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Due to the fact that becoming a licensed professional counselor requires extensive graduate education beyond the bachelor’s degree, several organizations and universities have created scholarships for counseling majors to encourage students into this in-demand helping profession. Students who utilize scholarships to fund pursuing their master’s or doctoral degree in counseling will open many professional doors in a fertile field full of various specialty areas. If you have ever dreamed of earning a counseling degree to work in a private practice, community clinic, school, mental health center, hospital, correctional facility, substance abuse treatment center, or other social service, read on to learn more about 25 of the best scholarships designed for counseling students.
1. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Minority Fellowship
Deadline: February 4th
Annually, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) offers a Minority Fellowship program for all active student members who are pursuing an accredited doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy in the United States with the goal of providing counseling services to underserved ethnic minority communities. In order to qualify for up to $20,000 for a maximum of three years, applicants must submit a current resume, a dissertation proposal, two letters of recommendation, and two personal response essays.
Contact
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Minority Fellowship
112 South Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-9808
mfp@aamft.org
2. Bethesda Lutheran Student Scholastic and Service Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
Through the Bethesda Lutheran Communities, two Lutheran Student Scholastic and Service Scholarships are granted annually for $3,000 each to undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in any field that will prepare them to serve the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including counseling. Eligible candidates must be active members of a Lutheran congregation, be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution full-time, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Bethesda Lutheran Student Scholastic and Service Scholarships
600 Hoffmann Drive
Watertown, WI 53094
(920) 206-4428
chris.dovnik@mailblc.org
Scholarship Link
3. Casey Barrio Minton and Joel Minton Counseling Scholarship
Deadline: February 28th
Within the College of Education at the University of North Texas, the Casey Barrio Minton and Joel Minton Counseling Scholarship is presented annually for up to $1,500 for full-time master’s or doctoral students who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership in the counseling field. Qualified applicants must have financial need, meet the minimum entrance performance standards for the counseling program, and maintain full-time enrollment as a graduate student.
Contact
Casey Barrio Minton and Joel Minton Counseling Scholarship
1300 West Highland St.
Denton, TX 76203
(940) 565-2235
coe-info@unt.edu
4. Donald Mattson Graduate Student of the Year Scholarship
Deadline: May 23rd
Sponsored by the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the Donald Mattson Graduate Student of the Year Scholarship provides $500 annually to one outstanding member who exemplifies extraordinary academic performance, writing contributions, and counseling practice. Honorees must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program for clinical mental health counseling, hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and exhibit dedication to addressing community mental health issues.
Contact
Donald Mattson Graduate Student of the Year Scholarship
801 North Fairfax St. Suite 304
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-6002
jmiller@amhca.org
5. Dr. Fred Adair Scholarships for Counseling
Deadline: June 30th
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation has created the Dr. Fred Adair Scholarships for Counseling to provide $5,000 in financial support for master’s level counseling students throughout Virginia who have significant experience working with underserved minority, rural, and/or military communities. Qualified applicants must be enrolled full-time in a CACREP-accredited program, have completed at least 18 credit hours, and commit to applying for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential prior to graduation.
Contact
Dr. Fred Adair Scholarships for Counseling
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 232-0376
foundation@nbcc.org
Scholarship Link
6. Ed Dunkelblau Scholarship in Applied Therapeutic Humor
Deadline: January 31st
Created by the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor in honor of his dedication to the field, the Ed Dunkelblau Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 each year to counseling majors in an accredited master’s or doctoral program who exhibit an interest in the cultural or scientific applications of therapeutic humor. Applicants are required to submit an application documenting their work and an essay describing how they perceive humor to be therapeutic.
Contact
Ed Dunkelblau Scholarship in Applied Therapeutic Humor
342 North Main St. Suite 301
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 586-7550
aduquette@aath.org
7. Ellen Hartman Hosteer Scholarship in Pastoral Counseling
Deadline: March 1st
At the United Theological Seminary, the Ellen Hartman Hosteer Scholarship in Pastoral Counseling is available for $4,000 annually to students who have the personal gifts and graces essential for reflecting the mission of Jesus Christ through professional pastoral counseling. Qualified candidates should demonstrate financial need, submit a 750-word essay describing the role of pastoral counseling in their future ministry, and have a GPA of 2.5 or better.
Contact
Ellen Hartman Hosteer Scholarship in Pastoral Counseling
4501 Denlinger Rd.
Dayton, OH 45426
(937) 529-2201
utscom@united.edu
8. Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Fellowship Program
Deadline: November 15th
Each year, the highly respected American Psychological Association (APA) Foundation hosts the Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Fellowship Program to provide $25,000 in support of graduate research projects in areas of child psychology, school psychology, child and adolescent counseling, developmental psychopathology, and/or school counseling. Eligible doctoral students will be evaluated based on quality of proposed work, demonstrate research competence, magnitude of incremental contribution, and conformance with program goals.
