In the evolving landscape of higher education, the cost of obtaining a degree continues to rise, making scholarships more critical than ever. Scholarships not only provide financial relief but also recognize academic achievement, community service, leadership, and specific career goals. While many scholarships are general in nature, some are tailored to specific majors and degree types. These targeted awards provide students with opportunities to fund their education while pursuing their academic and professional interests.
This article explores top scholarships categorized by major and degree type, offering a roadmap for students to identify funding opportunities aligned with their chosen fields of study.
1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
– Barry Goldwater Scholarship
Degree Type: Undergraduate
Field: Science, Mathematics, and Engineering
Award: Up to $7,500/year
Description: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to sophomores and juniors who demonstrate exceptional promise in scientific research. Applicants must have strong academic records and plan to pursue a Ph.D.
– National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship
Degree Type: Graduate (Master’s or Ph.D.)
Field: STEM disciplines
Award: $34,000 stipend + $12,000 tuition
Description: This fellowship supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines, offering one of the most generous packages in the U.S.
– SMART Scholarship (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation)
Degree Type: Undergraduate and Graduate
Field: STEM fields related to the U.S. Department of Defense
Award: Full tuition, stipend, internship, and job placement
Description: Sponsored by the DoD, the SMART Scholarship aims to support STEM talent for national defense initiatives.
2. Business and MBA Programs
– Forté Foundation Fellowships
Degree Type: MBA
Field: Business and Management
Award: Varies by partner school
Description: Offered through Forté Foundation partner schools, these scholarships support women pursuing MBA degrees and aiming for leadership roles in business.
– The Toigo Fellowship
Degree Type: MBA
Field: Finance and Business
Award: Up to $10,000 + leadership development
Description: Targeted at underrepresented minorities entering top MBA programs, this scholarship combines financial aid with mentorship and career support.
– QS Leadership Scholarship
Degree Type: Graduate (MBA or Business Master’s)
Field: Business
Award: $10,000
Description: Awarded to MBA candidates who demonstrate strong leadership potential during QS events.
3. Health and Medicine
– Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Degree Type: Undergraduate and Graduate
Field: Healthcare (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, etc.)
Award: $5,000–$10,000
Description: This scholarship supports students pursuing healthcare careers who have demonstrated leadership and community involvement.
– National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
Degree Type: Graduate (Medical, Dental, Nursing)
Field: Health Professions
Award: Full tuition + stipend + fees
Description: In exchange for a service commitment in underserved areas, this federal program offers full scholarships to students in eligible health disciplines.
4. Education and Teaching
– TEACH Grant
Degree Type: Undergraduate and Graduate
Field: Education
Award: Up to $4,000/year
Description: Offered to students who commit to teaching in high-need fields and low-income schools. Failure to fulfill the service requirement turns the grant into a loan.
– James Madison Graduate Fellowships
Degree Type: Graduate
Field: Teaching (American History, Government)
Award: Up to $24,000
Description: These fellowships support future secondary school teachers of American history, government, or civics.
5. Arts and Humanities
– Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Arts Award
Degree Type: Graduate
Field: Visual and Performing Arts
Award: Up to $50,000/year
Description: This prestigious award supports exceptional students pursuing graduate degrees in the arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and artistic promise.
– Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics
Degree Type: Undergraduate
Field: Humanities, Social Sciences
Award: $500–$5,000
Description: This essay competition encourages students to engage with ethical issues and human rights concerns through reflective writing.
6. Law and Public Policy
– Marshall-Motley Scholars Program
Degree Type: Law (J.D.)
Field: Civil Rights Law
Award: Full tuition + post-grad support
Description: Sponsored by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, this scholarship supports Black law students dedicated to racial justice and civil rights in the American South.
– Harry S. Truman Scholarship
Degree Type: Graduate
Field: Public Policy, Law, Public Service
Award: Up to $30,000
Description: Aimed at students committed to careers in public service, this scholarship is highly competitive and includes leadership training.
7. Environmental and Sustainability Studies
– Udall Scholarship
Degree Type: Undergraduate
Field: Environmental Studies, Native American Public Policy
Award: Up to $7,000
Description: Supports students committed to environmental or Native American policy careers. Recipients gain access to a strong alumni network.
– National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Scholarships
Degree Type: Undergraduate and Graduate
Field: Environmental Health and Public Health
Award: Varies
Description: NEHA offers scholarships for students studying environmental health at accredited programs.
Tips for Applying by Major
-
Research Niche Opportunities
Look for scholarships offered by industry associations, nonprofits, or government departments related to your major. -
Highlight Field-Specific Experience
Emphasize relevant coursework, internships, and projects in your application. -
Secure Strong Recommendations
Choose recommenders who can speak to your passion and abilities in your chosen field. -
Customize Your Essays
Tailor your personal statement to show how your goals align with the scholarship's mission.