Journalism Scholarships for College

Journalism Scholarships, Costs & ROI Snapshot

This snapshot pulls from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and planning tools to show how many scholarships are available for Journalism majors, the total dollars listed, and how early-career pay compares to typical college costs.

Scholarships in Our Database

We currently list 14 active scholarships tied to Journalism programs, sourced from professional groups, nonprofits, and private sponsors. New awards are added regularly.

Total Scholarship Dollars Listed

The scholarships currently listed total approximately $74,750 in advertised award value. Many programs offer renewable or variable awards, so available funding may be higher over time.

Early-Career Pay & ROI

Early-career median pay for Journalism graduates is about $60,000 per year. We estimate a typical 4-year net college cost around $108,584.

That means first-year earnings are roughly 55% of total college cost, with an estimated payback period of 1.8 years (before taxes and living expenses).

Journalism Scholarships to Apply for Now (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Journalism 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.

1

National Press Club Scholarships

The National Press Club Student Journalism Scholarships are offered through the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the educational arm of the National Press Club — one of America’s foremost professional journalism organizations dedicated to advancing the standards of the press

Award: $2,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
2

Southeast Emmy® Scholarship Program

The Southeast Emmy® Scholarship Program is an education support initiative offered through the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Southeast Chapter to assist students pursuing careers in television, media, communications, journalism, broadcast production, or related creative fields. This

Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Application Time: High (113 min)
3

NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship, part of the NAACP Inspire Initiatives, provides financial support to outstanding students pursuing undergraduate degrees. This scholarship advances equity in educational opportunities and celebrates students pursuing careers in the visual and performing arts. All

Award: $2,000 Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
4

Emma Bowen Foundation Fellows Program

The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Fellows Program offers competitive, multi-year, paid summer internships for students of color in the media, technology, and business sectors. Fellows engage in immersive, hands-on training at leading companies in areas such as Business (e.g., marketing,

Award: Varies Deadline: May Est. Application Time: Low (10 min)
5

Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarships

The Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance to high school students who are passionate about the arts and wish to attend pre-college or summer intensive arts education programs. This scholarship honors the legacy of the

Award: $3,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (38 min)
6

Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship

The Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship provides financial assistance to Asian American college students pursuing majors in the performing and visual arts, journalism, or mass communications. The scholarship aims to support students who have demonstrated leadership abilities through community service,

Award: $1,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Low (10 min)
7

LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships

Name: LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships Award Amount: $3,750. Overview: The LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships aim to increase the...

Award: $3,750 Deadline: February Est. Application Time: Med (88 min)
8

Sean Finnegan Memorial Scholarship

Name: Sean Finnegan Memorial Scholarship Award Amount: $10,000. Overview: The Sean Finnegan Memorial Scholarship, offered by the American...

Award: $10,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: High (103 min)
9

Responsible Tourism and Environmental Stewardship Scholarship

Name: Responsible Tourism and Environmental Stewardship Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $2,000, depending on region and program...

Award: $2,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: High (111 min)
10

STARFLEET Scholarships

The STARFLEET Scholarships program is an annual educational funding initiative created to support active members of STARFLEET who are pursuing academic or professional education. STARFLEET is an international nonprofit fan organization inspired by science fiction, exploration, leadership, and service, and

Award: $1,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
11

The NAACP Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP Society Awards Scholarship is a competitive undergraduate scholarship offered through the NAACP Inspire Initiatives to support Black students and students of color who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a strong interest in the visual and performing arts.

Award: $1,000 Deadline: June Est. Application Time: Low (28 min)
12

The Ed Bradley Scholarship

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) is proud to offer aspiring journalists a chance to win a $10,000 college scholarship. This scholarship is awarded in the name of late CBS News and 60 Minutes correspondent, Ed Bradley, recipient of

Award: $10,000 Deadline: May Est. Application Time: Med (63 min)
Article Read Time Is 5 Mins

Expert Answers to the Most Asked Journalism Scholarship Questions

Scholarships for Journalism Majors

Many scholarships and fellowships are available for students pursuing degrees in journalism, communications, broadcast media, or digital storytelling. These awards are offered by universities, media companies, and professional organizations to support the next generation of reporters, editors, and content creators. Most journalism scholarships consider academic achievement, leadership experience, writing ability, and portfolio quality as key selection factors.

National Press Club Scholarship for Journalism Diversity

The National Press Club Scholarship for Journalism Diversity supports minority students committed to pursuing careers in news and media. Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled as undergraduate journalism or communications majors.
  • Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Demonstrate financial need and submit original journalism samples.

