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If your career goal is to work in a leadership role to make a direct impact on your local, state, federal, and/or international government systems, then finding scholarships for public administration majors can go a long way towards making this dream a reality.
When you enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in public administration, you will receive the knowledge and skills needed to take charge in leading, managing, designing, and implementing policy changes to solve real-world complex problems.
Whether you are interested in working in management for the public or non-profit sector, the following are 25 of the most generous scholarships available specifically for students choosing to major in public administration.
1. Andrew Blair Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: October 11th
Established by Dr. Robert Blair at the University of Nebraska – Omaha in honor of his son who passed away at the youthful age of 31 after a lifetime battle with heart disease and cerebral palsy, the Andrew Blair Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to students pursuing a master’s degree in the School of Public Administration. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated an intention to work in the field of human services, especially those working with the disabled or for non-profit organizations.
Contact
Andrew Blair Memorial Scholarship
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68182
(402) 554-3480
mvangelder@unomaha.edu
2. Anne Ackerman Public Service Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
Within the Department of Public Administration at Florida International University, the Anne Ackerman Public Service Scholarship is awarded annually for $2,500 to full-time graduate students enrolled with good standing in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. Applicants must exhibit a record of civic leadership, demonstrate financial need, be currently residing in Miami-Dade County, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Anne Ackerman Public Service Scholarship
11200 SW Eighth Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-5890
malkadry@fiu.edu
Scholarship Link
3. Bernard and Adele Rosen Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
In the School of Public Affairs at American University, the Bernard and Adele Rosen Endowed Scholarship provides $2,500 annually to a full-time graduate student entering the Masters in Public Administration (MPA) program in the upcoming fall term. Awardees will be selected based on leadership experience, academic performance, community/public service achievements, career goals, and interests in applying knowledge for a career in government.
Contact
Bernard and Adele Rosen Endowed Scholarship
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-6230
spagradscholarships@american.edu
4. Change Maker Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
As an annual merit-based program for beginning full-time graduate students at SUNY Binghamton University, the Change Maker Scholarship offers full-tuition to an outstanding new applicant to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program who exhibits the leadership abilities to create positive change through a management career in the public or non-profit sector. Eligible candidates must have a strong background in public service, maintain full-time enrollment, and have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Contact
Change Maker Scholarship
4400 Vestal Parkway East
Binghamton, NY 13902
(607) 777-9186
klambrig@binghamton.edu
5. Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship
Deadline: January 17th
With the goal of attracting and preparing outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service to formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship awards up to $35,000 annually to help cover tuition costs for completing a two-year master’s degree in public administration, public policy, political science, economics, or business administration. Qualified fellows must be U.S. citizens, be seeking admission to enter an accredited U.S. graduate school, and have a minimum GPA of 3.2.
Contact
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship
2218 Sixth Street NW
Washington, DC 20059
(202) 806-4367
rangelprogram@howard.edu
6. Clarence E. Ridley Scholarships
Deadline: January 10th
Sponsored by the Texas City Management Association (TCMA), the Clarence E. Ridley Scholarships is granted annually for $3,000 to two graduate students who are enrolled in an accredited public administration degree program at any Texas university. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, be accepted for admission, plan to enroll in at least six graduate hours per semester, and express a serious commitment to pursuing a career in local/city government.
Contact
Clarence E. Ridley Scholarships
1821 Rutherford Lane Suite 400
Austin, TX 78754
(512) 231-7400
ray.baray@austintexas.gov
Scholarship Link
7. Donald C. Rider Memorial Public Administration Scholarship
Deadline: June 3rd
In honor of the first Executive Director of the New Mexico Municipal League who served until his death in 1988, the University of New Mexico has created the Donald C. Rider Memorial Public Administration Scholarship to provide $2,000 to assist highly qualified graduate students who are currently enrolled full-time in the MPA program. While all applicants must share Rider’s commitment to public service, priority will be given to municipal or state government employees.
