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Since physics is one of the most fundamental sciences that are crucial to understanding the world around us and beyond us, many organizations and universities have created scholarships for physics majors to lead talented students on the path to great discoveries. From curing cancer and predicting climate change to developing sustainable energy solutions and designing interactive computer games, physics is a fascinating field that encourages individuals to challenge their imaginations for solving real-world problems.
Whether your scientific research interests lie in plasma, space, atomic, molecular, optical, quantum, medical, or chemical physics, read on to learn more about 25 of the best scholarships available specifically for college students majoring in physics.
1. Allan F. Henry and Paul A. Greebler Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
In honor of two outstanding nuclear reactor physicists who were major contributors to the American Nuclear Society (ANS), the Allan F. Henry and Paul A. Greebler Scholarship is granted annually for $3,500 to graduate students pursuing an advanced degree in reactor physics. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time at a North American university, be engaged in Masters or Ph.D. research in the area of nuclear reactor physics and/or radiation transport, and be sponsored by an ANS local student branch.
Contact
Allan F. Henry and Paul A. Greebler Scholarship
555 North Kensington Avenue
LaGrange Park, IL 60526
(708) 352-6611
outreach@ans.org
Scholarship Link
2. American Physical Society Minority Scholarship
Deadline: February 7th
With the goal of helping increase the number of under-represented minorities achieving a degree in physics, the American Physical Society (APS) provides the Minority Scholarship annually to any African American, Hispanic America, or Native American U.S. citizens who are majoring or planning to major in physics. Eligible high school seniors, college freshmen, and sophomores must submit a personal statement, current official transcript, academic aptitude test scores, and two sealed letters of recommendation.
Contact
American Physical Society Minority Scholarship
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 209-3232
minorityscholarship@aps.org
3. Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Physics Teachers
Deadline: December 1st
Sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), the Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Physics Teachers are offered for $2,000 annually to undergraduate students who are enrolled in a physics teacher preparation curriculum at an accredited two or four-year university in the United States. Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens, be pursuing a career in physics teaching in high schools, and show promise of success in their studies.
Contact
Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Physics Teachers
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 209-3311
eo@aapt.org
4. Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 3rd
As a highly competitive nationwide merit-based award established by Congress in honor of the Congressman who served his country for 56 years, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial support up to $7,500 to college students who are pursuing a career in engineering, mathematics, or the natural sciences, including physics. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, be nominated by an accredited institution, and demonstrate academic excellence for pursuing research in these fields.
Contact
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program
327 Second St. Suite 103
Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 688-4335
goldwater@act.org
5. Benjamin James Galford Research Scholarship
Deadline: February 28th
At West Virginia University, the Benjamin James Galford Research Scholarship is presented annually for $2,500 to enrolled undergraduate physics majors who are advancing research in energy or environmental sciences, nanotechnology or material science, and biological or biomedical sciences. While first preference is given to residents of Lewis County in West Virginia, all applicants must be U.S. citizens, be in good academic standing, and participate in ongoing research with a member of the physics faculty.
Contact
Benjamin James Galford Research Scholarship
White Hall Room 111D
Campus Box 6315
Morgantown, WV 26506
(304) 293-5136
Physics-Scholarships@mail.wvu.edu
6. Dade W. Moeller Annual Scholarship Awards
Deadline: April 25th
Administered through the Health Physics Society (HPS), the Dade W. Moeller Annual Scholarships Awards provide $2,000 of monetary support to outstanding students who are enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program in health physics or related nuclear sciences at an accredited U.S. institution. Nominated students must submit a short biographical resume, a description of their academic plans, and letters of reference.
Contact
Dade W. Moeller Annual Scholarship Awards
1313 Dolley Madison Blvd. Suite 402
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 790-1745
hps@BurkInc.com
Scholarship Link
7. Dr. Anthony and Lillian Silvidi Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
In honor of the late professor who played a key role in establishing a premier research-intensive physics department before losing his battle with cancer in 2011, the Dr. Anthony and Lillian Silvidi Endowed Scholarship is offered annually by Kent State University for $1,000. Eligible full-time undergraduate and graduate students with a declared major in physics will be selected based on academic achievement, financial need, personal character, and future career promise.
Contact
Dr. Anthony and Lillian Silvidi Endowed Scholarship
Smith Hall Room 105
Kent, OH 44242
(330) 672-8962
jportman@kent.edu
8. Erwin and Doris Grieser Marquit Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: March 14th
Within the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota, the Erwin and Doris Grieser Marquit Undergraduate Scholarship is presented each year for $2,000 to recognize exceptional future promise in an African American or Native American physics major with sophomore, junior, or senior-level status. Since the award is based on academic achievement, applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation from a sponsoring faculty mentor.
