Scholarships for social work students
Pursuing a degree in social work can be an excellent option if you’re great at working with people and want to make a difference in your community. While the emotional and mental demands of the job can be significant, the reward of supporting those in need is often greater. Social workers support populations such as veterans, individuals affected by substance abuse, children and families, and more.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates that jobs for social workers will grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030, meaning this is a great time to enter the field. Earning a bachelor of social work opens the door to a range of career opportunities while a graduate degree can help you become a clinical social worker, take on a leadership role, and specialize in the field. If you’re interested in the research and theory of social work, you can also go on to pursue a doctorate degree in your area of interest.
Even if pursuing a college education is your dream, rising tuition rates can prove to be a major obstacle in doing so. It is essential that you learn all about the financial aid options because the burden of student debt might leave you wondering whether a college education is worth it, even before you sign the enrollment forms. The good news is that scholarships can help. The scholarships for social work majors below are a great place to start looking when it comes to saving money on your degree.
Scholarships for undergraduate social work students
The most common undergraduate degree in social work is a bachelor of social work (BSW). With a BSW, you gain the necessary skills to support individuals, families, and communities. Case manager, family service worker, and youth worker are just a few examples of the jobs you can qualify for after completing your education.
To help you save money on school, check out these scholarships for social work majors at the undergraduate level:
The Council on Social Work Education awards one undergraduate-level and one graduate-level book scholarship per year. Students need to demonstrate a commitment to improving racial, economic, and environmental justice within the social work field.
Scholarship amount: $500
Official website: Council of Social Work Education
The Phi Alpha Honor Society presents annual scholarships to undergraduate students studying social work. In addition to the scholarship, winners receive an all expenses paid trip to the Phi Alpha Honor Society International Business Meeting. Students must be active leaders in their school’s Phi Alpha chapter and be nominated by the Chapter Advisor to apply.
Scholarship amount: Up to $1,000
Official website: Phi Alpha Honor Society
Scholarships for graduate social work majors
Students who are interested in becoming Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), first need to earn a master of social work (MSW). As a LCSW, you gain the ability to make independent decisions about client diagnoses, treatment plans, and more. LCSWs often work in fields such as mental health, crisis intervention, and substance abuse.
While a graduate degree is a significant investment, these scholarships for social work majors can help you reduce the cost of earning your degree:
Each year, the Phi Alpha Honor Society provides 3 scholarships to graduate students studying social work. In addition to the scholarship, the first-place winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip to present their work at the Phi Alpha Executive Meeting.
Scholarship amount: $1,000-$3,000
Official website: Phi Alpha Honor Society
Graduate students with a commitment to working with or supporting American Indian/Alaskan Native and/or Hispanic/Latino populations in the field of social work are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The NASW Foundation awards up to ten scholarships per year. Applicants must be NASW members.
Scholarship amount: $4,000
Official website: NASW Foundation
Each year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity awards this scholarship to graduate students studying social work, social sciences, or criminal justice. Students must be a member of the fraternity to apply.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
The goal of this fellowship is to support the training and development of graduate students from underrepresented groups who are studying social work, psychology, mental health counseling, and related fields. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration created this program to address the gap of mental healthcare provision among minority groups.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: American Psychological Association
Scholarships for doctoral-level social work students
While pursuing a doctorate degree in social work isn’t necessary for most careers in the field, it can be the right option for some students. Holding an advanced degree in social work can give you an advantage when it comes to applying for leadership positions and conducting research in the field. Many Ph.D. holders also go on to educate social work students at the university level.
The Council on Social Work Education provides annual awards to both graduate-level and doctoral-level social work students. Students must be committed to serving underrepresented or underserved populations in the field of mental health or substance abuse through research, practice, teaching, or policy development.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: Council of Social Work Education
The NASW Foundation awards this annual fellowship to a doctoral-level social work student with a dissertation focused on welfare policy and practice. Fellows are expected to attend the NASW National Leadership Conference and submit a final dissertation to the NASW Foundation once completed.