Contact
Donald C. Rider Memorial Public Administration Scholarship
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-0111
spadvise@unm.edu
8. Dr. Michael and Nina Marchioni MPA Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
At East Tennessee State University, the Dr. Michael and Nina Marchioni MPA Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to deserving graduate students enrolled in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program in the Department of Political Science with a concentration area in Planning. Qualified applicants must demonstrate professional promise in public administration, exhibit financial need, and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Dr. Michael and Nina Marchioni MPA Scholarship
P.O. Box 70651
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-5362
marchion@mail.etsu.edu
9. George A. Nielsen Public Investor Scholarship
Deadline: February 21st
Through the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the George A. Nielsen Public Investor Scholarship will grant $2,500 annually to two outstanding undergraduate or graduate students majoring in public administration, finance, business administration, or a related field at any accredited U.S. institution. Eligible candidates must be permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada, be employed for at least one year by a state or local government, and submit a letter of recommendation from the employer.
Contact
George A. Nielsen Public Investor Scholarship
203 North LaSalle Street Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 977-9700
scholarships@gfoa.org
10. Harold F. Holtz Jr. Public Administration Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th
Administered by the Georgia City-County Management Association (GCCMA), the Harold F. Holtz Jr. Public Administration Scholarship is designed to provide up to $2,500 annually for five deserving full or part-time graduate students enrolled in an accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at any public or private university in Georgia. Applicants must be able to commit an average of 20 hours per week for participating in a semester-long internship with a city, county, or consolidated unit of local government within the state.
Contact
Harold F. Holtz Jr. Public Administration Scholarship
P.O. Box 105377
Atlanta, GA 30348
(770) 594-6265
epowell@gmanet.com
11. Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: February 4th
Annually, the Harry S. Truman Foundation awards up to 65 competitive scholarships for a maximum of $30,000 each to full-time junior-level undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution who plan to pursue careers in government or public service upon completion of graduate school. Applicants must have strong records of public or community service, demonstrate leadership potential, rank in the upper quarter of their class, and agree to work in public administration for at least three years.
Contact
Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarships
712 Jackson Place NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 395-4831
financialdesk@truman.gov
Scholarship Link
12. Herbert Roback Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 31st
In memory of a highly respected public servant who spent his 34-year career encouraging talented students to consider lifetime careers in public service, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) has established the Herbert Roback Memorial Scholarship Fund to present up to $7,500 annually. Eligible recipients must be enrolled full-time in a master’s degree program in public administration at Syracuse University, Brandeis University, Princeton University, John Jay College, SUNY Albany, or New York University for consideration.
Contact
Herbert Roback Memorial Scholarship Fund
1600 K Street NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 347-3190
jwigginton@napawash.org
13. Jim and Elisabeth Gadd Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
At the University of Central Florida, the College of Health and Public Affairs awards the Jim and Elisabeth Gadd Scholarship each year for $1,000 to an extraordinary graduate student who is currently enrolled full-time or part-time in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. Candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and provide a brief one-page essay on career goals.
Contact
Jim and Elisabeth Gadd Scholarship
4000 Central Florida Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 823-0171
maria.augustin@ucf.edu
14. John Halvor Leek Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: January 31st
Within the Department of Political Science at the University of Oklahoma, the John Halvor Leek Memorial Scholarships are granted for up to $1,000 to junior-level undergraduate students who have declared a major in political science, public affairs, public administration, or congressional studies. In order to qualify, students must have at least 12 hours in major credit in residence, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and exhibit extraordinary love of learning.
Contact
John Halvor Leek Memorial Scholarships
660 Parrington Oval
Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325-0311
jvaughn@ou.edu
15. Michael Lindberg Scholarship
Deadline: May 29th
Sponsored by the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), the Michael Lindberg Scholarship has been established to grant $2,000 annually to graduate students enrolling in the first year of an accredited degree program leading toward a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with major interest in Public Works Administration. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, have resided in Oregon for at least four years, demonstrate financial need, and exhibit academic promise with a minimum GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Contact
Michael Lindberg Scholarship
1400 SW Walnut Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(541) 994-3201
Victoria_Saager@co.washington.or.us
16. National Forum for Black Public Administrators Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Each year, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) offers numerous scholarships for up to $10,000 each to recognize African American and other minority students who are currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program with a major in public administration, public policy, political science, or urban affairs. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, have at least one full semester remaining, and exhibit outstanding leadership potential for public service.
Contact
National Forum for Black Public Administrators Scholarships
777 North Capitol Street NE Suite 807
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-9300
scholarships@nfbpa.org
17. Pamela Slater-Price Scholarship for Public Administration
Deadline: February 1st
At San Diego State University, the School of Public Affairs presents the Pamela Slater-Price Scholarship for Public Administration annually to full-time undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a major in public administration with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. For consideration, applicants must be currently enrolled in a public affairs internship course and write a 500-word essay discussing current issues facing federal, state, or local governments.
