In the summer of 1969, Neil Armstrong landed a foot softly in a pile of moon dust, turned to look back towards the planet that propelled him to his current destination, and said, “…that’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” Since our first successful journey to the moon over forty years ago, the government’s funding of space study and exploration has gone through peaks and valleys, but the science of outer space remains a popular career path. While some hope to travel to the stars, others prefer to remain firmly on earth’s terrain, plotting and navigating the heavens through telescopes. If you fall into the latter category, you’re probably wondering what avenues you can explore to better your chances of cultivating a career in astronomy. Say no more—the following scholarships are great resources for those who hope to work with their eyes pressed to a telescope.
Planetary Society Contests
Deadline: Varying
Amount: Varying
Founded at the dawn of the 1980s, just before the start of the Space Shuttle program, the Planetary Society is a nonprofit that encourages research and public funding towards space study and exploration. The board of the planetary society seems like it doubles as the Astronomy Hall of Fame, including luminaries like Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, and Buzz Aldrin. As any good marketer knows, the key to increasing interest in a product is often to get young people involved, since our age group is passionate and energetic about our interests.
To this end, the Planetary Society hosts several contests to reward young astronomers. While not a traditional scholarship program, the Planetary Society’s competitions can be even more rewarding, having offered students in the past the opportunity to name an asteroid or design a poster for a historic spacecraft. Keep one eye on the stars and the other on this fantastic organization’s webpage for future submission contests!
Leo V. Standeford Scholarship
Deadline: Varying
Amount: Varying
Minnesota State University, located in the town of Mankato, has a long history of providing its students with opportunities to “reach for the stars.” The school has one of the most heralded aviation programs in the North Star State in its Aviation and Airport Management program, which has grown exponentially over the past few years. A similar flagship department, their department of Physics and Astronomy, offers students the opportunity to study the many ways the two titular disciplines connect. To reward hardworking students, MSU offers the Leo V. Standeford Scholarship to underclassmen who are pursuing a degree in astronomy.
The university named this award after a University donor who also contributed significant funds towards the campus’s state-of-the-art observatory. To qualify for the Standeford Scholarship, students must have declared a minor or major in astronomy, have a minimum 3.3 GPA with a major GPA of 3.4, and have completed 6 credit hours in certain astronomy classes.
Aerospace States Association Scholarship
Deadline: April 30, 2020
Amount: $2,000
The Aerospace States Association is a “nonpartisan organization of Lt. Governors, Governor-appointed delegates, and associate members from aerospace organizations and academia,” that devotes its time to furthering interest in space exploration through their collection of state representatives. The ASA is of the opinion that the study of science and technology represents the future, and, to this end, puts forward several specific goals to incentivize students to study in fields related to space.
While the organization itself tends to focus more on the mechanical science of technology, as opposed to the more natural science of astronomy, its scholarship is open to anyone pursuing an “aerospace-related education.” To apply, candidates need to put forward an application breaking down their extracurriculars, leadership experience, and GPA. Additionally, an official transcript and an academic letter of recommendation are required. Incoming freshmen are ineligible to apply due to their lack of credit hours, but sophomores and juniors in the field are encouraged to throw their names in the hat.
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program
Deadline: Last Friday of January
Amount: $7,500
The state of Arizona has a proud history of supporting space exploration. Because of their large, expansive views of the heavens, the state is home to many of the nation’s premier stellar observatories, as well as one of the country’s largest satellite dishes, the ARO 12m Radio Telescope. Arizona was also the home state of firebrand senator Barry Goldwater, the 1964 GOP nominee for President. Goldwater’s views on society inspired the Republican Party for many years, and while a controversial figure, his influence cannot be denied.
For thirty years, the Goldwater Scholarship has existed in his memory to reward young scientists, many of whom study astronomy. The Goldwater Scholarship is one of the more competitive educational awards in the nation, with about 300 winners nationwide each year. The Board of Trustees decides the winners based on their personal character and aptitude for scientific study, and winners receive a generous financial stipend of up to $7,500.
Interested in astronomy? Check out College Raptor’s free match tool to discover the perfect colleges fit for you!
| 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 |
