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Scholarships for public health majors are numerous to support altruistic students who are committed to improving conditions and behaviors that affect human well-being.
Public health programs train practitioners and researchers to develop community initiatives that reduce or prevent disease. The Master of Public Health (MPH) is considered the field’s foremost professional degree, but bachelor’s and doctoral options are also available. Whether domestic or abroad, graduates can work with vulnerable communities to address health threats like Zika virus and AIDS.
According to PayScale, MPH graduates earn annual average salaries ranging from $35,479 to $96,500. Popular titles include health services manager, occupational health specialist, environmental scientist, epidemiologist, nutritionist, biostatistician, and social service manager. Afford your career training by reviewing the following public health scholarships that offer up to $30,000 per year.
1. Albert W. Dent Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Named for the first African American fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Albert W. Dent Graduate Scholarship provides $5,000 annually to 10 minority students who are pursuing healthcare master’s degrees full-time, including a Master of Public Health. Qualified recipients must be U.S. or Canadian citizens, attend accredited graduate schools, have not finished classroom work, have career aspirations in healthcare management, and demonstrate financial need.
Contact
Albert W. Dent Graduate Scholarship
1 North Franklin Street Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 424-2800
contact@ache.org
Scholarship Link
2. APHA Get Ready Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 8th
Offering $500 and a free one-year membership, the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Get Ready Scholarship Program selects one high school senior, undergraduate, and graduate student annually based on their winning essays. Entrants who are legal U.S. residents and enrolling full-time in accredited colleges must write one-page, original essays about their efforts to prepare communities for disasters and emergencies. Only 300 submissions are accepted at each school level, so apply early.
Contact
APHA Get Ready Scholarship Program
800 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 777-2742
getready@apha.org
3. Bill and Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
Since 1982, the Heartland Foundation has bestowed the Bill and Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship for $500 to $1,000 to Midwesterners in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska who are declaring majors in health professions, such as nursing or public health. Interested applicants must reside in the Heartland’s service region, and take at least 12 credits per semester, and have clinical experience. Other public health scholarships include the Mary Ann Reinert and Velma Flies Anderson funds.
Contact
Bill and Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship
518 S 6th Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
(816) 271-7269
info@heartlandfoundation.org
4. Charles Hayman Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 27th
Valued at $2,000, the Charles Hayman Memorial Scholarship is presented yearly by the Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association to undergraduate or graduate students in DC or the five surrounding Maryland and Virginia counties who are majoring in public health. Suitable applicants will participate as actively MWPHA members, matriculate full-time at accredited four-year institutions, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and write a one-page essay displaying their commitment to boosting health in underserved communities.
Contact
Charles Hayman Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 843
Cleveland Park Station
Washington, DC 20008
info@mwpha.org
5. Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 27th
As one of the most lucrative graduate public health scholarships, the Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Guttmacher Institute for $15,000. It’s designed for full-time master’s and doctoral students who attend accredited U.S. universities to study public health or public policy for careers devoted to advancing sexual and reproductive health. Academic merit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, but extra priority is given for financial need.
Contact
Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship
125 Maiden Lane 7th Floor
New York, NY 10038
(507) 931-1682
stacianderson@scholarshipamerica.org
Scholarship Link
6. Doris Duke Fellowships for Child Well-Being
Deadline: December 1st
In partnership with Chapin Hall, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has created $30,000 Fellowships for Child Well-Being to support up to 15 doctoral candidates in the United States who create practice initiatives to enhance child development. Cohorts typically include education, psychology, public health, social work, and sociology majors who devote their dissertation to preventing child abuse or neglect. Applications must include a curriculum vitae, research proposal, mentor recommendation, and letter of commitment.
Contact
Doris Duke Fellowships for Child Well-Being
1313 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 256-5100
ddfellowships@chapinhall.org
7. Dr. Fay Thompson Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Every Spring, the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) grants the Dr. Fay Thompson Scholarship for $3,000 to outstanding college undergraduates who are studying environmental health, occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, public health, health physics, fire protection, or related fields. Eligibility criteria includes carrying 12+ credits per term, attending a North American university, and writing a one-page essay describing solutions to an environmental issue on their campus.
Contact
Dr. Fay Thompson Scholarship
120 West Seventh Street
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 245-8084
info@cshema.org
8. Dr. Helen L. Scheibner Life Sciences Scholarship
Deadline: October 1st
The Indiana Public Health Association (INPHA) offers $1,000 through the Dr. Helen L. Scheibner Life Sciences Scholarship to support upperclassmen and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in public health, nursing, dentistry, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health fields. Eligible applicants must legally reside in Indiana, attain at least junior standing, attend an accredited higher learning institution full-time, and submit one faculty letter of recommendation.
