Graduate school is an investment of resources and time. But one thing that often deters prospective students from applying to grad school is the cost of tuition.
To help offset (or even cover) the cost, many programs offer departmental scholarships and grant-based opportunities. But that’s not the only assistance available to social work graduate students. Many students forget about searching for outside aid they could be eligible for — sometimes with requirements as simple as submitting an essay about their passion for social work. To help you in your search, we’ve put together a list of opportunities that are not widely known. Best of luck!
Minority Fellowship Program
The CSWE’s Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) opportunities support the mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to reduce the effects of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. This is accomplished by increasing the number of individuals trained to work with underrepresented and underserved racial/ethnic minority persons with or at risk for mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.
Award amount: $10,000 per fellow.
Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund
The Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund was established by the CSWE Board of Directors in recognition of Carl A. Scott's contributions to CSWE and the social work profession. The components of the fund includes an annual lecture series given at the annual program meeting, a publication program, and scholarship assistance. Scholarships will be awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to work for equity and social justice in social work. Winners will be notified late September.
Award amount: Two $500 scholarships
Cenie Jomo Williams Tuition Scholarship
Cenie “Jomo” Williams, Jr. was the first elected President of the National Association of Black Social Workers. He was elected President of the New York City Association of Black Social Workers in 1969 and developed many community programs that brought positive changes in the New York community, and built the New York City Chapter into the organization’s largest chapter. When elected to the Presidency of the National Association of Black Social Workers in 1970, Williams’ made tremendous efforts to develop and organize new chapters, both nationally and internationally.
Award amount: One $2,500 award
Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
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 or voluntary nonprofit agencies or with local grassroots groups in the United States are also eligible.
Award amount: Ten $4000 scholarships awarded
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Every year, the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans supports 30 new Americans, immigrants, or children of immigrants, who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. The competition is merit-based. Selection criteria emphasize creativity, originality, initiative, and sustained accomplishment. The program values a commitment to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Award amount: up to $25,000 in stipend support per year
Aid from the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is dedicated to working with each student individually on a financial aid package to best accommodate his or her needs. Baylor MSW applicants have access to more than 15 departmental scholarships, tuition remission benefits, and graduate stipends. Each departmental scholarship award amount varies. Tuition remission is given as a direct discount on tuition costs. A graduate stipend is funds earned as a graduate assistant working ten hours per week for a total of 15 weeks per semester.
At Baylor University, we are committed to helping you finance your education. If you want to learn more about Baylor scholarships and financial aid opportunities, please explore our MSW financial aid page. Be sure to submit an application to the MSW program and the supplemental paperwork for financial aid before the March 1 priority deadline. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us — we look forward to hearing from you!
