history and related fields.

Students should contact their university’s history or humanities department for institution-specific opportunities.

How to Apply for History Scholarships?

Follow these steps to strengthen your scholarship applications:

  • Prepare a Strong Research Proposal: Many history scholarships require a clear description of your research interests or thesis topic.
  • Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Emphasize your academic achievements, research goals, and dedication to historical study.
  • Gather Recommendation Letters: Request recommendations from professors or mentors familiar with your work in history.
  • Track Deadlines Carefully: Submit essays, transcripts, and supporting materials before the listed due date.

Applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of securing funding for your history education.

Compare Top Scholarships for History (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best History scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

Scholarship Award Deadline Est. Time Renewable
Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History $100,000 December Low (~13 min) No
Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fellowship $45,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
Smithsonian Big Ten Academic Alliance Fellowship $45,000 October Low (~13 min) No
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowship Grant $60,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship Application January Med (~86 min) No

All Scholarships & Grants for History Majors (2025 - 2026)

Below you’ll find a comprehensive collection of History scholarships and grants for the 2025–2026 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best History scholarship opportunities. You can also download or export our latest History Scholarship & Grant listings below.

1
new scholarship

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship Application

Name: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarship Application Award Amount: Scholarship award amounts vary depending...

Deadline: January
2
new scholarship

Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fellowship

Name: Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fellowship, National Air and Space Museum (NASM) Award Amount: $30,000 for predoctoral candidates; $45,000 for...

Deadline: Rolling
3
new scholarship

Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History

Name: Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History, National Air and Space Museum (NASM) Award Amount: Up to $100,000 per year for salary and...

Deadline: December
4
new scholarship

Smithsonian Big Ten Academic Alliance Fellowship

Name: Smithsonian Big Ten Academic Alliance Fellowship Award Amount: Stipend: $45,000 per year. Research Allowance: up to $5,000 per year. Stipends...

Deadline: October
5
new scholarship

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowship Grant

Name: The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowship Grant Award Amount: Up to $60,000 Information And Eligibility: The NEH Fellowship...

Deadline: Rolling

College Scholarships By Category

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state-specific scholarships, major-specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships specific to your personal criteria.