Contact
Dr. Helen L. Scheibner Life Sciences Scholarship
8063 Madison Avenue
P.O. Box 1705
Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 427-2288
mbaily@inpha.org
9. Ellen M. Buchart Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 28th
In honor of the former President of the Kentucky Public Health Association, the Ellen M. Buchart Scholarship Program is hosted annually to gift $2,000 to juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have declared health science majors, especially public health. Accepted candidates must live within Kansas, take at least nine credits per semester, attend any college in the United States, and hold active KPHA membership. For more Kansas public health scholarships, consider the Gerald Luttrell Honorary Scholarshp.
Contact
Ellen M. Buchart Scholarship Program
140 Consumer Lane
Frankfort, KY 40604
(502) 875-2255
sbing.kpha@gmail.com
10. Florence Young Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
Named for an exemplary Native American community affairs advocate who passed away in 2000, the Florence Young Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) each year for $1,500. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled U.S. tribe members, enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. institution, pursue a graduate degree in public health or law fields, maintain a cumulative GPA above 2.5, and be committed to promoting the well-being of Native people.
Contact
Florence Young Memorial Scholarship
966 Hungerford Drive Suite 12-B
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 314-7155
general.aaia@indian-affairs.org
Scholarship Link
11. George M. Burditt Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 1st
Created by the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) in 1981, the George M. Burditt Scholarship Fund distributes $1,500 yearly to college undergraduates who studying public health to enter careers that promote improved food, pharmaceutical, or consumer product safety. Mandatory qualifications include achieving a minimum “B” average, attending an accredited U.S. university, demonstrating leadership capacity, beginning the junior year, and attaching at least two recommendations. There’s also the Denis C. Rooney Scholarship.
Contact
George M. Burditt Scholarship Fund
2550 Kingston Road
York, PA 17402
(717) 757-2888
afdo@afdo.org
12. Graduate Student Community Engaged Research Scholarship
Deadline: December 6th
The Graduate Student Community Engaged Research Scholarship confers $500 each year from the Association of Accredited Public Health Programs to MPH students who are currently undertaking their master’s thesis or community practicum. Any projects related to the five public health disciplines of biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental/occupational health, healthcare administration, and social/behavioral health would qualify. Applicants must attend AAPHP member schools full-time with academic excellence beyond a 3.5 GPA.
Contact
Graduate Student Community Engaged Research Scholarship
375 Chipeta Way Suite A
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
(801) 581-7234
AAPHP@dfpm.utah.edu
13. HRSA Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
Deadline: Varies
At participating schools, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has reserved money to provide the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students to full-time, financially needy individuals who meet low-income thresholds. Eligible U.S. citizens or lawful residents who are enrolling in baccalaureate or graduate schools for healthcare professions are encouraged to apply. Selected majors include medicine, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nursing, public health, clinical counseling, and speech pathology.
Contact
HRSA Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
(800) 221-9393
jrossetti@hrsa.gov
14. James A. Ferguson Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Deadline: January 31st
The Kennedy Krieger Institute administers the James A. Ferguson Infectious Diseases Fellowship to support full-time graduate students who are studying medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or public health with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Fellows receive a $4,000 stipend, housing, and travel allowances to complete a two-month summer research externship on infectious disease control with the CDC in Baltimore or Atlanta. Sponsored membership with the APHA is also included.
Contact
James A. Ferguson Infectious Diseases Fellowship
707 North Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21205
(443) 923-9200
Ferguson_Fellowship@kennedykrieger.org
15. Justine E. Granner Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Ethnic minority students of African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian descent could receive the Justine E. Granner Memorial Scholarship from the Iowa United Methodist Conference (IAUMC) for $1,000. This program is designed to support full-time undergraduate or graduate study in nursing, public health, and allied healthcare fields within Iowa for students possessing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Interested Methodists must provide financial need analysis, transcripts, and a pastor’s recommendation.
Contact
Justine E. Granner Memorial Scholarship
2301 Rittenhouse Street
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 974-8927
jc.trimble@iaumc.org
Scholarship Link
16. Lloyd E. Burton Scholarship Fund
Deadline: August 18th
Sponsored by the Arizona Public Health Association, the Lloyd E. Burton Scholarship Fund strives to promote “Healthy Communities for all Arizonans” by granting $1,000 to students seeking degrees in public health, health administration, nursing, or medical specialties. To apply, candidates need to be current AZPHA members, reside within Arizona, attend any accredited U.S. college, show active involvement in public health activities, and present two letters of support.
Contact
Lloyd E. Burton Scholarship Fund
700 East Jefferson Street Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 258-3361
tiffany@azpha.org
17. Malcolm U. Dantzler Scholarship
Deadline: March 21st
Members of the South Carolina Public Health Association may earn the Malcolm U. Dantzler Scholarship for $500 towards their bachelor’s or master’s degree in any health-related field, including public health and health services management. Eligibility criteria requires having at least six credits remaining, living or attending college in South Carolina, exhibit significant commitment to public health practice, excel with a minimum 3.5 GPA, and write a 250-word career aspirations statement.