Contact
Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Fellowship Program
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843
foundation@apa.org
9. George R. and Helen Klein Memorial Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: February 6th
Within the Department of Counseling at Oakland University, the George R. and Helen Klein Memorial Graduate Scholarship is bestowed annually for $1,000 to $2,000 for graduate students enrolled in the university’s counseling program who have a primary interest in addictions counseling and/or treatment. Candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and be involved in relevant community service.
Contact
George R. and Helen Klein Memorial Graduate Scholarship
2200 North Squirrel Rd.
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-4179
sehs@oakland.edu
Scholarship Link
10. Global Career Development Facilitator Scholarships
Deadline: June 30th
With the mission of increasing the number of qualified professional counselors to provide quality career development services as part of their counseling practice, the NBCC Foundation offers the Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) Scholarships for $5,000. Eligible counseling majors must be enrolled full-time in a master’s level program accredited by the CACREP, hold an active GCDF credential in good standing, and agree to provide career development services for at least two years post-graduation.
Contact
Global Career Development Facilitator Scholarships
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 232-0376
foundation@nbcc.org
11. Jane Roiter Memorial Scholarship for Counseling and Human Services
Deadline: May 16th
In memory of a widely respected clinical social worker and beloved professor, the Jane Roiter Memorial Scholarship for Counseling and Human Services is granted annually by the National Louis University for up to $2,000 to students pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. Applicants are required to submit a current resume, personal essay, and letter of recommendation as well as be available to meet in-person with the scholarship’s review committee.
Contact
Jane Roiter Memorial Scholarship for Counseling and Human Services
122 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 261-3270
stscholarships@nl.edu
12. Kenneth W. Morrison Memorial Scholarship in Counseling
Deadline: April 30th
In order to facilitate students’ proficiency and practical competency in preparation for a rewarding career in the counseling profession, the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh offers the Kenneth W. Morrison Memorial Scholarship in Counseling for current full or part-time graduate students majoring counseling. Eligible candidates should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, have at least one semester of study remaining, and exhibit a commitment to advocacy.
Contact
Kenneth W. Morrison Memorial Scholarship in Counseling
800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-1234
gradschool@uwosh.edu
13. Kyle O’Connell Memorial Legacy Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 1st
Through the University of San Diego Alumni Association, the Kyle O’Connell Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor of the young son of two active alumni members who lost his brave fight against brain cancer in 2005. With the goal of inspiring students through Kyle’s story of courage, the scholarship fund presents up to $2,000 annually for USD graduate students who are enrolled in the healing arts and sciences, including nursing, psychology, social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
Contact
Kyle O’Connell Memorial Legacy Scholarship Fund
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4819
alumni@sandiego.edu
14. Leslie L. Martin and Helen Thacker Hill Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
At the University of Kentucky, the College of Education presents the Leslie L. Martin and Helen Thacker Hill Scholarship each year to graduate students with certified disabilities who are currently enrolled full-time in the Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling program. Qualified applicants must meet all requirements for admission, be from a rural area of Kentucky, and be committed to leading a career in rehabilitation for developmentally disabled adults in rural areas.
Contact
Leslie L. Martin and Helen Thacker Hill Scholarship
166 Taylor Education Building
Lexington, KY 40506
(859) 257-6076
sarah.devriendt@uky.edu
15. Lloyd A. Stone School Counseling Scholarship Fund
Deadline: Varies
Within the Department of Counselor Education at Emporia State University, the Lloyd A. Stone School Counseling Scholarship Fund has been established to provide financial support to outstanding graduate students who have declared a major in school counseling. For consideration, students must have completed at least 15 semester hours of graduate courses, be enrolled full-time, and submit a transcript demonstrating a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better.
Contact
Lloyd A. Stone School Counseling Scholarship Fund
1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801
(620) 341-5220
jcostell@emporia.edu
Scholarship Link
16. Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarship in Counseling
Deadline: February 1st
Annually, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Educational Foundation awards the Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarship in Counseling for between $500 and $1,000 to undergraduate and graduate level students nationwide who are currently enrolled in an accredited degree program in counseling in the United States. Along with the application, candidates must submit three letters of recommendation, an official transcript, and an essay on counseling career goals.
Contact
Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarship in Counseling
1734 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-3103
info@zetaphibetasororityhq.org
17. Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 14th
For up to $4,000 annually, the Nassau Counselors’ Association awards the Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship to graduate students residing in Nassau County of New York State who are currently enrolled full-time or part-time in a counseling degree program accredited through the CACREP. Qualified applicants must have completed at least 12 graduate credits, demonstrate a commitment to the counseling profession, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, and be a member of the professional counselor organization.
