50+ Top Graduate School Scholarships to Consider in the U.S.

Prestigious National Scholarships

For students looking for highly competitive and well-funded scholarships, several national programs provide financial assistance for graduate education. 

These scholarships often cover tuition, living expenses, and research funding, making them excellent options for top-performing students.

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship – Supports graduate students in STEM disciplines pursuing research-based master’s or PhD programs.
• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans – Provides funding for immigrants and children of immigrants in the U.S. pursuing graduate studies.
• Ford Foundation Fellowship Program – Supports PhD students who are committed to diversity in research and teaching.
• Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship – Funds exceptional PhD students in applied sciences and engineering.
• Harry S. Truman Scholarship – Provides funding to students pursuing graduate degrees in public service-related fields.
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship – Supports U.S. citizens pursuing doctoral degrees in STEM fields critical to national defense.

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

If you're pursuing a graduate degree in a specialized field, there are many scholarships tailored to your area of study. 

Whether you’re in STEM, business, law, healthcare, or education, the following scholarships can provide significant financial assistance.

STEM Scholarships

For students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), these scholarships help fund advanced research and innovation.

• DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship – Funds graduate students in computational science fields.
• Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship – Provides funding for PhD students in computing-related fields.
• Google PhD Fellowship – Supports graduate students in AI, data science, and computer science research.

Business & Law Scholarships

If you’re pursuing an MBA or a law degree, there are several scholarships that can ease the financial burden of graduate school.

• Harvard Business School Fellowships – Offers financial aid for MBA students at Harvard.
• Skadden Fellowship Program – Provides funding for law school graduates pursuing public interest law.
• ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund – Supports diverse students attending law school in the U.S.

Medical & Health Scholarships

For those pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, or public health, the following scholarships can help cover tuition and other educational expenses.

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program – Funds biomedical PhD and MD/PhD students.
• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship – Awards scholarships to students pursuing healthcare degrees.
• Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Scholarships – Provides funding for students in nursing, dentistry, and other healthcare programs.

Education & Humanities Scholarships

For students pursuing graduate degrees in education, social sciences, or the humanities, these scholarships provide financial assistance and research funding.

• Knowles Science Teaching Fellowship – Supports graduate students focusing on STEM education.
• American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships – Provides funding for women pursuing graduate degrees in education and leadership.
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship – Supports high-achieving, low-income students pursuing graduate studies.

Types of Graduate School Scholarships

Securing a scholarship for graduate school can significantly reduce tuition costs and related expenses. Scholarships come in various forms, each catering to different student needs and backgrounds. 

Here are the main types of graduate school scholarships, along with notable programs for each category.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, and extracurricular involvement. 

These scholarships do not consider financial need but rather focus on excellence in academics, research, or professional accomplishments.

Examples of Merit-Based Scholarships:

• Rhodes Scholarship – A prestigious scholarship for outstanding students to study at the University of Oxford.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship – Fully funded graduate scholarships for high-achieving students to study at the University of Cambridge.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship – Supports outstanding students in STEM fields pursuing research-based graduate degrees.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships assist students who demonstrate financial hardship. These scholarships aim to make graduate education more accessible to students who may struggle to afford tuition and related costs.

Examples of Need-Based Scholarships:

• The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship – Provides financial aid to high-achieving students with demonstrated financial need.
• Pell Grants (for some graduate students in teaching programs) – Federal aid available to low-income students pursuing certain graduate-level degrees.
• The Horatio Alger Graduate Scholarship – Offers financial support to students who have overcome significant financial or personal adversity.

Field-Specific Scholarships

Field-specific scholarships are designed for students pursuing careers in particular disciplines. These include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as business, law, and humanities.

Examples of Field-Specific Scholarships:

• Ford Foundation Fellowship Program (Humanities & Social Sciences) – Supports PhD students committed to teaching and research.
• Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship (STEM) – Provides funding for students pursuing a PhD in applied sciences.
• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans (Business & Law) – Supports immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies in various fields.

Diversity Scholarships

Diversity scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

This includes racial and ethnic minorities, women in STEM, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.

Examples of Diversity Scholarships:

• American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships – Provides funding for women pursuing graduate degrees, particularly in underrepresented fields.
• The Gates Millennium Scholars Program – Supports outstanding minority students pursuing graduate studies.
• The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships – Offers financial assistance to African American students in graduate programs.

University-Specific Scholarships 

Many universities provide their own scholarships to support graduate students enrolled in their programs. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or research-focused.

Examples of University-Specific Scholarships:

• Harvard University Graduate Fellowships – Offers various funding opportunities for graduate students at Harvard.
• Stanford Graduate Fellowships – Provides financial support to doctoral students at Stanford University.
• Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Fellowships – Offers funding for graduate students at Yale.

Corporate & Private Scholarships 

Corporations and private organizations often fund scholarships to support students in specific industries or communities. These scholarships may also include internships or networking opportunities.

Examples of Corporate & Private Scholarships:

• Google PhD Fellowship – Supports PhD students conducting innovative research in computer science and related fields.
• IBM PhD Fellowship Program – Provides funding and mentorship to PhD students in AI, quantum computing, and related fields.
• Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship – Offers funding for PhD students in computing and STEM fields.

International Scholarships 

International students looking to study in the U.S., UK, Canada, or other countries can apply for scholarships specifically designed for non-citizens.

Examples of International Scholarships:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Offers scholarships for international students to study in the U.S.
• Chevening Scholarships – Provides funding for international students to study in the UK.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees – Supports international students pursuing master’s degrees in Europe.

By exploring and applying for these scholarships, graduate students can reduce their financial burden and focus on their academic and professional goals. 

How to Get a Graduate School Scholarship

Getting a scholarship involves several key steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you:

• Research Available Scholarships:
  Look for scholarships that match your qualifications and needs. Use scholarship search engines, university websites, and government programs.
• Check Eligibility Criteria:
  Read the eligibility requirements carefully to ensure you meet all the qualifications for the scholarship.
• Prepare Your Documents:
  Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of financial need, and personal statements or essays.
• Write a Strong Scholarship Essay:
  Many scholarships require an essay. Focus on your goals, achievements, and how the scholarship will help you succeed. Tailor your essay to the specific scholarship.

• Request Letters of Recommendation:
  Choose people who know you well, such as teachers, professors, or mentors, and request a recommendation letter.
• Meet Deadlines:
  Submit your application before the deadline. Keep track of each scholarship’s due date to ensure you don’t miss any.
• Apply to Multiple Scholarships:
  Don’t limit yourself to one scholarship. Apply to several to increase your chances of winning.
• Follow Up:
  After submitting your application, follow up to ensure it was received and to check on the status of your application.

By staying organized and applying to as many relevant scholarships as possible, you increase your chances of receiving funding for your education.

In conclusion, securing a graduate school scholarship requires research, preparation, and a well-crafted application. Exploring scholarships, meeting criteria, and submitting strong essays can boost your chances of securing funding. 

If you're ready to apply to any of these programs, our scholarship essay writing service is here to help. 

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