Contact
Malcolm U. Dantzler Scholarship
3450 Coleman Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 530-2919
suzannehsanders@gmail.com
18. Marion B. Pollock Scholarship Award
Deadline: November 20th
Worth $3,000, the Marion B. Pollock Scholarship Award is bestowed by the Society for Public Health Education to talented elementary, middle, or high school teachers who are pursuing master’s degrees in health education or public health for advancement. Qualified applicants must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. university, demonstrate six completed credits, submit an impressive curriculum vitae, show commitment to improving school health, and attend SOPHE’s Annual Meeting.
Contact
Marion B. Pollock Scholarship Award
10 G Street, NE Suite 605
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-9804
info@sophe.org
19. NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 9th
Each year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides $20,000 undergraduate public health scholarships to U.S. citizens or legal residents who exhibit exceptional financial need to complete an accredited bachelor’s degree related to behavioral, biomedical, social, or public health. Being enrolled full-time in a four-year institution with a minimum 3.3 GPA is required. Selected scholars will complete a 10-week summer research fellowship and agree to one year of employment with the NIH.
Contact
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-4000
NIHinfo@od.nih.gov
20. Oklahoma Public Health Association Scholarship
Deadline: September 9th
The Oklahoma Public Health Association funds an annual $1,000 scholarship to encourage college students at accredited, four-year colleges in-state to pursue degrees in public health and allied professional fields. Whether enrolled full-time or part-time, eligible candidates must have completed 60+ credits, hold a minimum “B” average, possess public health experience that benefited Oklahoma, and be current OPHA members. Winners are recognized at the Annual Conference in Tulsa.
Contact
Oklahoma Public Health Association Scholarship
121 NE 52nd Street Suite 260
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 605-2099
Karla-Finnell@ouhsc.edu
Scholarship Link
21. Robert S. Parker Leadership Scholarship
Deadline: July 8th
One Robert S. Parker Leadership Scholarship is imparted by the North Carolina Public Health Association each year for $1,500 to outstanding public health practitioners who have contributed to the profession for at least five years. Funding helps NCPHA members return to in-state graduate schools for advanced training that qualifies them for public health leadership. The application checklist includes a resume, one-page personal statement, official transcript, and two work-related letters of recommendation.
Contact
Robert S. Parker Leadership Scholarship
222 N. Person Street Suite 208
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 828-6201
ltolson@ncapha.org
22. Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
Deadline: October 15th
Developed to honor the 1954-56 President, the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship gifts $1,250 for undergraduates and $1,750 for graduate students annually through the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America. Interested public health majors must be matriculated full-time in bachelor’s or master’s programs, be current members, sustain a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, attain at least junior status, present evidence of leadership, and exhibit professional proficiency for empowering communities to lead healthy lives.
Contact
Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(800) 213-7193
phartle@shapeamerica.org
23. Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship
Deadline: October 23rd
Another of the public health scholarships awarded to national SOPHE members is the Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship, which is valued at $1,500. Qualified undergraduates and graduate students must be matriculated full-time in public health or health education programs at CEPH-accredited U.S. colleges with good scholastic standing and unmet financial need. The online application requires an academic transcript, faculty recommendation letter, resume, and double-spaced essay outlining applicants’ future in health education.
Contact
Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship
10 G Street, NE Suite 605
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-9804
info@sophe.org
24. Wayne Kopp Memorial Academic Scholarship
Deadline: February 26th
The Wisconsin Environmental Health Association (WEHA) created the Wayne Kopp Memorial Academic Scholarship to support current members with $1,500 for affording initial or advanced degrees in environmental health, public health, and related majors. Eligible awardees must legally reside in Wisconsin, have finished at least one collegiate year, maintain full-time enrollment, obtain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, be recommended by faculty, and express clear commitment to protecting citizens from health risks posed by the environment.
Contact
Wayne Kopp Memorial Academic Scholarship
P.O. Box 279
Osceola, WI 54020
questions@weha.net
Scholarship Link
25. Wilhelm F. Rosenblatt, MD Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 4th
Funded by the New Mexico Public Health Association, the Wilhelm F. Rosenblatt, MD Memorial Scholarship gifts $1,000 to two graduate students pursuing a Master of Public Health in-state at the University of New Mexico or New Mexico State University. Eligible NMPHA members must need financial assistance to begin working toward public health practice careers in disease prevention, international health, or border health. Recipients will be honored at the Annual Conference held in Las Cruces.
Contact
Wilhelm F. Rosenblatt, MD Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 26433
Albuquerque, NM 87125
(575) 646-2183
tmcdaniel.nmpha@gmail.com
Young college graduates are often “idled” by the economy with today’s underemployment rate being at 14.9 percent. Majoring in public health could be one potential solution for a better job hunt. According to the ASPH, there’s a looming public health shortage that will worsen as practitioners reach retirement. Around 250,000 additional public health graduates will be needed through the next decade to avoid a workforce crisis. Overseas public health jobs are also growing since the WHO reports that 57 countries are facing crippling shortages. These 25 great scholarships for public health majors can help you enter this gratifying, high-need field affordably.
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