12 Easy-to-Apply MSW Scholarships

Getting an MSW scholarship might seem overwhelming, especially since education costs have been rising steadily for decades. You probably wonder if you can achieve your social work goals without taking on huge debt.

But here’s great news for aspiring social workers! Students at all levels—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral—can get dozens of MSW scholarships with awards from $500 to $90,000. You could complete an Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you already have a BSW. This can reduce your educational costs by a lot. Your chances of getting financial support increase when you apply to multiple MSW scholarships that line up with your background and specialization. This means you won’t need to rely heavily on loans.

These 12 scholarships are some of the best funding options for MSW students. Each scholarship has unique benefits and simple application processes to make your path to becoming a social worker more affordable and achievable.

Verne LaMarr Lyons Scholarship

The Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship honors a social worker who devoted his life to health issues affecting African American communities. This MSW scholarship helps master’s candidates who show a strong dedication to serving these communities.

Eligibility

You need to meet these requirements:

• Be an NASW member in good standing
• Be accepted into or have applied to an accredited MSW program
• Keep a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
• Show interest or experience in health/mental health practice
• Prove your dedication to working with African American communities

Students who have spent less than a year in an MSW program can apply again for second-year funding. The selection committee will assess your ability to complete the MSW program successfully.

Award Amount

Two scholarships of $4,000 each are available for the 2025-2026 academic year. You’ll receive the funds in two payments at the start of fall and spring semesters. Students graduating before the first payment aren’t eligible for this award.

Application Requirements

Your application package must include:

1. A completed application form
2. A biographical essay (two typed, double-spaced pages) covering:
   • Your career goals
   • Your interest and experience in health/mental health practice with African Americans
   • A statement of merit and need for the award
3. Two professional letters of support (no character references from clients or family members)
4. An official transcript from your most recent academic work
5. A signed release of information

Past scholarship recipients now serve African American patients in hospitals, medical clinics, and social service agencies. This scholarship proves ideal for MSW students passionate about improving their community’s health outcomes.

Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship

The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship helps master’s degree candidates in social work who want to serve American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations. Students committed to working with public or voluntary nonprofit agencies and local grassroots groups throughout the United States can also benefit from this prestigious MSW scholarship.

Scholarship Eligibility

You must meet these requirements to qualify for this MSW scholarship:

• Be a current NASW member in good standing
• Have applied to or been accepted into an accredited MSW program
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrate commitment to working with American Indian/Alaska Native or Hispanic/Latino communities

Students who have completed their first year in an MSW program can apply again for second-year funding. The selection committee will assess your application based on your potential to complete the program and serve these specific populations.

Award Amount

Each year, the scholarship provides $4,000 to up to 10 recipients. The 2023-2024 cycle awarded all 10 scholarships at the full $4,000 amount. Recipients receive their funds in two installments at the start of fall and spring semesters. Students graduating before the first installment cannot receive this award.

Application Requirements

A complete application package needs:

1. A completed application form
2. A two-page biographical essay about your career goals, interests, and relevant experience with the communities served
3. A statement explaining your financial need (up to one page)
4. Two letters of support from professional references
5. An official transcript from your most recent academic work
6. A signed release of information form

Professional references should come from professors, community leaders, employers, or supervisors. The committee does not accept character references from clients or family members. Students reapplying for continued funding must get one reference from their academic advisor.

The application window runs from mid-January through late February/early March. This scholarship provides substantial financial support to MSW students passionate about cultural competence while carrying forward Consuelo W. Gosnell’s legacy of serving diverse communities.

The Melanie Foundation Scholarship

The Melanie Foundation Scholarship offers a great chance to graduate students who plan careers in mental health. This scholarship helps students who pursue advanced degrees in mental health and supports candidates who show compassion, generosity, respect, and honesty.

Eligibility

You must meet these requirements to qualify for this MSW scholarship:

• Be currently enrolled in a graduate program majoring in mental health in the United States
• Attend a program accredited by one or more recognized agencies (ACGME, APA, CACREP, CSWE, or COAMFTE)
• Show involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, research, or career-related activities in mental health

Master’s and doctoral students can apply, making this scholarship available to social work candidates at different educational levels.

Award Amount

The Melanie Foundation gives a $2,500 scholarship for one academic year. While some sources suggest multiple winners, one recipient gets this award each year. You can reapply in future years to receive continued support during your graduate studies.

