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Reeling in profitable scholarships for maritime studies can help you “sea” your future offshore in ocean-related professions. Maritime studies is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the history, science, politics, and security of the globe’s largest bodies of water. The United States currently has six state maritime academies, such as Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Aspiring mariners can also find bachelor’s and master’s in maritime studies at traditional four-year universities. According to the BLS, demand in the maritime industry is projected to grow faster-than-average by 9 percent through 2024. Maritime studies graduates could excel as naval architects, port managers, international trade specialists, harbor masters, maritime environmentalists, ship surveyors, and more. Marine engineers also report a six-figure average yearly salary of $100,090. Consider the following maritime studies scholarships to fund your training without diving into deep debt.
1. Admiral Maurice J. Bresnahan Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
At the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, the Admiral Maurice J. Bresnahan Scholarship covers in-state tuition up to $8,500 annually with room and board for full-time undergraduates who maintain academic excellence with a minimum 3.3 GPA. Legal Commonwealth residents must be earning their first bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, marine safety, international maritime business, or marine transportation. Other MMA maritime studies scholarships include the Gateway City Scholarship and Paul E. Tsongas Scholarship.
Contact
Admiral Maurice J. Bresnahan Scholarship
101 Academy Drive
Buzzards Bay, Ma 02532
(508) 830-5087
psmith@maritime.edu
2. American Society of Naval Engineers Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
Established in 1979, the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) presents scholarships of $3,000 for undergraduate and $4,000 for graduate students who are pursuing technical maritime disciplines. Acceptable majors include naval architecture, marine engineering, ocean engineering, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, and marine technology. Eligibility criteria mandates being a U.S. citizen, attending an ABET-accredited college, taking 9+ credits per term, and having significant naval or military experience.
Contact
American Society of Naval Engineers Scholarship
1452 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-6727
scholarships@navalengineers.org
3. Captain Barry Eldridge Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
The Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council (CIRCAC) initiated the Captain Barry Eldridge Memorial Scholarship to honor his 17-year position on the Prevention, Response, Operations and Safety (PROPS) Committee. For the $1,000 scholarship, Alaskan high school seniors and recent graduates must be enrolling full-time at accredited maritime academies. Applications are accepted from Anchorage, Kodiak, Nikiski, Ninilchik, Soldotna, Homer, and the Kenai Peninsula with at least two recommendations and a 500-word personal essay.
Contact
Captain Barry Eldridge Memorial Scholarship
8195 Kenai Spur Highway
Kenai, AK 99611
(907) 283-7222
jerryrombach@circac.org
4. Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: April 20th
Valued at $2,500, the Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarship is presented yearly by the Marine Technology Society (MTS) to members who are pursuing any post-baccalaureate program in marine engineering, marine technology, or related maritime studies full-time. For consideration, applicants must submit two reference forms, a certified electronic transcript, the MTS member ID, and a brief essay describing their future contributions to marine science. Bachelor’s students can apply for the Bussmann Undergraduate Scholarship.
Contact
Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarship
1100 H Street NW Suite LL-100
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 717-8705
scholarships@mtsociety.org
5. CMA Education Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: June 1st
The Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) Education Foundation awards nearly $30,000 each year with $500 to $1,500 scholarships for students enrolling full-time at maritime academies or universities with marine-related degrees in the United States. Connecticut residents who are embarking on careers within the maritime industry could apply by writing a 750-word essay. Applications should also include one faculty reference, proof of financial need, and an official transcript.
Contact
CMA Education Foundation Scholarships
62 Southfield Avenue Suite 214
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 550-5552
kbreencma@gmail.com
6. Dolores E. Fisher Scholarship Award
Deadline: June 30th
Located in Key West, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum sponsors the $1,000 Dolores E. Fisher Scholarship Award to support young women pursuing higher education to fulfill their defined career goals in maritime fields. One award is given for the 16-21 age range, and another is reserved for females between 22 and 30 years old. Selection is strongly based on applicants’ two-page essays outlining their passion for conserving the world’s vulnerable oceans.
Contact
Dolores E. Fisher Scholarship Award
200 Greene Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-2633
office@melfisher.org
7. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 9th
Named for the National Ocean Service (NOS) director who lead conservation efforts for coastal aquatic life, the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is managed by the NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries. Recipients can receive $10,000 to $42,000 to support their graduate-level research in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology, ocean engineering, and related fields at accredited U.S. institutions. Preference is given to outstanding female and minority students with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Contact
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
1305 East-West Highway 11th Floor
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 713-1208
fosterscholars@noaa.gov
8. Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gifts the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship for up to $9,500 per year to successful sophomores and juniors who are earning bachelor’s degrees in maritime studies, oceanic engineering, hydrology, geography, environmental science, and other relevant majors. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, matriculate full-time in accredited colleges, and possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. Recipients also complete a 10-week summer internship at any NOAA facility.
Contact
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
1401 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
(301) 713-7391
StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov
9. Frederick H. Todd Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 15th
Organized in 1893, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) has an endowment for the Frederick H. Todd Scholarship Fund to honor the Gibbs Brothers Medal winner who authored over 100 technical papers. The $6,000 scholarship is reserved for U.S. and Canadian students holding SNAME membership who are earning master’s degrees in naval architecture, marine engineering, or ocean engineering for ship design and building careers.
