Add education to the long list of things made better by the internet! Pursuing a master's degree online is the ideal solution for those who want to improve their career aspects, but need the flexibility of a program that allows them to work and live at home. Unfortunately, tuition for an online degree program isn't necessarily less than attending classes on campus. Still, there are a number of ways to save on the cost of education, including scholarships.
Below are 50 great scholarships for online graduate students. Some of these scholarships can only be used for certain universities, while others are aimed at specific populations. Yet every scholarship on our list is a respected award that can help graduate students overcome the financial challenges that come with obtaining a master's degree.
AAUW Selected Professional Focus Professions Group Fellowships
Eligibility:
— Open to female graduate students in historically underrepresented minorities
— Must be pursuing graduate studies in law, medicine, or business administration
— Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
The American Association of University Women offers a number of graduate scholarships annually, including the Selected Professional Focus Professions Group Fellowship. To be eligible for this award, which can total in amount from $5,000 to $18,000, women must be in their second year of study in business administration, third year of study in law, or third or fourth year in study of medicine.
AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to any student currently working toward any accredited degree
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
AfterCollege, an organization that provides various career resources to students, sponsors the annual $500 Succurro Scholarship to assist current students with paying for college. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their education and work background, as well as a personal statement describing their future career goals.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Financial Need Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to full-time graduate students enrolled in an accredited degree program
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
This scholarship sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha is awarded to graduate students based upon financial need, as opposed to merit. Applicants should submit a financial need analysis along with their application form, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, official transcripts, and a written explanation of the applicant's project or research.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Merit Scholarships
Eligibility:
— Must be a full-time graduate student enrolled in an accredited degree-granting institution
— Minimum 3.0 GPA
This merit-based scholarship sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation is open to full-time graduate students at any accredited institution. This one-time award will be given to a student who demonstrates exemplary service to his or her community. To apply, the applicant must submit the required application form, an up-to-date C.V., three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a written description of their research or scholarly pursuit.
American Association of University Women American Fellowship Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grants
Eligibility:
— Open to female graduate students
— Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
— Must currently hold a PhD, Ed.D, D.B.A., M.F.A., J.D., M.D., D.M.D., D.V.M., D.S.W., or M.P.H. at time of application
— Must be available eight consecutive weeks during the summer
The Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grant, sponsored each year by the American Association of University Women, is the United States' oldest female-specific graduate scholarship. Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise that this $6,000 award is quite prestigious and competitive. Successful applicants can receive funding to research full-time for either graduate or postdoctoral study.
American Association of University Women Career Development Grant
Eligibility:
— Must have already obtained a bachelor's degree
— Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
AAUW's Career Development Grant aims to provide monetary assistance to woman pursuing a graduate degree in order to change careers or reenter the workforce. The grant can be used for tuition, course fees, books, or supplies. Though neither is a requirement, priority for this award is given to women of color and those who are working towards their first master's degree.
American Indian Graduate Center Fellowship
Eligibility:
— Open to full-time graduate students
— Must be an enrolled member of a recognized Alaska Native group or American Indian tribe
The American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) manages a number of private scholarships, including this one. Open to American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students, the scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 each year depending upon the number of qualified applicants. When students apply for this fellowship, they will also be considered for a number of other private scholarships.
Ann "Tunky" Riley Excellence in K-12 Education Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to new Walden University students pursuing an online degree in a subject related to education
— Must be a U.S. citizen
Named for Ann Riley, a former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education and a long-time Walden University supporter, this scholarship aims to reward those education students who have had or aspire to have a lasting effect on their students. Four $25,000 scholarships are awarded annually.
Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students in a graduate nursing or nurse anesthesia program
— Must be serving, or have served, in any branch of the U.S. Army
— Must not be receiving any funding from the U.S. Army
The Army Nurse Corps Association's annual scholarship, provides a $3,000 award to current or former U.S. Army members who are currently studying nursing or nurse anesthesia. Potential applicants can receive further information by visiting the scholarship website.
Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program
Eligibility:
— Open to female members of the U.S. Army
— Open to children of female members of the U.S. Army
— Must have completed an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Female military members are eligible for the Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship, which rewards applicants with up to $2,500. The scholarship is based on a number of factors, including demonstrated leadership, potential, academic merit, and history of community service.
The Beinecke Scholarship Program
Eligibility:
— Open to graduate students studying at an accredited university
The prestigious Beinecke Scholarship Program rewards graduate students who show outstanding promise in subjects relating to the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Upon winning this competitive scholarship, students will receive $4,000. This is followed by another $30,000 throughout the course of their graduate studies.