Application Requirements

Submit these materials as PDF documents in one email to melaniescholarship@live.com:

• Curriculum vitae including your email address
• Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and/or graduate)
• Two letters of reference from adults who have known you for more than one year
  • At least one reference must come from a mental health professional
  • One reference should be from someone who has known you for five years or more
• A double-spaced essay (maximum two pages) describing how your mental health experiences have shaped your life and how you plan to assist communities

References should email their letters separately with your name in the subject line. Applications are due by March 5th each year, and winners hear back by June 30th. This scholarship suits MSW students who want to work in clinical social work or mental health counseling.

Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) created the Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund to recognize his most important work in social work education and the profession. This fund carries forward Scott’s legacy of equity and social justice by enabling students who want to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice within social work.

Eligibility

Students must meet several key requirements to qualify for this MSW scholarship:

• Graduate with a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s or master’s program
• Have an expected graduation date no later than summer 2025
• Study full-time during the spring semester of the award
• Keep a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Show a clear commitment to promoting equity and social justice

This scholarship stands out because it aims to support candidates from diverse backgrounds. The program welcomes all applicants, but focuses on minority/BIPOC individuals. Students can receive this award only once during their academic journey.

Award Amount

Each year, the fund awards two book scholarships valued at $500. BSW students receive one scholarship while MSW students get the other. These funds help students who have shown their dedication to promoting equity, racial, economic, and environmental justice in their future social work careers.

Application Requirements

Students should prepare these materials before applying:

• A 3-minute video showing your plans to promote social justice in your career OR a short essay on the same topic
• A statement that details your commitment to equity and justice
• One recommendation letter submitted through the provided request form

Applications stay open until mid-March (March 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET for the upcoming cycle). Winners hear back by late September. This MSW scholarship gives students a chance to advance social justice principles throughout their professional practice.

Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship

The Leopold Schepp Foundation helps students who excel in academics and show strong character. This foundation gives substantial financial aid to graduate students who want to help humanity through their careers. MSW students struggling with finances will find this a great chance to get support.

Eligibility

You need to meet several requirements to qualify for this MSW scholarship:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be under 40 years of age as a graduate student
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Enroll full-time in an approved graduate program
• Show financial need through detailed documentation
• Show dedication to volunteerism and compassion

PhD candidates with only dissertation work left cannot apply. Students going for a second degree at the same level, like another master’s degree, are not eligible. The foundation won’t consider applications from people they’ve turned down before.

Award Amount

Students can receive up to $10,000 each year from the Leopold Schepp Foundation. The actual amount varies based on your financial situation. You’ll need to submit your latest tax returns and a detailed breakdown of your academic expenses. Students who keep up their grades and still need financial help can apply again.

Application Requirements

Here’s what you need to do to apply:

1. Submit a “Request for an Application” form (available starting July 2025)
2. Complete the formal application with academic transcripts if approved
3. Get references from academic advisors, professors, employers, and personal associates
4. Come to New York City for a required personal interview (you’ll need to cover travel costs)

The foundation doesn’t set specific deadlines. They stop taking applications once they receive enough requests. This MSW scholarship fits perfectly with social work values of compassion and service to others.

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund helps students who actively participate in progressive movements for liberation, self-determination, and social and economic justice in their communities. Social work students committed to creating social change beyond the classroom will find this grassroots-focused funding source a great way to get MSW scholarship support.

Eligibility

You need to meet three core requirements to qualify for this MSW scholarship:

Active involvement in progressive social change movements stands as the primary requirement. The fund looks for candidates who work toward self-determination for oppressed people and stand against systemic harms including capitalism, racism, hetero-patriarchy, and environmental exploitation. Your enrollment or acceptance in a degree or certificate program at a college, university, or trade/technical school comes next. Financial need must be demonstrated since this scholarship is strictly need-based.

The fund welcomes applications regardless of U.S. citizenship status. However, your activities must have taken place within the United States. Preference goes to applicants planning to stay in the U.S. and continue building progressive movements locally.

Award Amount

Grants can reach up to $15,000 per year, covering July 1 through June 30. The average grant for 2024-25 was $7,700.

Students receive their funds at the beginning of each semester, quarter, or term during their academic period. The grants must be used within the awarded year and cannot be deferred or carried over.