Contact
Frederick H. Todd Scholarship Fund
99 Canal Center Plaza Suite 310
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 997-6701
wmaclean@sname.org
10. J.H. “Buddy” Raspberry Scholarships
Deadline: April 5th
The West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) provides 25 J.H. “Buddy” Raspberry Scholarships for $3,000 each year. One additional $15,000 financial aid scholarship is bestowed for economically disadvantaged students. Eligible applicants must be the children or grandchildren of employees with West Gulf affiliated members. Funding is provided for admission into post-secondary U.S. institutions for maritime studies with a minimum “B” average. Winners are honored at the Raspberry Awards Reception in June.
Contact
J.H. “Buddy” Raspberry Scholarships
1717 Turning Basin Suite 200
Houston, TX 77029
(713) 678-7655
shareen@wgma.org
11. Joseph A. McAlinden Divers Scholarship
Deadline: Ongoing
Ranging from $500 to $3,000, the Joseph A. McAlinden Divers Scholarship is granted by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) to active duty or veteran Sailors or Marines and their immediate family members. Suitable applicants must register full-time at an accredited undergraduate institution for oceanography, ocean agriculture, aquaculture, marine science, and related maritime majors or advanced diver training. Submitting a Certificate of Service letter or DD 214 form is mandatory.
Contact
Joseph A. McAlinden Divers Scholarship
875 N. Randolph Street Suite 225
Arlington VA 22203
(703) 696-4960
education@nmcrs.org
12. Kitchings Family Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 1st
The University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus runs the Kitchings Family Scholarship Program to provide $4,000 to two incoming freshmen who have selected the Marine Sciences or Maritime Studies major. Interested U.S. citizens or legal residents must rank in the top 15 percent of their class, maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.2, achieve a minimum SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 24, show active community involvement, and demonstrate a commitment to ocean-focused careers.
Contact
Kitchings Family Scholarship Program
1084 Shennecossett Road
Groton, CT 06340
(860) 405-9000
Joyce.Wood@uconn.edu
13. Lizzi Marriott Intrepid Ocean Explorer Scholarship
Deadline: April 22nd
To honor the passionate University of New Hampshire student and New England Aquarium volunteer who was murdered in 2012, the Lizzi Marriott Intrepid Ocean Explorer Scholarship gifts up to $2,000 yearly. Suitable applicants will be U.S. citizens who are attending accredited colleges full-time with a maritime major and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. The application process involves writing a 500-word essay outlining career aspirations protecting our oceans and surrounding waters.
Contact
Lizzi Marriott Intrepid Ocean Explorer Scholarship
P.O. Box 165
Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 330-8209
Sue@rememberlizzi.org
14. Maritime Transportation Scholarship
Deadline: April 22nd
Partnered with the Port of Houston Authority (PHA), Texas Southern University bestows the Maritime Transportation Scholarship for $2,000 per semester or $4,000 annually to students actively pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation Management and Security. Since 2010, funding has helped full-time maritime majors holding a high school diploma or GED, achieving a minimum 2.5 GPA, and displaying potential for the logistics/freight industry. Renewal is possible for undergraduates with a “B” average or better.
Contact
Maritime Transportation Scholarship
3100 Cleburne Suite 215
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 313-4394
williamsua@tsu.edu
15. Norm Manly Maritime Education Scholarship
Deadline: February 22nd
The Puget Sound Maritime (PSM) has continued the Youth Maritime Training Activities’ (YMTA) tradition of awarding the Norm Manly Maritime Education Scholarship for $1,000 to $5,000 each year. Graduating high school seniors from Washington State with an overall GPA of 2.5 or better who are pursuing post-secondary education in maritime studies can apply. Finalists who pass the first phase with an outstanding 500-word essay must provide an oral presentation for the second phase.
Contact
Norm Manly Maritime Education Scholarship
P.O. Box 81142
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 812-5464
ymta@pugetmaritime.org
16. O’Bryan Baun Karamanian Law Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
As a Michigan legal firm representing maritime cases from coast to coast, O’Bryan Baun Karamanian Law created a $1,000 scholarship to financially support students pursuing careers in maritime law. Qualified candidates must be currently matriculated at accredited U.S. colleges, intend to pursue an ABA-accredited law degree, have unmet need, and present a minimum 2.8 GPA. Students must submit a typed, original essay discussing the toughest challenges faced by seamen in today’s shipping industry.
Contact
O’Bryan Baun Karamanian Law Scholarship
401 South Old Woodward Avenue
Birmingham, MI 48009
(800) 627-9267
info@obryanlaw.net
17. Oceanic Engineering Society Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st or September 1st
Biannually, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) Oceanic Engineering Society awards multiple $5,000 scholarships for members interested in operations pertaining to bodies of water. Selected recipients must attain at least sophomore standing, attend an accredited U.S. institution, pursue majors related to ocean or marine engineering, show academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA, submit two faculty recommendations, and write a two-page personal statement.