Scholarship amount: Up to $6,500 (Varies by year)
Official website: NASW Foundation
Social work doctoral students with a dissertation focused on health policy and practice can apply for this annual award from the NASW Foundation. Once completed, the fellow must submit their dissertation to the committee. Recipients should also plan to attend the NASW National Leadership Conference.
Scholarship amount: Up to $6,000 (Varies by year)
Official website: NASW Foundation
Scholarships in social work for minority students
Social workers often work with diverse populations and those in need. Increasing the representation of minority groups in the field can only benefit individuals, families, and communities. Whether you want to give back to your own community or help support another, there are a range of scholarships for social work majors from underrepresented groups available to help you do so.
The National Association of Black Social Workers presents this annual award to social work students with an interest in public policy. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to African-centered social work, express interest in pursuing a career in public policy, and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Official website: National Association of Black Social Workers
The Pride Foundation awards this scholarship to students pursuing either a bachelor of social work (BSW) or master of social work (MSW) at the University of Washington or Seattle University. While this scholarship is geared towards members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies of the community are also welcome to apply.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: Pride Foundation
The Indian Health Service provides educational funding to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native health students. Students must commit a minimum of 2 years of service within an American Indian/Alaska Native health program following graduation. In addition to traditional health fields, students pursuing a master’s-level social work program that leads to a LCSW credential are eligible to apply.
Scholarship amount: $1,500 per month for 12 months plus additional one-time funding to offset educational costs
Official website: Indian Health Service
Deciding to pursue a degree in social work at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level is the next step towards achieving your career goals. With the skill set to help your community, drive social change, and perform research that contributes knowledge to the field, the possibilities are endless. Start your journey by completing the FAFSA, which is a free online form that assessing your eligibility for federal student aid. One of your next steps is to apply for scholarships, general or for social work majors, which can be a good option to minimize your student debt and set yourself up for success.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do with a degree in social work?
A degree in social work can prepare you for a variety of careers focused on helping individuals, families, and communities. You can even begin a career as a public policy advisor, social work researcher, or victim advocate. No matter your goals, earning a social work degree allows more flexibility than you might think.
How much does a social work degree cost?
According to the Education Data Initiative, an undergraduate degree in social work can cost an average of $141,324 before scholarships and other financial aid. A graduate degree, such as a MSW, costs an average of $66,340 and a doctorate degree costs an average of $114,300.
Where can I find scholarships for social work majors?
Getting in touch with your high school guidance counselor or university’s financial aid office is a great place to start your search. Additionally, you can search on your own by using the Degree Choices database, which allows you to search by major, GPA requirements, and other criteria. Similar scholarship databases to visit are Petersons, Cappex, and Fastweb.
More social work scholarships
Council on Social Work Education Minority Fellowship Program for Master’s Students
Council on Social Work Education
Fellowship
Not Renewable
Amount: $10,000+
Deadline: 6/2
James F. Reville Scholarship
The Arc New York
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: $3,000+
Deadline: 1/7
DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities
Disability Credit Canada Inc
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: $1,000+
Deadline: 7/31
Educational Foundation Scholarship
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Educationa
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: $4,000+
Deadline: 11/5
Allied Health Loan-For-Service Program
New Mexico Commission on Higher Education
Forgivable Loan
Not Renewable
Amount: $12,000+
Deadline: 7/1
American Educational Research Association Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research
American Educational Research Association
Fellowship
Not Renewable
Amount: $25,000+
Deadline: ongoing
Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship
Cosmetic Surgery Center
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: $2,500+
Deadline: 10/29
Charlotte Shepherd Southern Spirit Scholarship
Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 3/1
Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Educationa
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 11/5
Developmental Disabilities Scholastic Achievement Scholarship for College Students
Bethesda Lutheran Communities
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: $15,000+
Deadline: 5/15
Helen Hamilton Scholarship Fund
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 3/31
Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 10/1
Jo-Anne Koch for Bright Children Society Scholarship
Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 10/31
Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Scholarship
Amount: $1,466+
Deadline: 3/15
Pi Gamma Mu Scholarship
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: $1,000 – $2,000
Deadline: 2/15
Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Educationa
Scholarship
Not Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 11/5