Contact
Pamela Slater-Price Scholarship for Public Administration
500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
(619) 594-6224
sryan@mail.sdsu.edu
18. Raymond C. Sittig Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 24th
Established in memory of the long-time executive director of the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) and champion of Home Rule powers, the Raymond C. Sittig Scholarship Program offers $2,500 awards annually to students pursuing a graduate public administration degree at any Florida-based university to pursue a career in local government management. Applicants must submit an official transcript, proof of acceptance, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and an original 500-word essay.
Contact
Raymond C. Sittig Scholarship Program
301 South Bronough Street Suite 300
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 222-9684
crussell@flcities.com
Scholarship Link
19. Richard L. Resurreccion Public Safety Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
In honor of the former director of the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI), the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society offers the Richard L. Resurreccion Public Safety Scholarship annually for $1,000 to two deserving members who are enrolled in a regionally accredited associate’s degree related to public safety administration, emergency management, criminal justice, or fire science. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and have permanent residence in the country where the two-year college is located.
Contact
Richard L. Resurreccion Public Safety Scholarship
1625 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 987-5741
scholarship.programs@ptk.org
20. Robert L. Kline Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 15th
Established at Eastern Kentucky University in memory of the long-time chair of the Department of Government, the Robert L. Kline Memorial Scholarship Fund presents at least $500 annually to second-semester graduate students who are currently enrolled full-time or part-time in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. Recipients must demonstrate good moral character, social responsibility, commitment to public service, and high academic achievement.
Contact
Robert L. Kline Memorial Scholarship Fund
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-4390
leann.beaty@eku.edu
21. Stephen K. Hall Water Law and Policy Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Sponsored by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) in memory of a respected water leader who lost his lengthy battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease at the age of 58, the Stephen K. Hall Water Law and Policy Scholarship is bestowed annually for $7,000 upon an outstanding graduate student majoring in law, public policy, or public administration with a focus in California water resources. Eligible applicants must be carrying at least eight credits per term at a public or private graduate school in the United States.
Contact
Stephen K. Hall Water Law and Policy Scholarship
910 K Street Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-4545
ellenm@acwa.com
Scholarship Link
22. The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 15th
Within the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Program provides $1,000 awards annually to full-time graduate students who have completed at least 12 credits in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. Eligible applicants must be pursuing a career in the legal field, engage in political/legal activism, strive for academic excellence, and foster an awareness of the issues minority individuals face in the nation’s criminal justice system.
Contact
The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Program
524 West 59th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 237-8872
scholarships@jjay.cuny.edu
23. Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Deadline: January 24th
Funded through the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation in honor of one of the most distinguished American diplomats, the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship will grant up to $40,000 in financial support annually to rising senior-level undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State. Eligible candidates must be enrolled as a public policy, international affairs, public administration, or political science major at a U.S. institution in good standing.
Contact
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
5 Vaughn Drive Suite 300
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 452-7007
pickeringfaf@woodrow.org
24. Valerie P. Eggert Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy
Deadline: April 6th
At Grand Valley State University, the Valerie P. Eggert Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy is offered through the School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration (SPNHA) for $1,200 to support graduate students who aspire to promote philanthropy by pursuing a career in non-profit management. Applicants must be full-time graduate students in the MPA program, demonstrate financial need, and meet satisfactory academic progress.
Contact
Valerie P. Eggert Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy
401 West Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 331-6575
padept@gvsu.edu
25. Walter W. Mode Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: November 22nd
Sponsored by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), the Walter W. Mode Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,500 to an outstanding graduate student member who is currently enrolled in an accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA) program within the United States. Selection for the non-renewable award is strongly based on commitment to public service, academic achievement, current public service employment, involvement in community service activities, and letters of recommendation.
Contact
Walter W. Mode Endowed Scholarship
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-7878
awards@aspanet.org
Scholarship Link
While there are many bachelor’s degree programs in public administration for undergraduate students, the majority of professionals in this field decide to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) to expand their leadership options beyond getting their foot in the door. Within an accredited degree program, you will gain expertise in budgeting, public relations, mediating, organizational behavior, research, policy/grant writing, and much more. Luckily, these 25 great scholarships for public administration majors are available to help cover the rising costs of pursuing an advanced degree and landing your dream job of leading an organization towards success.
