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Since philosophy is steadily rising in popularity as the newest generation of college students increasingly seeks enhanced critical thinking skills to tackle today’s modern-day issues, several organizations and universities have established scholarships for philosophy majors to alleviate the financial burden of achieving these results.
Despite the fact that philosophy is often scoffed for being one of the useless majors, studying philosophy actually provides students with valuable analytical, logical, public speaking, writing, rational counter-argumentative, and communication skills.
If you are considering earning a degree in philosophy, the following are 25 of the best scholarships specifically geared towards students majoring in philosophy.
1. Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Deadline: October 24th
Established in honor of one of the most original, uncompromising, and controversial philosophers in the 20th century, the Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is open for up to $10,000 to graduating high school seniors and college students who submit a logically organized essay demonstrating an outstanding grasp of the philosophical meaning of Atlas Shrugged. All submissions will be evaluated in an unbiased four-round judging process based on both writing style and content.
Contact
Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
P.O. Box 57044
Irvine, CA 92619
(949) 222-6550
info@aynrandnovels.com
Scholarship Link
2. Bacon-Beard Undergraduate Philosophy Scholarship
Deadline: April 2nd
At the University of Tennessee, the Bacon-Beard Undergraduate Philosophy Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 annually to junior or senior-level students enrolled in the undergraduate philosophy degree program within the College of Arts and Sciences. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be making satisfactory progress toward a degree, demonstrate financial need, and attach two letters of recommendation.
Contact
Bacon-Beard Undergraduate Philosophy Scholarship
801 McClung Tower
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-3251
raquila@utk.edu
3. Carolyn R. Morillo Scholarship in Philosophy
Deadline: March 15th
Created by the Department of Philosophy at the University of New Orleans for her contributions and service as Professor Emeritus, the Carolyn R. Morillo Scholarship in Philosophy is granted each year for $2,500 to a philosophy major with sophomore or junior-level standing to support their next-to-last year leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy. Qualified candidates must have at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to their outstanding promise in philosophy.
Contact
Carolyn R. Morillo Scholarship in Philosophy
2000 Lakeshore Drive
New Orleans, LA 70148
(504) 280-7473
rstuffle@uno.edu
4. Copernicus Center Scholarship for Doctoral Researchers
Deadline: July 31st
Funded by the John Templeton Foundation, the Copernicus Center Scholarship for Doctoral Researchers is designed to provide $2,000 to individuals who hold a Master’s degree in the field of psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, philosophy, or anthropology and are interested in conducting their doctoral dissertation research at the Copernicus Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. Preference is given to students studying the philosophy of cognitive neuroscience, normative dimension of decision making, or emergence of normative orders.
Contact
Copernicus Center Scholarship for Doctoral Researchers
300 Conshohocken State Rd.
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610) 941-2828
info@copernicuscenter.edu.pl
5. Cyrus M. Johnson Sr. Scholarship for Peace and Social Justice
Deadline: March 1st
In memory of his lifelong activism for peace and social justice, the Cyrus M. Johnson Sr. Scholarship for Peace and Social Justice is awarded annually for $1,000 to senior-level undergraduate or graduate who are majoring in philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and are pursuing studies in the area of peace or social justice. Recipients will be chosen based on financial need, academic achievement, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Contact
Cyrus M. Johnson Sr. Scholarship for Peace and Social Justice
9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223
(704) 687-8622
lrasmuss@uncc.edu
6. David Hume Scholarship for Philosophy Majors
Deadline: February 15th
Named for one of the most prominent figures in the history of early modern philosophy, the David Hume Scholarship is available for full-time junior or senior philosophy majors at Texas State University who compose the best paper in the analytical tradition of Hume with clear argumentation and scientific evidence. For consideration, upper-division undergraduate students must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
David Hume Scholarship for Philosophy Majors
Derrick Hall Room 105
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 245-2285
Philosophy@txstate.edu
http://www.txstate.edu/philosophy/resources/scholarships.html
7. Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarships
Deadline: February 1st
As one of the ten biggest scholarships in the world awarding up to $50,000 to extraordinary young people, the Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarships are presented annually to deserving students 18 years of age or under who have completed a significant project in science, technology, engineering, philosophy, literature, or music. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, submit a project that exhibits a college graduate level of knowledge in the particular area of study, and be available to attend an awards reception in Washington, D.C.
Contact
Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarships
9665 Gateway Drive Suite B
Reno, NV 89521
(775) 852-3483 ext. 435
DavidsonFellows@DavidsonGifted.org
8. Downing-Montague Scholarship for Philosophy in Healthcare
Deadline: May 1st
At Western Washington University, the Downing-Montague Scholarship for Philosophy in Healthcare bestows $1,500 annually upon a deserving student who shows significant promise in the junctures of philosophy and healthcare, including bioethics, technology ethics, automated reasoning systems in healthcare, and or any other areas studying the philosophy of science with a focus on healthcare. Eligibility is restricted to undergraduate students with junior or senior status who are enrolled full-time with 12 or more credits each quarter.
