College Scholarships for Psychology Majors

Expert Answers to the Most Asked Psychology Scholarship Questions

Psychology Scholarship Opportunities

Students pursuing degrees in psychology can apply for a wide range of scholarships and grants from universities, professional associations, nonprofit foundations, and private donors. These programs support future psychologists, counselors, researchers, and mental health professionals who are committed to advancing human understanding and well-being.

Psychology is a broad field with many specializations, including clinical psychology, counseling, developmental psychology, school psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, forensic psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. Because of this diversity, students can find financial aid options designed for both general psychology majors and those pursuing specific concentrations or research interests.

Below you’ll find an organized overview of major psychology scholarship opportunities, followed by practical tips on applying and a detailed FAQ section with common questions and answers.

American Psychological Association (APA) Graduate Student Scholarship

The APA Graduate Student Scholarship provides financial support for graduate students enrolled in accredited psychology programs. It is designed to assist future psychologists who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to research, clinical practice, or community service in psychology.

• Open to master’s and doctoral students pursuing psychology degrees.
• Scholarship amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to research or clinical practice.

This award helps psychology students fund graduate-level study and develop professional skills in counseling, research, or clinical psychology. It can also enhance a student’s professional profile when applying for internships, fellowships, and postdoctoral positions.

Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology Scholarships

The Psi Chi Scholarship is available to members of the International Honor Society in Psychology who demonstrate strong academic performance and service to the field. Psi Chi offers a variety of awards, including general scholarships, research grants, and travel awards to attend psychology conferences.

• Active Psi Chi membership in good standing.
• High academic achievement in psychology coursework.
• Submission of an essay and faculty recommendations.

Scholarships typically range from $2,000 to $3,000 and are open to both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to financial support, Psi Chi awards often provide valuable recognition that can strengthen graduate school and job applications.

Scholarships for Women Pursuing Degrees in Psychology

Several programs provide dedicated financial aid for women studying psychology. These scholarships promote gender diversity, empowerment, and representation within the psychology profession, especially in research, counseling, and leadership roles.

• APA Committee on Women in Psychology Scholarships: Supports women completing doctoral degrees and conducting gender-related psychological research, such as studies on equity, identity, mental health, or social justice.
• Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: Provides funding for low-income women aged 35 and older pursuing psychology or counseling degrees, helping nontraditional and returning students complete their education.

These scholarships often consider both academic merit and financial need, making them especially valuable for women balancing school, work, and family responsibilities.

American Psychological Foundation (APF) Graduate Student Scholarship

The APF Graduate Student Scholarship assists graduate students demonstrating strong potential for psychological research. APF scholarships support many areas of psychology, including developmental, clinical, cognitive, social, and health psychology.

• Enrollment in a graduate psychology program accredited by the APA.
• Excellence in academic performance and research innovation.
• Submission of a detailed research proposal aligned with APF priorities.

Awards range from $1,000 to $25,000, supporting graduate-level research in areas such as developmental, clinical, or cognitive psychology. These funds can help cover research costs, tuition, materials, and travel to present findings at professional conferences.

Psychology Scholarships for High School Seniors

High school students planning to major in psychology can apply for early funding opportunities that recognize academic potential and interest in human behavior. These scholarships help students begin building a strong foundation before starting college-level psychology coursework.

• Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Honors high school students conducting original research or innovation in psychology or behavioral science. Projects may involve experimental research, data analysis, or innovative approaches to understanding human behavior.
• APA High School Psychology Scholarship: Recognizes students excelling in psychology coursework or participating in psychology clubs, competitions, or research projects at the high school level.

These awards encourage young scholars to explore psychology early, gain exposure to research methods, and pursue psychology majors with both confidence and financial support.

APA Minority Fellowship Program

The APA Minority Fellowship Program provides financial assistance and mentorship to psychology graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. The program aims to improve mental health services for diverse communities by supporting future psychologists who bring culturally informed perspectives to their work.

• Funding for students enrolled in clinical, counseling, or school psychology programs.
• Support for tuition, fees, and living expenses during study.
• Professional development and networking through APA mentorship events, conferences, and workshops.

This program strengthens diversity in mental health fields and expands access to culturally competent psychological services. Fellows often gain long-term mentorship and professional connections that support career advancement.

Scholarships for Students Specializing in Mental Health

Students focusing on mental health and counseling can apply for targeted awards that support their training in therapy, clinical practice, and behavioral health. These scholarships help meet the growing demand for licensed counselors, therapists, and clinical psychologists.

• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation Scholarships: Provides funding for graduate students specializing in mental health counseling or therapy, often with an emphasis on serving underserved or rural communities.
• Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Scholarship: Supports research in developmental and child psychology for graduate students, particularly those studying early childhood development, emotional regulation, or learning.

These scholarships are especially valuable for students planning careers in clinical settings, schools, community agencies, or private practice.

Corporate and Private Scholarships for Psychology Students

Many private corporations and foundations fund psychology students dedicated to improving health and wellness. These awards often consider leadership, community service, and a commitment to public health or social impact.

• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship: Awards students pursuing degrees in psychology, nursing, or healthcare-related fields who demonstrate a commitment to helping others and improving patient care.
• Coca-Cola Foundation First Generation Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to first-generation college students studying psychology or social sciences, helping reduce financial barriers for students whose parents did not complete a four-year degree.

Corporate scholarships may also include mentorship opportunities, networking events, or leadership training, giving psychology students additional professional advantages beyond financial aid.

University-Based Scholarships for Psychology Majors

Universities frequently offer scholarships designed specifically for students majoring in psychology. These awards may be based on academic merit, research involvement, leadership, or financial need.

• University of California, Berkeley Psychology Department Awards: Provides funding for undergraduates and graduate students excelling in research or clinical work within the psychology department.
• University of Michigan Psychology Research Scholarships: Supports students conducting studies in cognitive, social, or behavioral psychology, often tied to faculty-led research projects or honors theses.
• Stanford University Graduate Psychology Awards: Merit-based scholarships for students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and research potential in psychology.

Students are encouraged to check their psychology department’s website, academic advisor, and financial aid office for additional institutional funding options. Many departments offer smaller, lesser-known awards that receive fewer applications.

How to Apply for Psychology Scholarships

When applying for psychology scholarships and grants, students should present a clear, compelling picture of their academic interests, goals, and potential impact on the field. A well-planned application can set you apart in a competitive pool.

• Write a Focused Personal Statement: Describe your goals, academic interests, and motivation for studying psychology. Explain what areas of psychology interest you most and how you plan to contribute to the field.
• Submit a Research Proposal (when required): Highlight any independent research, lab experience, or applied projects that align with the scholarship’s focus area.
• Gather Strong Recommendations: Request letters from professors, supervisors, or research mentors who know your work well and can speak to your strengths in psychology.
• Organize Your Materials: Keep transcripts, resumes, research summaries, and personal statements ready so you can easily tailor them for each scholarship.
• Stay Ahead of Deadlines: Plan applications early to ensure essays, proposals, and transcripts are submitted on time.

Applying to multiple scholarships—across universities, organizations, and private foundations—maximizes your funding opportunities and can significantly reduce your overall educational costs.

Do I Need to Be a Psychology Major to Apply for These Scholarships?

Most psychology scholarships are reserved for students who are officially declared psychology majors or enrolled in graduate psychology programs. However, some awards also accept students in closely related fields such as behavioral science, counseling, neuroscience, human development, social work, or mental health services. Always review the eligibility criteria carefully. If your program involves a strong psychology component or concentration, you may still qualify.

Can Online Psychology Students Receive Scholarships?

Yes, many scholarships are available to students enrolled in accredited online psychology programs. As long as your institution and degree program meet accreditation standards and align with the scholarship’s requirements, online and distance learners are often eligible. Some programs even encourage online students to apply, especially if they are working professionals or caregivers balancing school with other responsibilities.

Are There Psychology Scholarships for First-Generation College Students?

There are numerous scholarships that support first-generation college students, including those majoring in psychology. These awards may be offered by universities, nonprofits, or private foundations and often focus on students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. First-generation psychology students should look for both general first-gen scholarships and psychology-specific programs that highlight leadership, resilience, and academic potential.

Which Psychology Specializations Attract the Most Scholarship Funding?

Funding is particularly strong in specializations that address critical mental health and social needs. Commonly supported areas include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, child and developmental psychology, health psychology, and community mental health. Scholarships may emphasize serving underserved populations, improving access to care, or conducting research with clear public health implications.

How Competitive Are Psychology Scholarships?

The level of competition varies widely. National awards from large organizations—such as APA or APF—are often highly competitive and attract applicants from across the country. Department-level scholarships or local awards typically receive fewer applications, giving you a higher chance of success. Students improve their odds by maintaining a strong GPA, gaining research or volunteer experience, writing clear and thoughtful essays, and applying to a mix of large and small scholarships.

Do Psychology Scholarships Require Research Experience?

Not all psychology scholarships require research experience, but many of the most prestigious and well-funded awards do. Research-focused scholarships may ask for a proposal, a summary of previous projects, or evidence of work in a psychology lab. However, many general scholarships prioritize community service, leadership, or clinical experience instead. If you are an undergraduate just getting started, look for scholarships that focus on academic performance, interest in psychology, or future career goals rather than extensive research.

Can Scholarships Cover Graduate School Tuition for Psychology?

Yes, many scholarships and fellowships are specifically designed for graduate psychology students. Doctoral and master’s students may receive funding from APA, APF, university fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and specialized mental health organizations. In some cases, combined funding from scholarships and assistantships can cover a significant portion—or even all—of your tuition and fees, while also providing a living stipend.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning a Psychology Scholarship?

To strengthen your applications, focus on building a consistent academic and professional story. Maintain a strong GPA, seek out opportunities to assist with research or volunteer in mental health settings, join psychology clubs or honor societies, and develop relationships with faculty who can write supportive recommendation letters. Tailor each application to the scholarship’s mission and highlight how your goals align with what the funder values most—such as diversity, innovation, community service, or research impact.