There are social work scholarships for undergrads and graduate students. Scholarships for social work majors help offset the costs of studying at a two or four year college.
Social workers help people from all walks of life cope and solve problems in their daily lives. Many of them work with children and families, the military, cancer patients, the underserved or addicts.
Field specific Scholarships for Social Work Majors
If you are pursuing a degree in a niche area of social work, there are scholarships to look for. Some providers want to encourage students who want to work with a specific community.
One example is the Senior Planning Social Work and Eldercare Award. From one to 5 scholarship winners get at least $900 each. These awards aim to help aspiring medical social workers prepare to help seniors.
But don’t discount any special social work interests. When you apply, you may need to write a personal essay. Pouring your enthusiasm and outlining any volunteer experience may help you stand out.
Scholarships for Social Work Degrees
Accredited colleges and universities with social work programs often have scholarships set aside. These usually go to social work students pursuing a specific level of degree.
There are scholarships for graduate students too. MSW help students pursue a Master of Social Work. Fellowships may provide money to pursue social work research for a PhD.
National Associations with Social Worker Scholarships
Many associations and organizations provide scholarships to their members. The amounts vary and may come from private donors. As an applicant, you may need to show your dedication to promote a specific cause.
NASW scholarships are one example. These are from the National Association for Social Work Foundation. The NASW administers programs that advance social work policy and practice. If you are a member in good standing, you may be eligible to apply.
The Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) is another scholarship provider. They represent social work education in the United States. CSWE scholarships are funding opportunities for students and faculty members.
A third organization that offers social work scholarships is the NABSW. The National Association of Black Social Workers advocates for social change. You may be eligible to apply if you are an active member.
Scholarships from Religious Organizations
A big part of social work is to advocate and raise awareness on behalf of your clients. Many religious organizations also support these endeavors.
To help their congregants, some organizations offer scholarships. These may be available for all levels of study. From college to grad school.
For instance, the Bethesda Auxiliary is a social work organization. It provides scholarships to students who are active members. Students must be studying at an accredited college. And they must aim to help others with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Other scholarships may come from a charity or sorority. For example the Mildred Carter Bradham Social Work Fellowship is available through the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. The amount varies from $500 to $1,000.
State by State Scholarships
Many states face critical shortages of social workers. To nurture students to pursue careers in this field, some states offer financial aid.
These programs may come in the form of scholarships. Though others may be grants and loan forgiveness programs. You usually need to be a resident to qualify.
Why Consider Applying for Social Work Scholarships?
Among all occupations, social workers face faster than average predicted job growth. Compared to now and 2026, there will be 790,200 more jobs. Even more so in healthcare and mental health sectors.
Most jobs in social work mandate a bachelor’s in social work (BSW). But if you want to get your social work license, you often need a master’s (MSW) degree.
With four to six years of study ahead, a scholarship may make a difference. At last check, the average cost of earning a degree in social work at a public college is $6,518. But if you plan to study out of state, the tuition is about $28,538.
Many scholarships pay an annual stipend which may cover your tuition. Others offer smaller amounts that might help pay for books, supplies, fees and travel. As a kind of gift aid, you do not have to pay scholarship money back. Although you need to abide by the terms.
List of Social Work Scholarships
Check out our list of social work scholarships below. We have 68 awards worth $189K.
The Lutheran Student Scholastic and Service Scholarship is available for junior and senior students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in any academic area that will prepare them to serve and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click here to learn more and apply today!
This trust was established to help students entering the fields of nursing, medicine, or social work, who may not otherwise be able to attend college due to financial circumstances. Applicants must be New Hampshire residents, already in the process of post-secondary education, demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
Each year, the Patty Gibbs-Wahlberg Scholarship is offered in the amounts of $1,000, $2,000, and $3,000. The awards go to three college students in the United States who are pursuing a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work. Eligible recipients must be active Phi Alpha members, demonstrate academic excellence and much more.
This scholarship is available for LGBT students in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state who are majoring in a field related to social work at an accredited college or university. Applications open October 11. Click here to learn more and apply today!
This award is available for undergraduate women studying sociology at Washington State University. Applicants must be returning to school after a period of absence and demonstrate financial need.
This award is for U.S. high school seniors, majoring in prelaw, social work, or a field that focuses on child advocacy. Students must also have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher
This scholarship is available for high school seniors in Baltimore, MD who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and documented community service. Applicants must be accepted to and enroll at a four-year college or university in Maryland.
The Joseph D. Early Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at a high school in the city of Worcester, MA. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in public service.
The Brea Little Moore Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Holliday High School in Holliday Texas. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must be planning to major in social work, psychology, sociology, special education, criminal justice, or counseling.
The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to master’s degree candidates in social work who have demonstrated a commitment to working with, or who have a special affinity with, American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations. Candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to working with public are also eligible.