Contact
Downing-Montague Scholarship for Philosophy in Healthcare
Bond Hall Room 302A
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3860
denora.lombard@wwu.edu
9. Ferdinand Canning Scott Schiller Essay Prize in Philosophy
Deadline: March 15th
With the mission of promoting the study of his contributions to philosophy, the Ferdinand Canning Scott Schiller Essay Prize in Philosophy is available to undergraduate and graduate philosophy majors at the University of California at Berkeley who compose the best essay on a specific topic relating to Schiller’s work. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time for at least one regular semester of the academic year with satisfactory degree progress.
Contact
Ferdinand Canning Scott Schiller Essay Prize in Philosophy
201 Sproul Hall #1960
Berkeley, CA 94720
(510) 664-9181
studentcentral@berkeley.edu
10. Gregory Stevens Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 14th
Awarded through the Office of the Dean at Eastern Michigan University, the Gregory Stevens Memorial Scholarship is granted for up to $2,500 to outstanding full-time currently enrolled students who have declared a major in philosophy, history, communications, theatre arts, or political science. In order to qualify, students must have at least 12 credit hours taken at EMU, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better, and exhibit involvement in community or school-based extra-curricular activities.
Contact
Gregory Stevens Memorial Scholarship
701 Pray Harold Building
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-1018
richard.nation@emich.edu
11. Humane Studies Fellowship Program
Deadline: February 28th
Each year, the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) offers a non-residential Humane Studies Fellowship Program to provide an extensive support network and up to $15,000 to current or prospective full-time graduate students in the humanities whose research interests are related to the ideas of a free society. Qualified candidates should be enrolled in an accredited institution anywhere in the world, demonstrate financial need, and exhibit dedication to advancing the ideas of liberty through research and teaching.
Contact
Humane Studies Fellowship Program
3434 Washington Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 993-4880
mzupan@ihs.gmu.edu
Scholarship Link
12. James W. Child Outstanding Senior Philosophy Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
In memory of a beloved philosophy professor best remembered for his work on the moral issues of nuclear deterrence in the Soviet-American Cold War, the James W. Child Outstanding Senior Philosophy Scholarship was established by Bowling Green State University for rising seniors with a declared major in philosophy and outstanding academic records. Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 in philosophy coursework, demonstrate involvement in philosophy-related extra-curricular activities, and exercise community service.
Contact
James W. Child Outstanding Senior Philosophy Scholarship
305 Shatzel Hall
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 372-2117
mdeluca@bgnet.bgsu.edu
13. James Willard Oliver Award in Logic
Deadline: April 15th
At the University of South Carolina, the James Willard Oliver Award in Logic is presented annually for up to $1,500 to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student who is majoring, minoring, or doing cognate research in philosophy in order to help defray the costs of tuition. Selection for the scholarship is strongly based on overall academic excellence, mastery of symbolic logic, application of symbolic logic to other areas of philosophy, and financial need.
Contact
James Willard Oliver Award in Logic
902 Sumter St. Access
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 777-3730
wallulis@sc.edu
14. John Hope Franklin Dissertation Fellowship
Deadline: October 1st
Administered by the highly respected American Philosophical Society (APS) in honor of a distinguished member, the John Hope Franklin Dissertation Fellowship is designed to support outstanding doctoral students at any U.S. institution nationwide or exceptional American doctoral students abroad who are completing their dissertation research in philosophy. Recipients of the $6,000 stipend may use the funding to meet the costs of travel to archives for research purposes, the purchase of research materials, and laboratory or fieldwork expenses.
Contact
John Hope Franklin Dissertation Fellowship
104 South Fifth St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 440-3400
LMusumeci@amphilsoc.org
15. Kenneth Alan Hovey Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
For undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Texas at San Antonio, the Kenneth Alan Hovey Endowed Memorial Scholarship is granted annually to those who have declared a major in English or Philosophy and Classics. Eligible students must have completed at least 60 credits, be enrolled full-time with 12 or more credits per semester, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and demonstrate strong writing skills in a two-page submitted writing sample.
Contact
Kenneth Alan Hovey Endowed Memorial Scholarship
McKinney Humanities Building Room 405
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
(210) 458-6031
michael.almeida@utsa.edu
Scholarship Link
16. Kenneth J. Konyndyk Jr. Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: March 14th
In memory of an outstanding professor who inspired students for 27 years until his life’s work was cut short by cancer, the Philosophy Department at Calvin College presents two Kenneth J. Konyndyk Jr. Memorial Scholarships annually for $2,750 apiece. For consideration, currently enrolled full-time philosophy majors must be entering their senior year, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, and be seriously considering a career teaching philosophy at the college level after graduate school.
Contact
Kenneth J. Konyndyk Jr. Memorial Scholarships
1845 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 526-6488
philosophy@calvin.edu
17. Luther and Elnora Hiatt Family Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
In recognition of students’ exemplary leadership and academic excellence, the Luther and Elnora Hiatt Family Scholarship is offered by the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Indianapolis for $1,000 to rising seniors with a declared major in philosophy or religious studies. As a non-renewable merit-based scholarship, selection will be based on cumulative GPA, consistent strong classroom performance in major classes, and leadership roles within community or professional activities.
