Public Service Scholarship Data, Degree Costs & ROI

This snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s own scholarship database and planning tools. It shows how many awards are available for Public Service majors, how much money is on the table, and what early-career pay and typical college costs can look like.

Scholarships in Our Database

We currently have 15 Public Service scholarships available in our database. These awards may come from professional associations, nonprofit organizations, and private sponsors. We’re actively adding scholarships tied to Public Service. Check back often or use our main scholarship search to uncover more awards that fit your profile.

Total Scholarship Dollars Listed

Across these listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $78,700. Many scholarships for this major list flexible or renewable award amounts. As we continue to add additional Public Service scholarships, this section will show an estimate of the total dollars currently available in our database.

Early-Career Median Pay & ROI

Graduates with a Public Service degree commonly see early-career median pay around $60,000 per year, depending on location, employer type, and experience.

Public Service ROI Snapshot:
We estimate a typical 4-year net cost of college at about $108,584.

First-year median earnings are roughly 55% of that total cost. At that pace, it would take about 1.8 years of early-career earnings to “earn back” your degree investment (before taxes and living costs).

The average cost of in-of-state college in the United States is $27,146 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. Out-of-state students pay $45,708 per year. Private, nonprofit university students pay $58,628. According to data provided by educationdata.org as of 8/2025. Our ROI calculation is based on in-state average tuition. Median pay statistics are provided by bls.gov

Compare Top Public Service Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

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

Download CSV Download JSON

The Truman Scholarship for Public Service and Social Advocacy

The Truman Scholarship supports college juniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and are committed to a career in public service. Created by Congress in 1975 in honor of President Harry S. Truman, the award is the U.S. federal memorial to

Award: $30,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~48 min)

NHHF Health Professional Student Scholarship

The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) Health Professional Student Scholarship Program supports medical, nursing (including BSN), dental, pharmacy, physician associate, and public health students who have outstanding academic records, demonstrate leadership, and are committed to serving underserved communities. Since its

Award: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~78 min)

National Foundation for Women Legislators Scholarship

Name: National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) Essay Student Scholarship Contest Award Amount: Scholarship recipients receive an...

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~63 min)

Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship

Name: Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program Award Amount: Up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period, covering...

Award: $42,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~78 min)

Massachusetts Public Service Grant

The Massachusetts Public Service Grant is designed to help students pursuing careers in public service fields within the state. This grant supports students who are enrolled in degree programs related to public administration, law, education, healthcare, and government. Applicants must

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)

This comprehensive collection of Public Service scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 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 Public Service scholarship opportunities.

Article Read Time Is 5 Mins

Expert Answers to the Most Asked Public Service Scholarship Questions

Public Service Scholarships for College Students

Public service scholarships support students who are dedicated to making a positive impact through government, nonprofit work, community development, or social advocacy. Many colleges, foundations, and civic organizations offer these scholarships to recognize academic achievement, leadership, and a strong commitment to serving others. These awards help prepare future public servants for meaningful careers that strengthen communities and promote social good.

Are There Scholarships for Public Service Majors?

Yes, numerous scholarships and grants are available for students pursuing degrees in public service fields, such as public administration, public policy, social work, nonprofit management, or law enforcement. These awards are provided by universities, government organizations, nonprofit foundations, and private donors to support students dedicated to serving their communities.

What Is the Harry S. Truman Scholarship?

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for students pursuing careers in public service. Key details include:

Open to college juniors planning to attend graduate school in public administration, public policy, or a related field.
Award amounts up to $30,000 for graduate education.
Requires demonstrated leadership skills, academic achievement, and a commitment to public service.

This scholarship also offers networking and internship opportunities in public service sectors.

What Is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?

While not a traditional scholarship, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program offers financial relief to individuals working in public service careers. Key requirements include:

Working full-time for a government agency or nonprofit organization.
Making 120 qualifying monthly payments under an eligible repayment plan.
Having federal Direct Loans.

This program forgives the remaining loan balance after meeting all requirements, making it an attractive option for public service professionals.

Are There Scholarships for Women in Public Service?

Yes, scholarships specifically for women in public service include:

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: Supports low-income women aged 35 and older pursuing degrees in public service or related fields.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships: Provides funding for women pursuing graduate degrees in public service, nonprofit management, or public administration.

These scholarships aim to empower women to lead in public service sectors.

What Is the John Lewis Fellowship?

The John Lewis Fellowship, offered by Humanity in Action, supports students pursuing careers in public service, law, and human rights. Key details include:

Open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in advancing social justice and equality.
Provides funding for educational programs, including leadership training and hands-on public service projects.
Focuses on fostering civic engagement and leadership skills.

This fellowship is ideal for students passionate about creating systemic change.

Are There Scholarships for High School Seniors Interested in Public Service?

Yes, high school seniors planning to pursue careers in public service can apply for scholarships such as:

Ron Brown Scholar Program: Awards African American students demonstrating leadership and a commitment to community service.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Provides funding for high school seniors excelling in academics and leadership, with a focus on public service.

These scholarships encourage young leaders to pursue public service careers.

What Is the National Urban Fellows Program?

The National Urban Fellows Program supports mid-career professionals and recent graduates pursuing leadership roles in public service. Eligibility includes:

Being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Having a bachelor’s degree and a demonstrated commitment to public service.
Participating in a rigorous 14-month leadership development program.

The program includes tuition coverage for a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, a living stipend, and mentorship opportunities.

Are There Corporate Scholarships for Public Service Students?

Yes, several corporations and organizations offer scholarships for students pursuing public service careers. Examples include:

Ford Motor Company Fund Leadership Scholarship: Supports students excelling in public service and leadership roles.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarships: Provides funding for students interested in addressing global health, poverty, and public service challenges.

These scholarships often include funding, mentorship, and internship opportunities with the sponsoring organizations.

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

Many universities offer scholarships tailored to public service students, such as:

Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships: Provides funding for students pursuing degrees in public policy, administration, or nonprofit management.
University of California Public Service Scholarship: Awards students demonstrating leadership and commitment to community service.
Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy Fellowships: Merit-based and need-based scholarships for graduate students in public policy.

Check with your university’s public administration or policy department for additional opportunities.

How to Apply for Public Service Scholarships?

To apply for scholarships and grants in public service:

Write a Personal Statement: Highlight your passion for public service, career goals, and leadership experience.
Submit Community Service Records: Many scholarships require documentation of volunteer work or public service initiatives.
Gather Recommendation Letters: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or community leaders familiar with your work.
Meet Deadlines: Ensure all application materials, including essays and transcripts, are submitted on time.

Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving funding for your education.

Myth: Public Service Scholarships Are Only for Government Majors

Fact: Public service scholarships are available for students pursuing diverse career paths, including nonprofit management, social work, law enforcement, environmental policy, and international relations. These awards support anyone committed to making a positive impact in their community.

Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.

College Scholarships for Public Service Majors