Contact
Ocean Engineering Society Scholarships
3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
(732) 562-5501
society-info@ieee.org
18. Plywood Regatta Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st
Devoted to “building boating’s future,” the Plywood Regatta Scholarship Fund distributes at least $1,000 each Fall to graduating high school students who are pursuing collegiate education to enter the recreational marine industry. Chosen applicants must participate in the Plywood Regatta that year, demonstrate strong determination, carry a grade point average above 2.5, be actively involved in community service, and be accepted into an accredited maritime academy. Signed applications must include two references and a sealed transcript.
Contact
Plywood Regatta Scholarship Fund
231 South Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 524-2733
sharon@miasf.org
19. Raymond Plaunt Memorial Maritime Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Worth $1,000, the Raymond Plaunt Memorial Maritime Scholarship is administered by the Straits Area Community Foundation to Michigan residents hailing from Cheboygan County or Mackinaw City. Eligible college-bound seniors must be accepted into an accredited U.S. higher learning institution to pursue maritime studies full-time and maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA. Priority is given to candidates who already have maritime industry experience or have served in the Navy and Marines.
Contact
Raymond Plaunt Memorial Maritime Scholarship
100 North Ripley Suite F
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-6881
wiesenj@cfnem.org
20. Robert N. Herbert Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Another of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers’ scholarships for maritime studies is the $6,000 Robert N. Herbert Undergraduate Scholarship, which is named for the founder of Herbert Engineering Corp. in Annapolis, Maryland. Interested SNAME members must follow their passion for shipbuilding by pursuing an accredited bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, ocean engineering, or marine science. Partnering schools include the Florida Institute of Technology and University of California-Berkeley.
Contact
Robert N. Herbert Undergraduate Scholarship
99 Canal Center Plaza Suite 310
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 997-6701
wmaclean@sname.org
21. Sharon D. Banks Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: November 3rd
Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) created the Sharon D. Banks Memorial Scholarship for $2,500 to honor the CEO of AC Transit in Alameda-Contra County, California. Interested ladies must be matriculated full-time in accredited undergraduate programs in transportation, maritime studies, marine engineering, logistics, or supply chain management with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Along with a recommendation letter, applicants must write a 500-word statement about their career goals in maritime transportation.
Contact
Sharon D. Banks Memorial Scholarship
1670 Broadway, Suite 3400
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 318-6308
alena.rein@hdrinc.com
22. Simpkins Family Marine Science Scholarship
Deadline: February 7th
The Moss Landing Marine Laboratories for the California State University (CSU) system offer the Simpkins Family Marine Science Scholarship for $1,000 to undergraduate and $2,000 for graduate students dedicated to marine environment stewardship. Eligible MLML students must attain at least junior standing, register for one or more maritime units, hold a minimum GPA of 3.0, and exhibit exemplary potential for marine science careers. Recipients are asked to give five-minute PowerPoint presentations at the Scholarship Reception.
Contact
Simpkins Family Marine Science Scholarship
401 Golden Shore
Long Beach, CA 90802
(831) 771-4100
teggink@mlml.calstate.edu
23. The Paros-Digiquartz Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 20th
The Paros-Digiquartz Scholarship Award is another of the Marine Technology Society’s scholarships for maritime studies, including marine engineering, ocean engineering, marine technology, and naval science. Valued at $2,000, the fund is available for MTS members earning bachelor’s or master’s degrees full-time at accredited academic institutions worldwide to fulfill their interests in marine instrumentation. Applications are incomplete without one reference form, one recommendation form, and an official eTranscript.
Contact
The Paros-Digiquartz Scholarship Award
1100 H Street NW Suite LL-100
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 717-8705
scholarships@mtsociety.org
24. Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Deadline:
Since 1984, the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship from Crowley Maritime Corporation has granted over $3 million to encourage bright minds to pursue post-secondary educational programs in maritime studies. Students typically obtain $2,500 to afford tuition at partnering maritime schools, including Webb Institute, University of North Florida, Williams Mystic, University of Alaska Fairbanks, SUNY Maritime College, and University of Puerto Rico. Recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and career goals at sea.
Contact
Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship
9487 Regency Square Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32225
(904) 727-2200
25. TK Foundation Maritime Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
Named after global shipping magnate J. Torben Karlshoej, the TK Foundation offers the $10,000 Maritime Scholarship through the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) annually. Suitable applicants must be pursuing bachelor’s degrees in maritime studies, have completed at least one full-time year, attend accredited four-year U.S. institutions, have unmet financial need, and sustain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Judges peruse students’ 600-word personal essays to determine promise in the vibrant maritime industry.
Contact
TK Foundation Maritime Scholarship
4041 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 510
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 553-4202
info@oc-cf.org
PayScale’s 2016 College Salary Report recognized SUNY Maritime College as being the #1 best value with a 20-year net ROI of $945,000. Similar schools like the United States Naval Academy also help maritime studies majors reap an excellent bang for their buck. However, affording tuition upfront isn’t easy, especially for low-income learners. Financial aid resources like scholarships and grants gift free money to afford tuition, textbooks, and room and board. Apply for these 25 great scholarships for maritime studies to keep swimming towards your seagoing goals.
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