Contact
Erwin and Doris Grieser Marquit Undergraduate Scholarship
116 Church St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-7375
info@physics.umn.edu
9. Fred Hoover Memorial Endowment Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Established by Florida International University in honor of school’s first ever physics major in the original graduating class who remained as a laboratory manager until his death in 1998, the Fred Hoover Memorial Endowment Scholarship is bestowed annually upon an undergraduate full-time student who has declared a physics major. Qualified applicants should have completed a minimum of 12 credits in physics and/or math courses, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and submit a one-page essay on career goals in physics.
Contact
Fred Hoover Memorial Endowment Scholarship
11200 Southwest 8th St.
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2605
maxwello@fiu.edu
10. Helen Jensen Howe Science Scholarship for Women
Deadline: March 31st
Sponsored by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center, the Helen Jensen Howe Science Scholarship for Women is presented each academic year for $3,500 to $5,000 to undergraduate female students at Iowa State University who are enrolled in one of the science programs, with preference given to physics majors. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, demonstrate financial need, and be entering their junior or senior year full-time.
Contact
Helen Jensen Howe Science Scholarship for Women
Physics Hall Room 12
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-9867
cattcntr@iastate.edu
Scholarship Link
11. John and Stacey Wahl Scholarship for Physics Majors
Deadline: May 5th
For continuing undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Iowa who have achieved at least sophomore-level status, the John and Stacey Wahl Scholarship is granted annually for $2,000 to non-traditional declared physics majors in good academic standing. Recipients should be married, but preference will be given to students with children. Qualified students will automatically be considered, so application forms will be required for nomination.
Contact
John and Stacey Wahl Scholarship for Physics Majors
203 Van Allen Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-1686
mary-hall-reno@uiowa.edu
12. Kenneth Wright Memorial Physics Scholarship
Deadline: March 21st
Sponsored by Central Michigan University in memory of a physics teacher for over 30 years, the Kenneth Wright Memorial Physics Scholarship presents at least $500 annually to a third-year undergraduate student who has a declared major in physics with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Along with the application form, students must include a letter detailing career plans, the name of a physics faculty member familiar with their work, and copies of any non-CMU undergraduate transcripts.
Contact
Kenneth Wright Memorial Physics Scholarship
Dow Science Complex Room 203
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
(989) 774-2788
cmusps@cmich.edu
13. Liebenberg Family Research Scholarship in Physics
Deadline: March 24th
At the University of Wisconsin – Madison, the Liebenberg Family Research Scholarship in Physics is granted annually based on merit to a deserving junior-level undergraduate student majoring in physics on a full-time basis in both semesters of the academic year. While the scholarship program is open to all physics majors, priority will be given to individuals seeking support for research and/or travel related to the field of condensed matter physics.
Contact
Liebenberg Family Research Scholarship in Physics
1150 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-4526
info@physics.wisc.edu
14. Mary Beth Monroe Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: August 27th
In honor of a lifelong member of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) who inspired young people in the great science of physics for over 38 years, the Mary Beth Monroe Memorial Scholarship is administered through the American Institute of Physics (AIP) for outstanding physics majors nationwide. Eligible applicants must have began their studies at a regionally accredited community college, plan to pursue a career in physics education, and display leadership accomplishments in the physics community.
Contact
Mary Beth Monroe Memorial Scholarship
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 209-3100
mwiley@aip.org
15. Misri Lal and Laxmi Devi Rustgi Memorial Fund
Deadline: Varies
Within the Physics Department at SUNY Buffalo State University, the Misri Lal and Laxmi Devi Rustgi Memorial Fund presents an annual scholarship for $1,500 to a deserving undergraduate physics major with the highest cumulative grade point average. Qualified candidates must have completed at least five semesters in the physics program, have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 or better, and performed research independently or with a faculty advisor.
Contact
Misri Lal and Laxmi Devi Rustgi Memorial Fund
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 878-6726
physics@buffalostate.edu
16. Nuclear Forensics Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 1st
Through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Nuclear Forensics Undergraduate Scholarship Program is available for qualified undergraduate students pursuing degrees relevant to technical nuclear forensics, including physics, chemistry, nuclear engineering, and materials science. In order to qualify for up to $10,000 in funding, applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution, be building a viable career in nuclear forensics, and agree to participate in a summer research project at any laboratory location nationwide.
Contact
Nuclear Forensics Undergraduate Scholarship Program
1204 Whiskey Rd. Suite F
Aiken, SC 29803
(803) 642-4187
ntnfc@hq.dhs.gov
Scholarship Link
17. Paul G. Hansel Award in Engineering Physics
Deadline: February 1st
At the University of Kansas, the Department of Physics and Astronomy offers the Paul G. Hansel Award in Engineering Physics for approximately $1,500 annually to a full-time sophomore undergraduate student who has declared a major in engineering physics. In order to qualify, candidates must be Kansas or Nebraska residents, have completed at least 30 semester hours of credit at KU, and have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
Contact
Paul G. Hansel Award in Engineering Physics
1251 Wescoe Hall Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-4626
sahawley@ku.edu
18. Robert Coleman Richardson Scholarship
Deadline: February 28th
Named in honor of the renowned physicist whose research on low temperature physics and the study of the properties of liquid Helium-3 earned him the 1996 Nobel Prize for Physics, the Robert Coleman Richardson Scholarship is granted annually to an extraordinary undergraduate student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University who has declared a major in physics. Recipients will be chosen based on academic performance, responsibility, research experience, and industry talent.