Application Requirements

Submit these materials by April 1 to apply for this MSW scholarship:

• Completed application form (available online from January through April)
• Personal statement detailing your progressive activism
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts of your most recent academic work
• Student Aid Report (SAR) or FAFSA Worksheet if ineligible for federal aid

The fund announces funding decisions in July. Previous recipients can reapply each year if they maintain eligibility.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Scholarship

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Scholarship is a 20-year old program that helps Jewish students who want to build careers in helping professions. This MSW scholarship is a great way to get financial support for students who show both financial need and promise in social service fields.

Eligibility

Students must meet these specific criteria to qualify for this MSW scholarship:

• Be Jewish
• Have been born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area (including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, plus Lake County, Indiana) or have completed one continuous year of full-time employment in this area before enrollment
• Plan to stay in or return to the Chicago metropolitan area after completing your education
• Be a full-time student entering an accredited graduate program in a helping profession or be entering your junior/senior year of a bachelor’s program in a helping profession
• Show both financial need and career promise

The eligible helping professions cover various fields like social services, healthcare, education, law, and Jewish communal service.

Award Amount

The scholarship currently awards up to $4,000 to each recipient. On top of that, it offers renewable awards to support students throughout their educational trip. The foundation ended up distributing about $500,000 yearly to support students mainly from the Chicago area.

Application Requirements

Applications for the upcoming academic year must reach by March 1. Your application package should include:

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation with accompanying reference forms
• Financial documentation (including IRS forms)
• Application form with personal information
• Documentation of tuition costs and outstanding student loans

Students under 26 or married need to submit their parents’ and/or spouse’s/partner’s IRS forms to get a full picture of financial need.

Cenie “Jomo” Williams Tuition Scholarship

The Cenie “Jomo” Williams Tuition Scholarship helps MSW students who share a passion for community-based practice. This scholarship honors a dedicated social worker and mentor’s legacy. Students focused on serving underserved populations will find this funding option particularly valuable.

Eligibility

Students must meet these requirements to qualify:

• Be enrolled in an accredited MSW program
• Demonstrate interest in community-based social work practice
• Show commitment to serving marginalized communities
• Maintain good academic standing in your program
• Exhibit financial need

Award Amount

The scholarship offers these benefits:

• Financial assistance ranging from $1,000-$5,000
• One-time award for the academic year
• Funds applicable toward tuition and educational expenses

Application Requirements

A complete application package includes:

• Completed application form
• Personal statement describing your community work
• Current academic transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• Financial need documentation
• Resume highlighting relevant experience

The scholarship application window opens in early spring. Students learn about award decisions by early summer. The selection committee might ask candidates to participate in a brief interview during the review process.

Ima Hogg Scholarship

The Ima Hogg Scholarship helps MSW students who want to address mental health needs in Texas communities. Miss Ima Hogg created this 67-year old scholarship in 1956. What started as a way to build up the mental health workforce has now become one of the most important MSW scholarship chances for social work students in Texas.

Eligibility

To qualify for this MSW scholarship, you must be:

• Enrolled in a standard two-year Social Work graduate program in Texas
• Completing your first year and entering second year in upcoming summer/fall
• OR admitted to a one-year advanced standing program beginning in fall
• Pursuing an MSW/MSSW at one of 22 Texas graduate programs accredited by CSWE
• Committed to providing mental health services to underserved Texas communities

Your program’s dean or director must nominate you for this scholarship. The foundation does not accept direct applications from students.

Award Amount

Each student gets $5,000 to help with their education. The foundation gave scholarships to 22 master’s level social work students in Texas over the last several years. This funding helps address the shortage of mental health professionals across the state.

Application Requirements

The application process requires:

• Students to contact their graduate program’s office for nomination information
• Universities to submit applications through the foundation’s online portal
• Only one student from each university receives this scholarship yearly
• Students to explain their financial needs in their personal statement

The foundation picks recipients based on their academic performance and how committed they are to serving in Texas after graduation.

James F. Reville Scholarship

The James F. Reville Scholarship helps students who want to serve people with developmental disabilities. This MSW scholarship supports students who pursue specialized training in behavioral sciences, social work, and related fields. The program benefits those who dedicate their careers to working with intellectually disabled populations.