Winners receive up to $5,000 annually, renewable for three years, along with mentorship and access to professional networking opportunities within the National Press Club community.

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Scholarships

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) offers numerous scholarships for students interested in print, broadcast, or digital journalism. Applicants must typically:

  • Be student members of SPJ or enrolled in a journalism-related program.
  • Maintain a strong academic record.
  • Submit writing samples, multimedia projects, or published work.

Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 and recognize students who demonstrate both journalistic excellence and ethical commitment to the field.

Scholarships for Women in Journalism

Several organizations sponsor scholarships that promote women’s leadership in journalism and media. Notable examples include:

  • Joan Shorenstein Fellowship: Supports women pursuing careers in political journalism and public affairs reporting.
  • JEA Future Journalism Teacher Scholarship: For women preparing to teach journalism at the secondary or collegiate level.
  • AWSM (Association for Women in Sports Media) Scholarship: Funds women pursuing careers in sports journalism, with paid internships at leading outlets.

These scholarships advance diversity and help women build successful careers across media platforms.

Hearst Journalism Fellowship Program

The Hearst Journalism Fellowship is a post-graduate program offering paid professional experience at top newspapers, digital publications, and multimedia outlets. Applicants must:

  • Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Hold a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
  • Submit a portfolio demonstrating journalistic ability and curiosity.

The fellowship provides structured training, mentorship from editors, and competitive compensation — serving as a strong bridge to full-time journalism careers.

Scholarships for High School Students Interested in Journalism

High school students aspiring to study journalism in college can apply for early scholarships such as:

  • JEA National High School Journalist of the Year: Honors outstanding student journalists who demonstrate excellence in reporting, writing, and editing.
  • Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Scholarship: Provides funding for high school seniors who exhibit passion for journalism and freedom of the press.

These scholarships help young storytellers gain early exposure to journalism education and professional mentorship.

RTDNF Journalism Scholarships

The Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF) offers multiple scholarships for students pursuing careers in broadcast and digital media. Key opportunities include:

  • Carole Simpson Scholarship: For minority students studying broadcast journalism.
  • Ed Bradley Scholarship: Recognizes exceptional achievement in television or radio reporting.
  • Loreen Arbus Scholarship: Supports students with disabilities pursuing journalism careers.

RTDNF awards typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 and emphasize ethics, innovation, and commitment to accurate reporting.

Corporate-Sponsored Journalism Scholarships

Major media and technology companies also invest in journalism education by offering scholarships and internships. Examples include:

  • CNN Diversity Journalism Scholarship: Promotes newsroom diversity and funds minority students pursuing broadcast or digital journalism.
  • New York Times Scholarship: Supports students with strong writing portfolios and financial need.
  • Dow Jones News Fund Internships: Paid internship and training programs for aspiring business, data, and digital journalists, often paired with scholarships.

These awards often include mentorship, newsroom experience, and access to professional development resources.

University-Specific Scholarships for Journalism Majors

Many universities offer competitive scholarships to attract top journalism students. Leading examples include:

  • University of Missouri School of Journalism Scholarships: Numerous awards for undergraduate and graduate students based on merit, need, and portfolio strength.
  • Columbia Journalism School Fellowships: Funding for graduate students specializing in investigative journalism, documentary production, or digital media.
  • Northwestern University Medill School Scholarships: Merit-based funding for students at one of the nation’s top journalism programs.

Students should check with their college’s journalism or communications department for department-specific scholarships and fellowships.

Myth: Only Students at Elite Universities Can Earn Journalism Scholarships

Fact: Prestigious schools like Columbia and Northwestern offer high-value journalism scholarships, but many regional universities, local news organizations, and community colleges also provide funding. Students can find meaningful support from state press associations, nonprofit journalism groups, and local media foundations — often with less competition.

How to Apply for Journalism Scholarships Successfully

Applying for journalism scholarships requires organization, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose. To stand out:

  • Build a Professional Portfolio: Include published articles, broadcast reels, podcasts, or multimedia projects that showcase your reporting skills.
  • Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Describe your passion for journalism, storytelling goals, and career aspirations.
  • Leverage Professional Associations: Explore opportunities through SPJ, RTDNF, NABJ, and state press associations.
  • Meet Every Deadline: Submit complete applications, including recommendations and transcripts, well before the cutoff date.

Applying for multiple awards — even smaller or regional ones — increases your chances of securing funding for your journalism education and building early professional recognition.