Contact
Robert Coleman Richardson Scholarship
850 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6544
physics.chair@vt.edu
19. Ronald E. McNair Scholarship in Space and Optical Physics
Deadline: December 1st
Sponsored by the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP), the Ronald E. McNair Scholarship in Space and Optical Physics was established in honor of the accomplished space physicist who perished in the Challenger space shuttle accident of 1986. As a one-time $1,000 award, the program is designed to inspire the next generation of space explorers by providing financial support to African American students pursuing a degree in space or optical physics from any accredited U.S. institution.
Contact
Ronald E. McNair Scholarship in Space and Optical Physics
3033 Wilson Blvd. Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 647-4176
headquarters@nsbp.org
20. Society of Exploration Geophysicists Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
With nearly 75 named scholarships providing funds that can be applied to tuition expenses, textbooks, and academic fees, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Foundation awards merit-based scholarships annually to graduating high school senior, undergraduate, and graduate students who are pursuing a career in geophysics. All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited degree program in geophysics, geosciences, physics, geology, or earth and environmental sciences with above average grades.
Contact
Society of Exploration Geophysicists Foundation Scholarships
8801 South Yale Suite 500
Tulsa, OK 74137
(918) 497-5500
tagnew@seg.org
Scholarship Link
21. Society of Physics Students Leadership Scholarships
Deadline: February 15th
With the purpose of encouraging the study of physics and the pursuit of high achievement in the dynamic field, the Society of Physics Students (SPS) offers numerous Leadership Scholarships annually for $2,000 to $5,000 apiece to physics majors who are in the latter stages of the undergraduate academic careers. Qualified applicants must have junior-level standing, be an active member of the national SPS organization, demonstrate leadership potential, and exhibit the intention for continued scholastic development in physics.
Contact
Society of Physics Students Leadership Scholarships
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 209-3007
SPS-Programs@aip.org
22. Stark Undergraduate Physics Award Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
Established at the University of Arizona as a gift from retired professor of physics Royal Stark, the Stark Undergraduate Physics Award Scholarship is presented for $1,000 each year to physics or engineering physics majors in their junior year who have completed the second semester Advanced Laboratory course with a 4.0 GPA. Eligible candidates should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in all physics and mathematics coursework and have at least one full semester left before graduation.
Contact
Stark Undergraduate Physics Award Scholarship
1118 East Fourth St.
Tucson, AZ 85721
(520) 621-2979
bbarrett@physics.arizona.edu
23. U.S. Harkson Foundation Scholarship Funds
Deadline: March 1st
First established by Ulysses S. Harkson as an engineering alumni member of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1963, the U.S. Harkson Foundation Scholarship Funds provide $2,000 awards annually to sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate students currently enrolled full-time at the university with a major in engineering or engineering physics. Students must be qualified academically, exhibit good moral character, be worthy of financial assistance, show promise in their chosen field, and have a commitment to becoming an educator.
Contact
U.S. Harkson Foundation Scholarship Funds
855 North 16th St.
Lincoln, NE 68588
(402) 472-2770
hbatelaa@unlserve.unl.edu
24. Valentino Physics Academic Achievement Scholarship
Deadline: March 14th
At the Ohio State University, the Valentino Physics Academic Achievement Scholarship is designed to provide the cost of in-state tuition for four years to incoming freshmen who have declared a major in physics or a pre-major in engineering physics. Qualified applicants must be enrolling in the upcoming fall term, have high mathematics scores on the SAT or ACT, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need.
Contact
Valentino Physics Academic Achievement Scholarship
191 West Woodruff Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-1635
thaler.21@osu.edu
Scholarship Link
25. Walter and Martha Curt Physics Scholarships
Deadline: January 1st
Formerly known as the Shenandoah Electronics Intelligence Inc. Scholarships, the Walter and Martha Curt Physics Scholarships are offered by James Madison University each semester for the amount of $1,500 for sophomore year, $1,000 for junior year, and $1,000 for senior year. In order to be considered for the additional funding, students must be enrolled full-time in undergraduate studies, have declared a major in physics, and make satisfactory progress towards completion of the degree in four years.
Contact
Walter and Martha Curt Physics Scholarships
901 Carrier Drive Suite 4502
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(540) 568-6109
physics@jmu.edu
While the majority of students who earn a degree in physics plan to embark on a rewarding career related to academia or scientific research, there are also abundant opportunities for trained professional physicists in medicine, nuclear engineering, science journalism, energy exploration, business, consulting, product development, and government, especially at the federal level. If you are searching for additional funding to reaching your professional goals in this dynamic field, be sure to check out these 25 scholarships for physics majors to reduce the financial burden of earning your college education.