Eligibility

You need to meet these requirements to qualify for this MSW scholarship:

• Be enrolled full-time in any year of your college education
• Study in a field related to intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Be a New York State resident
• Not receive any other scholarship through The Arc New York

Your training should prepare you to work in behavioral sciences, social work, healthcare administration/management, or psychology.

Award Amount

Recipients get a total of $3,000. The funding splits into two equal payments of $1,500 each semester. The program awards two scholarships each year. Students must use their scholarship funds within four years after receiving the award.

Application Requirements

Your application package should include:

• Application form with your Department Chairperson’s signature
• One letter of recommendation from a current academic instructor

Truman Scholar Program

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship ranks among the most prestigious national awards for college students who want to work in public service. This Congressional program, 48 years old, reviews over 800 applications annually and awards just 55-65 scholarships.

Eligibility

Students must meet these requirements to apply for this msw scholarship:

• A US citizen (or US national from American Samoa)
• Current enrollment at a US-based accredited institution
• Junior year status if graduating in four or more years, or senior year if graduating in three or fewer years
• Your institution’s nomination (schools can nominate four students plus three transfer students)
• Plans to attend graduate school and pursue a public service career

The Truman Foundation considers public service as work in government, uniformed services, public interest organizations, non-governmental research/educational organizations, schools, or non-profits that help disadvantaged people or protect the environment.

Award Amount

Scholars receive up to $30,000 toward their graduate education. The program offers more than money. Recipients also get:

• Rich programming and mentorship
• Fast-track admission to public service graduate programs
• Better chances at federal government jobs

Application Requirements

Students must complete these steps:

1. Get their undergraduate institution’s nomination
2. Submit an application with a policy proposal
3. Provide three recommendation letters that show leadership, dedication to public service, and academic ability
4. Submit official or unofficial transcripts
5. Complete a challenging 20-minute interview if chosen as a finalist

The deadline falls on the first Tuesday in February.

Pilot International Scholarship

This 35-year old Pilot International Scholarship helps undergraduate students who want careers that line up with helping others. Students can work in leadership development, brain health initiatives, or family support services. This MSW scholarship stands out because it values both community service and academic excellence.

Eligibility

You need to meet these requirements:

• A graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student
• Your career goals should support Pilot International’s mission through:
  • Working with youth in leadership development
  • Helping people with brain safety/health initiatives
  • Caring for families during times of need
• You must stay enrolled as a full-time student throughout the scholarship period

Award Amount

The scholarship offers financial support with these features:

• Students receive funding for one academic year
• Maximum award ranges from $1500-$2000 per year (varies by source)
• You can ask for renewal up to three more years

Application Requirements

Your application package should include:

• Student application form (typed and signed)
• Resume/CV and list of extracurricular activities
• Recent transcripts with cumulative GPA
• FAFSA submission summary with Student Aid Index
• Two essays: one on financial need (300 words) and another on career goals (300 words)
• Two recommendation letters dated within 12 months
• Proof of college/university acceptance

Students should submit all materials electronically as a single PDF file by mid-March.

Get Started

Your social work career dreams shouldn’t be limited by money concerns. These 12 scholarships are just some of the funding options available to aspiring social workers. The awards range from $500 to $30,000 and can reduce your educational debt by a lot. This allows you to focus on your studies instead of worrying about finances.

These scholarships cater to different backgrounds, interests, and career goals in social work. Finding opportunities that match your unique qualities is a vital step to increase your chances of getting support. You’ll find at least one scholarship that lines up with your passion, whether you want to serve African American communities, Hispanic/Latino groups, or people with developmental disabilities.

The timing of your applications plays a big role in success. Most deadlines occur between February and April each year, though some follow different schedules. A scholarship calendar and early preparation will help you stay on top of important deadlines.

These scholarships go beyond just money. Many offer great ways to get mentorship, professional connections, and chances to publish your work. These extras can be just as valuable while building your social work career.

The application process takes work – you’ll need to write essays, get references, and showcase your achievements. But every hour you put in could lead to significant rewards. Start by finding scholarships that fit your background, then tackle each application requirement step by step.

Getting your MSW doesn’t have to saddle you with huge student debt. Through smart scholarship applications and good planning, you can reach your social work goals without financial stress. Your path to making a difference as a social worker starts with getting the funding you need for your education.