Sociology Scholarships for College

Sociology Scholarships, Costs & ROI Snapshot

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

Scholarships in Our Database

We currently list 7 active scholarships tied to Sociology programs, sourced from professional groups, nonprofits, and private sponsors. New awards are added regularly.

Total Scholarship Dollars Listed

The scholarships currently listed total approximately $82,500 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 Sociology graduates is about $65,000 per year. We estimate a typical 4-year net college cost around $108,584.

That means first-year earnings are roughly 60% of total college cost, with an estimated payback period of 1.7 years (before taxes and living expenses).

Sociology Scholarships to Apply for Now (Scholarship FastFind™)

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

Beinecke Scholarship Program

The Beinecke Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the United States for students pursuing graduate study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Established to encourage highly motivated undergraduates to pursue advanced education, the

Award: $34,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
2

Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society Scholarships

The Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) Sociology Honor Society Scholarships support outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate excellence in sociological study, research, and community engagement. As the international honor society for sociology, AKD promotes academic achievement, rigorous scholarship, and the

Award: $500 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
3

ASA Minority Fellowship Program

The ASA Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), established in 1974, aims to ensure a diverse and highly trained workforce is available to assume leadership roles and conduct research relevant to today's society. To date, the program has supported over 500 predoctoral

Award: $20,000 Deadline: January Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
4

Barbara Rosenblum Scholarship

The Barbara Rosenblum Scholarship, offered by the Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), supports graduate students engaged in research on women’s experiences with cancer. The scholarship honors Barbara Rosenblum, a sociologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of women

Award: $1,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (33 min)
5

Association of Black Sociologists Scholarship

The Association of Black Sociologists (ABS) provides scholarships, awards, and other professional development opportunities to support students, scholars, and practitioners in the field of sociology. These programs aim to promote the study and advancement of issues affecting the Black community

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
6

The Jerry Clark Memorial Scholarships

The Jerry Clark Memorial Scholarships offer a $5,000 award annually to two students who are majoring in social science fields. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing degrees in areas such as political science, sociology, ethnic studies, communications, and other

Award: $5,000 Deadline: May Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
7

The National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship

The National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a highly competitive federal scholarship designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science health-related research. Administered by the The National

Award: $20,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Low (28 min)

Sociology majors study human behavior, social structures, and cultural dynamics to better understand how societies function and evolve. To support students pursuing degrees in sociology or related social sciences, many universities, research organizations, and foundations offer scholarships based on academic achievement, research interests, and community engagement.

Whether you plan to work in research, public policy, nonprofit leadership, education, or social services, the following sociology scholarships can help fund your education and support a career focused on addressing inequality, justice, and systemic change.

Top Sociology Scholarships by Focus Area

  • Graduate Research Fellowships: ASA Minority Fellowship Program, department-based PhD funding.
  • Social Justice & Advocacy Awards: Scholarships tied to activism, equity, and community impact.
  • Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: Honor society awards and institutional funding.
  • Identity-Based Scholarships: Awards supporting underrepresented students in sociology.
  • Policy & Public Service Fellowships: Programs supporting careers in government or nonprofit sectors.

CollegeWhale Tip: Sociology is a research-heavy major. Many of the largest awards are tied to graduate study or research proposals — especially for students planning to pursue a PhD.

Are There Scholarships for Sociology Majors?

Yes. Numerous scholarships and grants are available for students pursuing sociology degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These awards are offered by professional associations, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and universities.

Many sociology scholarships prioritize students studying social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender, criminal justice reform, urban development, or community health.

What Is the ASA Minority Fellowship Program?

The American Sociological Association (ASA) Minority Fellowship Program supports graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing doctoral degrees in sociology.

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Enrolled in or accepted into a sociology PhD program.
  • Research focus addressing inequality or marginalized populations.

Recipients may receive stipends of up to $18,000 annually, along with mentorship and professional development opportunities.

What Is the Sociologists for Women in Society Scholarship?

The Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS) Scholarship supports students conducting research related to gender equity and social justice.

  • Open to undergraduate and graduate sociology majors.
  • Requires a personal statement outlining research or advocacy goals.
  • Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.

This award emphasizes research that advances equity and structural change.

Are There Scholarships for Students Focused on Social Justice?

  • Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
  • Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics Essay Contest

These programs support students pursuing work in peace studies, human rights, public policy, and ethics — common pathways for sociology majors.

What Is the Association of Black Sociologists Scholarship?

The Association of Black Sociologists (ABS) Scholarship provides funding for Black students studying sociology.

  • Enrollment in a sociology degree program.
  • Academic achievement and leadership involvement.
  • Research or advocacy benefiting African American communities.

Awards typically range from $500 to $2,000 annually.

Are There Scholarships for Undergraduate Sociology Students?

  • Alpha Kappa Delta Undergraduate Scholarship
  • National Institute of Social Sciences (NISS) Scholarship

Undergraduate awards often recognize academic excellence, research involvement, and honor society membership.

Beyond Tuition: Research & Fieldwork Funding

Unlike many majors, sociology students frequently conduct independent research or community-based fieldwork. Some scholarships may also cover:

  • Survey and data collection costs
  • Travel for field interviews or archival research
  • Conference registration and presentation fees
  • Statistical software or research materials

When applying for funding, highlight research-related expenses in addition to tuition.

Are There Corporate Scholarships for Sociology Students?

  • Coca-Cola Scholars Program
  • Ford Motor Company Fund Scholarship

While not sociology-specific, these awards support students pursuing leadership roles in community development and public service — common sociology career paths.

University-Specific Sociology Scholarships

Many universities offer internal scholarships through sociology departments. Examples include:

  • Departmental research assistantships
  • Urban sociology fellowships
  • Merit-based awards for thesis or capstone research

Check directly with your university’s sociology department for internal funding opportunities that may not appear in national databases.

How to Strengthen Your Sociology Scholarship Application

  • Develop a Clear Research Focus: Define the social issue you plan to study.
  • Highlight Community Engagement: Volunteer or advocacy experience strengthens applications.
  • Write a Research-Oriented Personal Statement: Explain your academic interests and long-term impact goals.
  • Secure Strong Academic Recommendations: Sociology scholarships heavily weigh faculty endorsements.

Applying across graduate fellowships, identity-based awards, departmental funding, and national programs significantly increases your chances of receiving support.

Data & content oversight by Lauren Nichols

Co-Founder of CollegeWhale, specializing in scholarship data systems and financial aid research.