Contact
Luther and Elnora Hiatt Family Scholarship
Esch Hall Room 044
1400 East Hanna Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 788-3368
jevans@uindy.edu
18. National Federation of the Blind Humanities Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Annually, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) awards the Humanities Scholarship for $2,500 to blind or visually impaired full-time undergraduate students who are studying in the traditional humanities, including art, English, foreign language, history, philosophy, and religion. In order to apply, candidates must submit an online application, personal essay on aspirations in the humanities, a current official transcript, and a verification form of legally blind status.
Contact
National Federation of the Blind Humanities Scholarship
200 East Wells St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314 ext. 2415
scholarships@nfb.org
19. Oliver and Carol Johnson Endowed Award in Philosophy
Deadline: March 31st
Established by the University of California at Riverside in honor of the founding chair member of the Department of Philosophy and his wife, the Oliver and Carol Johnson Endowed Award in Philosophy is designed to curb financial burdens of tuition costs to ensure deserving undergraduate students can continue their studies at the graduate level. Eligible UCR students must have junior or senior-level status, have a declared major in philosophy, and demonstrate academic achievement with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Oliver and Carol Johnson Endowed Award in Philosophy
900 University Avenue
Riverside, CA 92521
(951) 827-1012
deidre.kowalczyk@ucr.edu
20. Peter Appleby and William Whisner Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Created by the University of Utah to memorialize two beloved philosophy professors, the Peter Appleby and William Whisner Scholarship is structured to provide up to $3,000 annually to full-time freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior-level undergraduate philosophy majors who have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Preference for the renewable four-year scholarship will be given to philosophy majors who are from underrepresented populations or demonstrate critical financial need for assistance.
Contact
Peter Appleby and William Whisner Scholarship
215 South Central Campus Drive 4th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-8161
elizabeth.nagata@utah.edu
Scholarship Link
21. Richard DeGrood Study Abroad Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
At the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies has established the Richard DeGrood Study Abroad Scholarship to offer $900 for continuing sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate students whose performance exemplifies excellence. Applicants must have a minimum resident GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into a UW Study Abroad Program to obtain international experiences in the fields of philosophy or religious studies.
Contact
Richard DeGrood Study Abroad Scholarship
105 Garfield Avenue
P.O. Box 4004
Eau Claire, WI 54702
(715) 836-2637
finaid@uwec.edu
22. Robert M. Schwyhart Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
Within the Department of Philosophy and World Religions at the University of Northern Iowa, the Robert M. Schwyhart Memorial Endowed Scholarship is awarded for between $1,500 and $2,500 annually to currently enrolled full-time undergraduate students who have declared a major in religion or philosophy. Preference will be given to male applicants who demonstrate financial need, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have a farm family background.
Contact
Robert M. Schwyhart Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Baker Hall Room 135A
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
(319) 273-6221
Jerome.Soneson@uni.edu
23. Socratic Award for Most Outstanding Student in Philosophy
Deadline: March 31st
Exclusively for members of the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society to encourage students to strive for excellence, the Socratic Award for Most Outstanding Student in Philosophy is presented annually for $500 to the most deserving philosophy or religious studies major with senior-level status at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Through either traditional or web-based coursework, eligible students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher and complete at least 75% of semester coursework with a grade of A.
Contact
Socratic Award for Most Outstanding Student in Philosophy
2801 University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 569-3312
philosophy@ualr.edu
24. William L. McBride Graduate Student International Travel Grant
Deadline: December 13th
In honor of the Arthur G. Hansen Distinguished Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Purdue University, the William L. McBride Graduate Student International Travel Grant provides up to $1,200 to one or two graduate philosophy students as funding for international travel to conferences or study abroad programs. Students may apply to receive financial support to cover airfare, hotel expenses, and conference fees for international travel, except to Canada and Mexico.
Contact
William L. McBride Graduate Student International Travel Grant
100 North University St.
West Lafayette, IN 47907
(765) 494-4276
purduephilosophy@purdue.edu
25. Women in Philosophy Endowed Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 10th
Established by Kathleen Gill who became the first woman ever hired by the Philosophy Department at St. Cloud State University, the Women in Philosophy Endowed Scholarship Program provides several annual awards for $1,000 to full-time female SCSU students who have declared a major or minor in philosophy. Qualified candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, demonstrate outstanding philosophical ability, and exhibit involvement in departmental activities.
Contact
Women in Philosophy Endowed Scholarship Program
720 Fourth Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 308-0121
kagill@stcloudstate.edu
Scholarship Link
For those who are interested in studying some of the most intellectually significant texts in our world’s history, majoring in philosophy can provide the ideal foundation for becoming a well-rounded professional in business, education, law, medicine, journalism, and many other fields that demand the ability to think critically. While there are a few private scholarships offered in the philosophy discipline, school-specific scholarships are the most abundant. If you do not see your school of preference on this list, be sure to also check with your college’s Philosophy Department to find even more scholarships for philosophy majors.
