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Obtaining need-based scholarships for graduate students can provide financial assistance to ease the burden of educational expenses. This can reduce the need to take out loans or work multiple jobs, freeing up time and energy to devote to research, internships, or other academic pursuits.
What are need-based scholarships? Need-based scholarships are like a financial safety net for students who cannot afford to pay for their education. Just as a safety net protects a trapeze artist from falling, need-based scholarships protect students from falling into financial hardship.
There are many generous need-based scholarships for graduate students. We have compiled the best need-based scholarships to make your search easier. Read on to find out more.
The Top 10 Need-Based Scholarships for Graduate Students
1. Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowship
Award Amount
$1,000 to $7,500
Closing Date
December 31
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowship, applicants must be registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have an Alien Registration Number, and be enrolled and matriculated at a state-approved graduate school within one of the Promise of Nursing regions, excluding students in RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs.
Application Requirements
To apply, students must submit a completed application along with a resume, a copy of their most recent academic transcript, a dean/director’s certification, a letter of recommendation, a copy of their current RN license, and a financial aid certification.
2. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount
$25,046
Closing Date
April 1
Eligibility Requirements
The “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship is available to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and plan to enroll in a college or graduate program or are already enrolled, with no essay required.
Application Requirements
To apply for the “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship, applicants must submit their name, email address, and phone number. The scholarship is awarded through a random drawing process, and applicants have the option to increase their chances of winning by sharing on social media or referring friends. No essay is required.
3. Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Award Amount
$2,000
Closing Date
March 31
Eligibility Requirements
The Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is open to all high school, college, and graduate students who are legal U.S. residents or international students with valid visas. Applicants must register on the Niche website to be eligible and no essay is required.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, students must register on the Niche website and provide basic information such as name, email, and graduation year. The winner of the scholarship will be chosen at random and no essay is required.
4. CANFit Graduate Scholarship
Award Amount
Varied
Closing Date
December 23
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral graduate program in the field of dietetics or public health, have completed 12-15 units of graduate coursework with a verified official copy of their university transcript and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be of one of the following ethnicities:
- African American
- American Indian
- Alaska Native
- Asian American
- Pacific Islander
- Latino/Hispanic
Application Requirements
The scholarship application requires the following documents: an application cover sheet, a personal letter, an essay, a financial status form, and a transcript.
5. Stars Scholarship Fund
Award Amount
Varied
Closing Date
March 31
Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship is available to students who plan to attend a university for the new academic year and will be enrolled full-time in a graduate program, including master’s, law, or doctoral programs. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours during each semester of the academic year.
Application Requirements
The scholarship application requires completion of the application form, the certification form, submission of the Student Aid Report, official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and proof of permanent residency, such as a permanent resident card.
6. Herman J. Neal Scholarship Fund
Award Amount
Up to $4,000
Closing Date
April 1
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and demonstrate a strong commitment to serving low-income or underrepresented communities.
Priority is given to students who are African American or of African descent. In addition, applicants must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students in accounting at Illinois colleges.
Application Requirements
Registration as an AICPA member is a prerequisite for applicants to be considered for the Herman J. Neal Scholarship Fund.
7. AKA Educational Advancement Foundation Graduate Financial Need Scholarship
Award Amount
Varied
Closing Date
August 15
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be full-time graduate students currently enrolled at an accredited degree-granting institution, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate community service and involvement.
Application Requirements
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit a completed online application form, documentation of their project or research, scholarly pursuits, or other relevant achievements, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a financial need analysis.
8. New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
Award Amount
$200 to $4,900
Closing Date
Varied
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background, be a New Jersey resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the scholarship, and apply to and be accepted by a participating New Jersey college or university.
In addition, applicants must be a full-time student as defined by the institution, meet the financial eligibility criteria as defined in the Undergraduate section, and be enrolled in a degree or certificate program that requires a minimum of 24 semester credit hours and lasts at least one academic year.
Application Requirements
To be eligible for these need-based grants for graduate students, applicants must first apply and be accepted to an approved graduate program. Additionally, applicants must fill out the FAFSA form.
9. Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship
Award Amount
$30,000
Closing Date
April 1
Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship is intended for individuals who are committed to pursuing a career in patent law.
Applicants must have earned one or more undergraduate degrees prior to entering law school and must submit a personal statement demonstrating their interest in the patent law profession. Preference may be given to those with demonstrated financial need or special family circumstances.
Application Requirements
In order to be recognized as a Scholar, interested applicants are required to fill out the application form and submit it along with any supporting documents either through the online application process or via email to the Diversity in IP Law Foundation at Apply@DiversityinIPLaw.org.
10. Davis-Putter Scholarship
Award Amount
$7,500
Closing Date
April 1
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program at the post-secondary level and be actively involved in movements for progressive social change. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must complete the official application form in its entirety and submit all required documents by the deadline.
Congratulations! You are now armed with valuable information about various need-based scholarships for graduate students. With this list of scholarships, you can now make an informed decision about which scholarships to apply for to help fund your graduate education.
Remember to carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship and prepare a strong application package. By taking the time to apply for these need-based scholarships for graduate students, you can greatly reduce the financial burden of pursuing a graduate degree. Good luck with your scholarship applications!