Bruce Lee Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to graduate students in the United States
The Bruce Lee Foundation Scholarship is a $2,500 award open to students from high school all the way to graduate level. Because the aim of the scholarship is to reward those who "understand, appreciate, and exemplify Bruce Lee's passion for education, self-actualization, and honest self expression," successful applicants will be heavily involved in extracurricular activities throughout their community.
C200 Scholar Award
Eligibility:
— Open to female graduate students pursuing an MBA
— Must be enrolled in an institution that supports the C200 Reachout program
Female MBA students who have proven that they have a unique commitment to leadership and giving back are invited to apply for the C200 Scholar Award. The award can reach up to $10,000, and is based upon both merit and financial need.
Chicana/Latina Foundation Scholarship Program
Eligibility:
— Open to female graduate students of Chicana or Latina heritage
— Be enrolled in an accredited Northern California university
—Minimum 3.0 GPA
The Chicana/Latina Foundation sponsors an annual $1,500 scholarship for female graduate students of Chicana and Latina heritage. The scholarship is available to students studying in Northern California, where successful applicants will have also lived for at least two years. The scholarship winner must agree to volunteer at least 10 hours for the foundation and commit to attending the CLF Leadership Institute for one weekend.
Colorado State University Academic Excellence Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to CSU-Global graduate students
— Minimum 3.7 GPA
— Must have completed a minimum of 6 credits
Recognizing the challenges that come with obtaining a college degree online, the Academic Excellence Scholarship weeks to honor those Colorado State University—Global students who have proven themselves unusually focused and dedicated. Applicants should have a minimum 3.7 GPA, and have at least 6 credits completed towards their master's degree. Any money awarded should be used towards a required course.
Colorado State University Career Enhancement Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students seeking a master's degree
— Must be currently working in a field relevant to their chosen major
The Career Enhancement Scholarship is for adult students of Colorado State University who are working towards a graduate degree in order to advance their current career. Applicants must be currently employed in a field related to their degree. Winners will be chosen based on academic performance and a demonstrated need for financial aid.
Colorado Technical University Advantage Grant
Eligibility:
— Open to full-time students of Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University's Advantage Grant aims to help outstanding students overcome the financial challenges of obtaining a graduate degree. Grant recipients can use the $500 award to pay for past, current, or future tuition charges. The application includes a 500-word personal statement about how earning a degree at CTU will improve the applicant's life.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Eligibility:
— Must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country
— Must have obtained a bachelor's degree or equivalent
Graduate students residing in a Commonwealth country such as Canada are eligible for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship. This unique award provides financial assistance to those working on an online master's degree from a university in the United Kingdom. An application is required, and winners are chosen based on academic merit.
Don't Text and Drive Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students
— Must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States
The Don't Text and Drive Scholarship exists to bring further awareness to the dangers of texting while driving. The $1,000 award will be given to a student based on the creativity of a 1,000-word essay on the topic of driving and texting.
Dr. Angela Grant Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be a cancer survivor or an immediate family member of someone diagnosed with cancer
— Must be a legal resident of the United States
Students who have personally been affected by cancer while trying to earn their graduate degree are invited to apply for the Dr. Angela E. Grant Memorial Scholarship. The number of awards and their amounts vary from year-to-year. The application process includes a complete C.V., two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Dr. John M. Beckem II Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students enrolled at SUNY Empire State College
— Must have completed a minimum of eight credits
SUNY Empire State College students pursuing a master's degree in a subject related to technology are eligible for this scholarship. The annual $500 scholarship is awarded to the applicant who can best describe the ways in which current or future technologies can be used to improve education.
Edward Gersich Distance Education Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to online students of Bemidji State University
— Must be age 25 or older
— Minimum 3.0 GPA
— Must be a resident of northern Minnesota
— Must be seeking a degree in education
Bemidji State University graduate students can apply for the Edward Gersich Distance Education Scholarship. To be awarded the $1,000 scholarship, applicants must complete a personal statement in which they describe how the award would help them to reach their academic goals.
eLearners.com Military Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to veterans or active duty military members, and their spouses
Each year, eLearners.com presents multiple $1,000 scholarships to veterans, active duty service members, and their spouses. Successful applicants will meet all of the requirements and submit an assigned essay along with the required application.
Emerging Voices Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to female graduate students
The Emerging Voices Scholarship is a $2,000 monetary award co-sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund and the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM). The scholarship winner is chosen based in part on the required essay, and upon winning may be asked to write four blog posts for AWM.