Contact
Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship Program
2301 Grand Avenue
Bellmore, NY 11710
(516) 255-8920
lweiss@rvcschools.org
18. Ned Gaylin Endowed Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 15th
Established in 2005 by the Department of Family Studies at the University of Maryland to honor his service to inspiring a whole generation of college students, the Ned Gaylin Endowed Scholarship Fund provides annual awards for outstanding graduate students who are currently enrolled in the Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy program. Selection will be based on academic performance, involvement in community service, financial need, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and commitment to the counseling profession.
Contact
Ned Gaylin Endowed Scholarship Fund
1142 School of Public Health Building
College Park, MD 27042
(301) 405-3672
fmsc@umd.edu
19. Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Deadline: January 15th
Funded by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is designed to provide financial support for the training of clinical, counseling, and school psychology doctoral students in preparation for careers related to behavioral health sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled full-time in an APA-accredited doctoral program, and have a strong commitment to a career in ethnic minority behavioral health sciences or policy.
Contact
Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5500
foundation@apa.org
Scholarship Link
20. Robert and Diane Betz Award in Counselor Education
Deadline: February 19th
At Western Michigan University, the Robert and Diane Betz Award in Counselor Education is granted annually to assist with tuition fees and/or support research for an extraordinary doctoral student pursuing a degree in counseling psychology or counselor education. Eligible nominees must be enrolled full-time, be in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and demonstrate high potential for excellence in counseling practice or education.
Contact
Robert and Diane Betz Award in Counselor Education
1903 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 387-5100
james.croteau@wmich.edu
21. Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship for Marriage and Family Therapy
Deadline: December 31st
In memory of a clinical hypnotherapist, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) has created the Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship to provide $4,000 annually to students from an underrepresented ethnic population who are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from an accredited California institution. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, show academic achievement, participate actively in community events, and be pursuing licensure as a MFT.
Contact
Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship for Marriage and Family Therapy
7901 Raytheon Rd.
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 292-2638
jepstein@camft.org
22. Ross Trust Graduate Student Scholarship Competition
Deadline: January 31st
In order to win up to $1,000 to help pay for graduate studies, the Ross Trust Graduate Student Scholarship Competition is available through the American Counseling Association to any counseling majors in the United States who are currently taking one or more graduate courses at an accredited university. Entrants must submit a 500-word essay describing which particular characteristics of the counseling profession shaped their quest to become a counselor.
Contact
Ross Trust Graduate Student Scholarship Competition
5999 Stevenson Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
(800) 347-6647 ext. 350
essaycontests@counseling.org
Scholarship Link
23. Sandra Koscielniak Graduate Education Scholarship
Deadline: September 12th
The Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY) is offering the Sandra Koscielniak Graduate Education Scholarship for $1,000 to students who are enrolled in an accredited program leading to a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Counseling, Master of Arts in Counseling, or Master of Arts in Family Therapy with a focus on children and adolescents. Qualified applicants should have experience in youth programs, demonstrate leadership qualities, and have a career planed in social services for youth.
Contact
Sandra Koscielniak Graduate Education Scholarship
250 South Route 59
Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 483-5799
jparquette@hanover-township.org
24. Sweeney LeBlanc Scholarships for Outstanding Counseling Service
Deadline: February 1st
At San Francisco State University, the Department of Counseling awards up to three Sweeney LeBlanc Scholarships annually for $1,000 each to graduate counseling majors who have a documented track record of providing outstanding counseling service to African Americans. Applicants must have completed at least one semester, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, and submit verification of counseling-related participation in civic organizations that specifically promote the well-being of African American communities.
Contact
Sweeney LeBlanc Scholarships for Outstanding Counseling Service
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 338-2005
counsel@sfsu.edu
25. Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 15th
Through the American Psychological Foundation, the Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship Program is open to all graduate students in psychology and counseling psychology who demonstrate extraordinary promise towards mitigating the stigma of mental illness in our society. To qualify for the 5,000 award, applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution, be in good academic standing, have demonstrated commitment to research on stigma issues, and have IRB approval for a proposed research project.
Contact
Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship Program
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5500
foundation@apa.org
As the sticker price of earning a graduate degree in counseling continues to rise to hefty proportions, it is becoming more important than ever before for students to discover multiple funding opportunities to afford the costs associated with tuition, textbooks, room and board, supplies, and other academic expenses. If you are searching for the means to achieve your dreams as a professional counselor, be sure to check out these 25 great scholarships for counseling majors to help relieve the financial burden of getting started in this rewarding profession.
