College Scholarships for Public Relations Majors

Expert Answers to the Most Asked Public Relations Scholarship Questions

Public Relations Scholarships for College Students

Public relations (PR) majors learn how to craft messages, manage reputations, and strengthen relationships between organizations and their audiences. Coursework often includes writing, media relations, crisis communication, digital strategy, and brand storytelling. Because strong communication professionals are essential across industries — from entertainment and tech to healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations — many universities, professional associations, and companies offer public relations scholarships to support future PR leaders.

These scholarships help PR students reduce tuition costs while gaining opportunities to build portfolios, network with industry experts, and participate in internships that expand real-world communication experience. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate student, high school senior, or an international student aspiring to enter the field, there are PR scholarships designed to support your academic and career journey.

Are There Scholarships for Public Relations Majors?

Yes. Students pursuing degrees in public relations, corporate communication, marketing, journalism, digital strategy, or strategic communication have access to many scholarships. Awards are funded by universities, nonprofit organizations, media associations, PR firms, and corporate foundations. Eligibility often depends on academic achievement, writing ability, leadership experience, community involvement, or demonstrated interest in communication and media.

Common areas of focus for PR scholarships include:

• Media and communication research
• Copywriting, storytelling, and journalism
• Social media strategy and content creation
• Corporate communication and crisis management
• Brand strategy, reputation management, and public affairs

Many PR scholarships also reward diversity, innovation, and ethical leadership—core values in modern communication careers.

What Is the PRSA Foundation Scholarship?

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Foundation Scholarship is one of the most recognized awards for students pursuing careers in PR and communications. The foundation offers numerous scholarships each year to support future PR professionals.

• Open to undergraduate and graduate students studying public relations or communications.
• Award ranges typically from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Applicants must submit an essay or personal statement outlining career goals and contributions to the PR profession.
• Many awards emphasize diversity, leadership, ethics, and commitment to the communication field.

Recipients often gain visibility within the PRSA network, where they can access internships, mentoring programs, and professional development opportunities.

What Is the LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship?

The LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship focuses on empowering underrepresented minority students in PR, communications, marketing, and advertising. The foundation aims to diversify media and communication industries.

• Available to African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American students.
• Open to both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
• Undergraduates can receive $2,500; graduates may receive $3,750.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Includes professional development workshops, mentoring, and internship connections with major global brands and agencies.

The LAGRANT Foundation is one of the most impactful diversity-focused PR scholarships and often leads to long-term career opportunities.

Are There Scholarships for Women in Public Relations?

Yes. Several scholarships support women pursuing studies and careers in communication, PR, and corporate leadership.

• Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship: Awarded to women earning degrees in PR, communications, or business leadership.
• Anne Murray Bell Scholarship: Supports exceptional female students preparing for careers in public relations.
• Association for Women in Communications (AWC) Scholarships: Offers multiple awards for women excelling in communication, digital media, and journalism.

These scholarships help women break into leadership roles across media, branding, and corporate communication sectors.

What Is the Arthur W. Page Society Future Leaders Scholarship?

The Arthur W. Page Society Future Leaders Scholarship supports rising communication leaders who demonstrate academic excellence, strong writing, and a commitment to ethical communication.

• Open to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in PR, journalism, or corporate communication.
• Requires an essay on ethical leadership or communication strategy.
• Awards typically range from $1,500 to $3,000.
• Finalists may be invited to Page Society networking events or mentorship opportunities.

This scholarship is ideal for PR students interested in corporate communication, brand strategy, and leadership development.

Are There Scholarships for High School Students Interested in Public Relations?

High school students planning to study PR, communication, or media strategy can begin applying for relevant scholarships during their senior year.

• Young PR Pros Scholarship: Supports students who demonstrate early interest in communication, media, or brand strategy.
• Future Communicators Scholarship: Recognizes high-achieving high school seniors with strong writing, public speaking, or storytelling skills.
• Journalism and Media Foundation Scholarships: Many media organizations offer scholarships for students pursuing communication or PR fields.

These early scholarships help future PR majors build strong communication portfolios before entering college.

What Is the Edelman Diversity Internship Program?

The Edelman Diversity Internship Program provides paid internships, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities for underrepresented students pursuing PR or communication degrees.

• Open to undergraduate and graduate students in PR, journalism, marketing, or digital media.
• Applicants must submit writing samples, campaign ideas, or a PR-focused portfolio.
• Interns gain experience working with global brand strategy, crisis communication, digital campaigns, and media outreach.
• Top applicants may receive a scholarship upon completion of the internship period.

This program is ideal for students seeking hands-on PR agency experience.

Scholarships for Digital & Social Media Communication Students

PR students specializing in digital communication, content strategy, and social media marketing can apply for scholarships tailored to emerging media careers.

• Digital Storytellers Scholarship: Supports students excelling in content creation, video production, or social media campaigns.
• Google Media & Communications Scholarship: Awards students interested in digital PR, analytics, and media strategy.
• Social Media Leadership Scholarship: Recognizes students who demonstrate innovation in digital engagement, influencer campaigns, or online community management.

As digital communication grows in importance, these scholarships help students gain exposure to new media tools and strategies.

Are There Corporate Scholarships for Public Relations Students?

Yes. Many PR agencies, media companies, and major brands offer scholarships to develop the next generation of communication professionals.

• Weber Shandwick Scholarship: Awards PR students who show excellence in creativity, writing, and ethical communication.
• FleishmanHillard Diversity Scholarship: Focuses on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in media and PR.
• Hill+Knowlton Strategies Fellowship: Provides funding along with internship placements in strategic communication or public affairs.
• Edelman Trust & Communication Scholarship: Recognizes students researching public trust, global communication, or media transparency.

These programs often include mentorship, professional training, and job placement potential at major agencies.

What Are Some University-Specific Scholarships for Public Relations Majors?

Many universities with strong PR, communication, and journalism programs offer their own awards based on merit, leadership, and academic performance.

• USC Annenberg PR Scholarships: Competitive awards for undergraduate and graduate communication students.
• NYU Public Relations and Corporate Communication Awards: Includes funding for high-achieving students and those in specialized PR tracks.
• University of Florida PR Scholarship Fund: Supports undergraduates demonstrating strong PR writing, leadership, or portfolio development.
• Syracuse Newhouse Scholarships: Highly competitive awards for PR, journalism, and communication students.

Students should check department websites and contact faculty advisors for a full list of program-specific awards.

How to Apply for Public Relations Scholarships

Applying for PR scholarships typically requires strong writing, creativity, and examples of communication-related work.

• Create a Writing or Portfolio Sample: Include press releases, social content, campaign ideas, storytelling pieces, or media pitches you’ve developed.
• Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Explain your PR goals, passion for communication, and vision for your career.
• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight involvement in student media, journalism clubs, marketing teams, or community organizations.
• Collect Strong Recommendations: Letters from professors, employers, or communication mentors can strengthen your application.
• Meet Scholarship Deadlines: Submit your materials early and keep track of all required documents.

A strong portfolio and well-written essay often make the biggest difference for PR scholarship applications.

Myth: Public Relations Scholarships Are Only for Students Majoring Strictly in PR

Fact: Many scholarships welcome students majoring in:

• Strategic communication
• Journalism
• Marketing or advertising
• Digital media or social media management
• Corporate or organizational communication
• Media studies or public affairs

If your career goals involve storytelling, media strategy, brand development, or communication leadership, you may qualify for PR scholarships — even if PR is not your exact major.