Ford Empowering America Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to female graduate students
The Ford Empowering America Scholarship is open to female students at any accredited U.S. institution. To be awarded the $3,000 scholarship, or the $2,000 award for runner up, the applicant must make a short video profiling an inspiring woman from her own community.
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to high school, undergraduate, or graduate students
— Must be a legal resident of the United States
The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student on the basis of merit. Unlike so many scholarships, this award does not take financial need or standardized test scores into consideration, and winners are judged by an independent panel.
Gladys McKinley Distance Learning Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to online graduate students at Bemidji State University
— Must be pursuing an online education degree
— Must be a resident of northern Minnesota
The Gladys McKinley Distance Learning Scholarship is another monetary award available to graduate students of Bemidji State University. Students must be working toward a graduate degree in education to be eligible, and the application process includes two letters of recommendations and a personal statement.
Harry and Miriam Levinson Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students in an interim master's program or doctoral program
— Must be nominated by a COGDOP-member department of psychology
The $5,000 Harry and Miriam Levinson Scholarship is sponsored by the American Psychological Foundation. Its purpose is to assist students financially with the costs associated with conducting research and completing a thesis or dissertation. All applicants must be nominated by their institution's department of psychology, which must be a member of COGDOP.
"Inspire Our Future" Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be working towards a degree in a subject related to education
— Minimum 3.5 GPA
Students working toward a graduate degree in an education-related subject are invited to apply for the "Inspire Our Future" scholarship. Sponsored by teacher.org, this $2,500 scholarship requires applicants to submit a themed essay in addition to the required application.
Jack and Audrey Hatmaker Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be enrolled in or accepted for admission at University of Alabama
— Open to graduate students who are residents of Alabama
— Must be pursuing a major related to business
Graduate students pursuing or planning to pursue an online business degree at University of Alabama are eligible to apply for the Jack and Audrey Hatmaker Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Successful applicants will show a history of academic excellence and prove financial need. The amount of the scholarship varies from year-to-year.
John F. and Marjorie J. Alexander Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to University of Florida students pursuing an online graduate degree in education
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
University of Florida's John F. and Marjorie A. Alexander Scholarship is open to students seeking a graduate degree from the College of Education. To be eligible for the $1,000 award, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, and priority is given to first generation college students.
Kansas State University Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be enrolled in a degree program at Kansas State University
— Minimum 3.25 GPA
— Available to students age 25 and older
Students working toward an online graduate degree from Kansas State University are eligible to apply for the Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship. Adults who are returning to their education after an absence are especially encouraged to apply for this $1,000 award.
The LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to minority and/or underrepresented students
— Must be pursuing a master's degree in advertising, public relations, or marketing
— Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
— Minimum 3.2 GPA
The LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship is a monetary award of $3,750. It is open to graduate students who are of African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American descent. Successful applicants will submit the required application, along with a detailed resume, a letter of recommendation, official transcripts, three brief personal statements, and a head shot. The scholarship winner(s) will be asked to attend specific foundation events.
Lee Hakel Graduate Student Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to graduate students pursuing careers in industrial and organizational psychology
— Must be a student affiliate of SIOP
Graduate students who are working toward a career in industrial and organizational psychology are eligible for the Lee Hakel Graduate Student Scholarship sponsored by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The recipient of the $3,500 award may choose to receive the monetary award directly, or have it sent directly to the institution in which they are enrolled. The application packet includes a 12-page (maximum) written summary of the student's dissertation research.
Loreen Arbus Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to female graduate students pursuing a degree in media, English, journalism, communications, or a related field
Sponsored by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, the Loreen Arbus Foundation Scholarship awards one female graduate student with a $2,500 scholarship paid directly to the winner's university. Applicants must be studying English or a subject related to media, and must submit a short personal statement on an assigned topic.
National Academy of Human Resources Graduate Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students pursuing a master's degree in business or another human resources-related subject
— Must be a member of the Society for Human Resource Management
— Minimum 3.5 GPA
The National Academy of Human Resources sponsors its annual Graduate Scholarship, a $5,000 award that is given to a student pursuing a master's degree in business or another subject related to human resources. Successful applicants will have completed at least six credits toward their degree.
Next Steps Digital Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to full-time students studying marketing
— Must be a U.S. citizen
— Minimum 3.5 GPA
Graduate students studying marketing are invited to apply for the $5,000 Next Steps Digital Scholarship. Scholarship winners may use their winnings to fund tuition or any other fees relating to their degree.
