Just because you’re out of undergraduate school doesn’t mean you won’t be eligible for any scholarships! There are plenty of awards out there for graduates, also known as postgraduates. If you’re planning on going after your master’s, you’ll definitely want to try applying for these scholarship opportunities for graduate students.
Flickr user Monash University
1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Deadline: December
For students who plan on pursuing a degree in marine biology, maritime archaeology, oceanography, or something similar, there is the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program. In order to have a good shot of winning, your research proposal should be in line with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Women and those from minority groups are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications for this program include:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Letters of recommendation
- Support priorities of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System (optional, but can have a big impact on ability to win)
- Early in your master’s or doctoral program
- Be a U.S. citizen, a citizen of a U.S. territory, or a permanent resident of the United States
- Be attending a college in the United States
2. March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship
Award Amount: Up to $10,,000
Deadline: April
While nursing usually only requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, nurses can pursue higher degrees such as a master’s. To help cover the costs there is the March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship. However, in order to qualify, the student must be studying the nursing care of mothers and babies at a graduate or doctorate level.
Other qualifications include:
- Be a registered nurse
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate or higher level of education for maternal-child nursing
- Have completed at least one academic term
The March of Dimes also has an undergraduate award for future nurses called the Undergraduate Nursing Diversity Scholarship.
3. American Indian Education Fund
Award Amount: $1,000 to $2,000
Deadline: April
For American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students who are pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree, there is the American Indian Education Fund. Students who are interested in applying must provide documentation of tribal enrollment of either themselves or their parent(s). Students must also be taking 6 to 18 credit hours and have a 2.5 GPA or higher. The amount awarded will depend on the number of credit hours the student is enrolled in.
4. Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March
The Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship is hosted by the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and is open to students who are completing their healthcare management master’s degree. In order to apply, students must:
- Be graduating between set dates
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be enrolled in a graduate or doctorate program full-time in Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Management, or a similar area of study
- Be a U.S citizen, permanent resident, or a Canadian Citizen
Student Associates of ACHE receive preference, but students are not required to be members to apply. Those who qualify for this award and are considered racially/ethnically diverse should also consider applying to ACHE’s other scholarship, the Albert W. DentGraduate Student Scholarship. Between the two awards, ACHE grants about 15 scholarships every year.
5. California State University Grant (SUG) Program
Award Amount: Up to $7,176 (for graduate and post-baccalaureate students)
Deadline: March
The State University Grant Program, or SUG, is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the state of California. Students are automatically entered into the running for this grant by completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application (CADA). All awards are granted through the schools, but the amount awarded depends on financial need and the student’s area of study.
6. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Award Amount: Up to $15,000
Deadline: April
Interested in social change? The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund is dedicated to students who are committed to social change and economic justice within their communities. Undergraduates and those enrolled in trade or training programs are also welcome to apply.
To be eligible, students must be involved in movements for change and demonstrate financial need.
These are only 6 of the many scholarship opportunities out there for graduate students. Keeping an ear to the ground when it comes to awards, scholarships, grants, and fellowships can be key to making a master’s degree more affordable.
While finding awards dedicated to graduate students can be more difficult compared to undergrad, it’s not impossible. You simply need to know where to look! Scholarship databases can make all the difference – and we have one right on College Raptor that you can use. Take advantage of our Scholarship Search Tool for free right here.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
