For many aspiring graduate students, the most significant barrier to entry is cost. Indeed, in this day and age, even pre-professional programs that are designed to usher graduates into thriving careers are so prohibitively expensive that many students cannot face the financial burden of their two years in school.
For aspiring social work students who can’t take on the costs of their graduate programs, MSW grants and scholarships can be a fantastic way to support your studies.
Many social work programs offer their own dedicated scholarship and financial aid programs to help applicants cover their costs and devote their attention purely to building the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their social work careers. If you’re just beginning the process of finding MSW programs, it’s a great idea to look into any of your desired schools’ funding opportunities as you weigh which university is right for you.
Social workers play a crucial role in making our society safer, healthier, and more equitable for all. Because of this, it should be possible for any and everyone who wishes to join the social work profession to find opportunities to do so that won’t send them into insurmountable debt. If you’re an aspiring social worker who’s figuring out how you can support your career goals, this guide will help you find avenues to fund your graduate education and training so that you can contribute to the civic causes you care about.
Masters in Social Work Scholarships and Grants
When pursuing scholarships for Masters in Social Work students, it’s good to be aware of the specific types of opportunities you are qualified for. Some scholarships for MSW students are dedicated to those in a particular subfield of the social work profession, while others are designated specifically for those who come from underrepresented communities.
It’s worth applying for any scholarship or grant that you are eligible for, but don’t waste your time and effort on programs with parameters that don’t include you.
You should still be able to find a range of promising opportunities no matter who you are and what you wish to do as a social worker.
Below is an index of some of the top scholarships and grants for MSW students. Many of these are national-level programs that support students beyond Texas. A few of them are general graduate study opportunities that extend beyond students in the social work field.
School-Specific MSW Scholarships
When pursuing funding for graduate school, your best bet can often be found within the institution you plan on attending. Fortunately for Texas-based social work students, there are many excellent schools offering scholarship opportunities in the state. If you’re still building your list of schools to apply to, these will be an excellent choice.
Please note that not every Texas-based scholarship program is accounted for in this list. You are urged to do your own research to determine if the schools you are interested in offer tuition support.
Texas State School of Social Work Scholarships
There are several scholarships offered specifically to students at the Texas State School of Social Work. Most of these are open to applicants of all backgrounds, with all types of specialization within the social work field. A few of them are more specific, such as the Molina Scholarship for Social Work, which is open exclusively to LGBTQ+ applicants, and the Dr. Sally Jones Endowed Scholarship, which is devoted to students focused on mental health and aging. Students can apply to as many Texas State scholarships as they are eligible for in a single go thanks to the school’s Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS).
University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work Scholarships
The University of Houston boasts an impressively long list of scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in their programs. Some of these opportunities have specific stipulations about who can apply – certain opportunities are only available to students within a particular focus area, while others are dedicated to students in their second year of school. However, this wide variety of options ensures that students of all types will have paths to funding.
University of Texas at Austin Graduate Scholarships
The School of Social Work at UTA offers a large number of scholarships for graduate students, including both merit- and need-based opportunities. Some opportunities give preference to students with a particular area of focus within the social work field. There are also several funds designated for students from particular demographics, as well as for international students.
Students at UTA can also benefit from the Steve Hicks School fellowship opportunities, which are awarded to MSW students on the basis of need, merit, and professional potential.
Scholarship Spotlight: The Ima Hogg Scholarship for Texas-Based Social Workers
As you’ll see in the list in the following section, there are many national-level scholarships that social work students can apply for to support their academic goals. However, Texas-based social workers also have the good fortune of qualifying for the Ima Hogg Scholarship Program. Established in 1956, this program provides awards to one student at each accredited MSW program in Texas per year, with the goal of building up the social services workforce in the Lone Star State.
Unlike the majority of other scholarships in this guide, students cannot apply for the Ima Hogg fellowship themselves. Rather, they must be recommended by the institution where they’re receiving their Master of Social Work degree. For this reason, those who are preparing for their first year of graduate school will not qualify for this award. However, it can be a great motivation for those entering school to work hard and make strong connections with their professors and advisors, whose recommendations can make all the difference in finding funding for graduate school.
NASW Scholarships
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the primary social work association in the country, in fact ranking as the largest association of social workers not only nationally but globally. As a practicing social worker, you are likely to feel the presence of the NASW in your professional life.
Understanding the many barriers to access that students across the country face when pursuing higher education, the NASW offers several directed scholarships specifically for social work students. In order to apply for these opportunities, students must become members of the NASW. Though this may sound confusing for students who haven’t yet even enrolled in MSW programs, it is a standard part of the NASW’s application process that is worth looking into if you’re eligible for any of their funding programs. Once you have enrolled, be sure to maintain your membership throughout the course of the admission process.
The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for MSW students from Alaska Native/Indian American or LatinX backgrounds, as well as those whose efforts in the social work profession have been focused on these communities. Those who have demonstrated a longtime commitment to grassroots activism may also be candidates for this award. Awards from this scholarship amount to $4,000, given to as many as ten MSW students per year.
The Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
This is a scholarship for Black MSW students as well as non-Black students who have demonstrated a commitment to working in African American communities, particularly in the mental health focus area of social work. Funding for each year varies depending on annual contributions.
The Lawanna Renee Barron Scholarship Endowment Fund
Designed chiefly for prospective MSW students who come from rural areas, this scholarship fund offers a $1,000 dollar award to one student per year. Students are welcome to apply for this award for every year of their Master of Social Work program.
Other Independent Scholarships
Beyond school-based scholarships, there are also numerous scholarship organizations throughout the United States that can help motivated social work students turn their dreams into a reality. Many of these are focused on supporting students from marginalized or minority backgrounds. Below are several of the top options to consider as you are planning for your future academic career.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants
The AAUW’s career development grants are devoted to helping women pursuing graduate degrees in social work cover their educational and living expenses so that they can focus on their academic pursuits. Awards from the AAUW can range from $2,000 to $20,000, making this one of the most potentially rewarding scholarship opportunities to be found in the country.
The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund is a national nonprofit organization designed to support students whose future work will be engaged with important social justice efforts. This award is particularly geared toward those who already have demonstrated a long commitment to activism and can point to extracurricular involvement in the causes they care about. Awards from the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund can be up to $15,000, with the average annual award amounting to $7,500. Award amounts are determined on a need-based basis.
This fund is open to all students of Hispanic heritage who seek academic funding support at any level of school. A merit-based program, it requires applicants to hold a minimum 2.5 GPA. It also stipulates that students must be attending their programs (or planning to attend their future programs) full-time. The HSF awards numerous grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, with amounts determined according to demonstrated need.
The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) Scholarships
The NABSW is designed specifically to support Black MSW students. Beyond the cost of tuition, these scholarships are also designed to help students cover the supplementary costs of attending a graduate program, including targeted funds to provide for the expensive textbooks and classroom materials students will need while in school.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Scholarship for New Americans
Devoted to graduate students from immigrant and first-generation backgrounds, this scholarship is open to those working in any discipline, meaning it is not specific to those pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. Awards offered by the Paul & Daisy Soros scholarship fund are delivered over two-year periods to help graduate students with both years of their master’s programs. Awards can range in size, with some covering the full cost of tuition for both years of graduate study.
This scholarship is specifically designed for BIPOC students who identify as LGBTQ+. Recognizing that students of these backgrounds often face hardships as a result of their identities, it is intended to encourage students to pursue their goals in the face of discrimination and other forms of exclusion. Awards from the Point BIPOC scholarship can amount to up to $1,500, which provides directly for students’ tuition. In order to apply, students must be attending full-time graduate programs.
The Point Flagship Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for LGBTQ+ students of any demographic background in any discipline of higher education. Awarded amounts can vary annually, but they will always be intended to directly support students’ school tuition. In addition to funding, this scholarship award also includes mentorship opportunities as well as leadership development initiatives.
Taking the Next Steps to Become a Social Worker
Learning about scholarship opportunities should give any prospective social worker a welcome dose of optimism about their future academic plans. However, in some cases, students may not know which scholarships they can apply for until they’ve chosen their top picks for their Master of Social Work programs. This means that your next step in the planning process will be to draw up a list of schools you intend to apply to.
To learn about the top MSW programs in Texas, take a look at our guide here. There are also many affordable MSW programs in Texas that can be excellent options for students who are concerned about covering the costs of school – you can find our recommendations here.
FAQs
How many scholarships can I apply for per year?
As many as you can! There is no limit to how many scholarships social work students can apply for, and few scholarships are able to provide full funding for students seeking complete financial assistance. For this reason, it is encouraged to apply to any scholarship program that you are eligible for. If you’re awarded more than one, it can put you in excellent standing to complete your MSW degree without significant financial strain.
Are there non-scholarship funding opportunities within MSW programs?
Yes. Scholarships are awards that typically do not require any additional effort from students beyond applying. However, many schools also offer financial aid packages that include work-study options, in which students are able to help cover the cost of their education by holding on-campus jobs. These are also excellent opportunities that any prospective social work student should look into before starting school.
Why are so many scholarships devoted to students of particular backgrounds?
Identity-based scholarship programs have emerged out of a recognition of the social factors that can limit opportunities for people from marginalized backgrounds. These programs aim to redress these issues by offering targeted tools of advancement for people from historically underrepresented and underserved communities. In this way, they increase access to professional opportunities, leveling out the playing field of the social work profession so that anyone who wishes to contribute to social causes can make their goals a reality.
When do I have to apply for scholarships?
It completely depends on the scholarship. Many scholarship deadlines are due around the same time as your graduate school applications, which is one important reason not to sleep on the research for your funding opportunities. Some in-school opportunities are only open for applications once students have been accepted. For this reason, it’s recommended to be diligent in your planning, creating a spreadsheet or document that keeps track of the many deadlines these different programs have, as well as the materials they require from applicants so that you prepare thorough and complete applications.