Oregon State University eCampus Grant
Eligibility:
— Open to students enrolled in an Oregon State University eCampus degree program
The Oregon State University eCampus Grant is for graduate students pursuing any online degree. Applicants must submit a FAFSA to the university's Office of Financial Aid, who will then award $1,000 grants to eligible recipients on a first come, first served basis.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to international women pursuing graduate studies in the United States or Canada
Each year, the Philanthropic Educational Organization sponsors the International Peace Scholarship, which helps female international students fund their graduate studies in North America. Though this generous scholarship is not meant to fund an applicant's entire education, the amount given can reach $12,500 depending upon individual need.
Ralph Johnson Bunche Distinguished Graduate Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to African American graduate students enrolled at Rutgers Law
When students apply to Rutger Law, they are automatically eligible for various merit-based scholarships, including the Ralph Johnson Bunche Distinguished Graduate Scholarship. This $15,000 stipend plus tuition remission is available to new full-time students.
Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to graduate students at an accredited U.S. university
Open to any student pursuing a master's degree at an accredited U.S. institution, the Ralph W. Shrader Diversity Scholarship rewards those students of outstanding academic achievement with a $3,000 award. Successful applicants will be pursuing a degree in a STEM-related subject. Though not required, preference will be given to those applicants who are female or of minority status.
Return 2 College Scholarship Program
Eligibility:
— Open to college students currently attending a two- or four-year college or graduate school
— Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
The $1,000 Return 2 College Scholarship is awarded three times each year to graduate students. In addition to the required application, applicants must submit a three-sentence personal statement describing their reason for pursuing a graduate degree.
Ruth G. and Joseph D. Matarazzo Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students in an interim master's program or doctoral program
— Must be nominated by a COGDOP-member department of psychology
The $3,000 Ruth G. and Joseph D. Matarazzo Scholarship is sponsored by the American Psychological Foundation. Its purpose is to assist students financially with the costs associated with conducting research and completing a thesis or dissertation. All applicants must be nominated by their institution's department of psychology, which must be a member of COGDOP.
Tillman Military Scholarship Program
Eligibility:
— Open to veteran and active-duty military service members and their spouses
— Must be pursuing a full-time graduate degree
This well-known and highly respected scholarship aims to financially assist those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential. Each year, up to 60 veterans, active military members, and military spouses are chosen to receive a scholarship that can total up to $10,000. To apply, applicants must submit the required application and financial worksheet, a resume, a letter of recommendation, a short personal bio, and two essays on a given topic.
Toigo MBA Fellowship
Eligibility:
— Open to minority graduate students
— Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
— Must be pursuing an MBA, JD/MBA, Master's in Real Estate, or Master's in Finance
The Robert Toigo Foundation sponsors the annual Toigo MBA Fellowship. The monetary award — which varies from year to year — is open to students of African American, Hispanic, and Native American descent. Successful applicants will be enrolled in a full-time graduate program pursuing a master's degree in real estate or finanace, or an MBA or JD/MBA.
Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to graduate students who are the surviving spouse or child of a U.S. military member
The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship awards up to $20,000 to a U.S. service member's surviving spouse or child. The applicant must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, and the award can be used to fund tuition, course fees, and books, among other education-related expenses.
Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to graduate students at an accredited university
— Must be actively working on research and/or a project related to mental illness
The Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship is presented each year by the American Psychological Foundation. The $5,000 award is open to graduate students currently conducting research or working on a project that uses a "psychological perspective to help understand and reduce stigma associated with mental illness." To apply, applicants should submit a letter of recommendation, a detailed resume or CV, and a written description of their proposed project and goal.
Walden University Master's Degree Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to new Walden University graduate students
— Must be a U.S. citizen
Graduate students new to Walden University are invited to apply for the institution's Master's Degree Scholarship. This $10,000 award is given to adult learners who are in need of a difference in their life. Successful applicants will submit the required application along with a detailed resume, and a 1,000-word essay describing the ways in which the applicant has advanced positive social change.
Walter J. Allen and Shaun B. Keister Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to Iowa State University graduate students with a minimum 3.25 GPA
LGBT students and those actively involved with the LGBT community are invited to apply for Iowa State University's Walter J. Allen and Shaun B. Keister Scholarship. The scholarship totals $1,000 and will be split between two semesters.
Western Governors University Smart Choice Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be a new WGU student pursuing a master's degree
— Must submit the FAFSA
The online institution Western Governors University sponsors dozens of scholarships each academic year, including the Smart Choice Scholarship. This $2,000 award provides students with funding to put toward their chosen degree program. Applying for this competitive scholarship consists of an application form.