In an effort to promote diversity, PhD scholarships for minorities are becoming easier to find.
Enrollment in doctoral programs by ethnic minority students has historically lagged behind the average. However, the success gap is closing. In fact, the NCES reports that over one-fourth of doctoral students are members of underrepresented minority groups today.
Going the distance for a PhD helps individuals grow intellectually, conduct research, build leadership skills, and unlock teaching or research jobs in academia. Graduates with a PhD have an average expected lifetime earnings of $3.3 million! Cashing in some of the following lucrative doctoral grants for minorities could cover the costs for your career advancement.
1. AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students
Deadline: May 15th
Each year, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) offers up to 22 Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students for $12,000 apiece to full-time scholars in the United States who show potential for teaching accounting in the university classroom. Minority PhD students of African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Native American ethnicity can apply.
Qualified candidates must hold a master’s degree, obtain CPA credential, have at least three years of accounting experience, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Contact
AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students
220 Leigh Farm Road
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 402-4500
academics@aicpa.org
Scholarship Link
2. Alfred P. Sloan Minority PhD Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Sponsored by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME), the Alfred P. Sloan Minority PhD Scholarships are gifted for underrepresented doctoral students pursuing a major related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens matriculated full-time at schools designated Sloan University Centers for Exemplary Mentoring (UCEM). Since being founded in 1995, the program has provided over 900 doctoral grants for minorities active in PhD research.
Contact
Alfred P. Sloan Minority PhD Scholarships
1 North Broadway Suite 601
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 539-4010
sloanphds@nacme.org
Scholarship Link
3. American Indian Graduate Center Fellowships
Deadline: June 1st
Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each academic year, the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) Fellowships are awarded to full-time American Indian and Alaska Native students currently seeking a PhD or professional degree at an accredited U.S. institution. To apply, candidates must be enrolled members of federally-recognized tribes, have at least one fourth degree Indian blood, exhibit financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. There’s also a AIGC Loan for Service available.
Contact
American Indian Graduate Center Fellowships
3701 San Mateo NE Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 881-4584
web@aigcs.org
Scholarship Link
4. ASC Graduate Fellowships for Ethnic Minorities
Deadline: March 1st
The American Society of Criminology (ASC) created the Graduate Fellowships for Ethnic Minorities to award $6,000 annually to three deserving African American, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American students accepted into a PhD program pertaining to criminology or criminal justice. Eligible applicants don’t have to be members of the ASC. Applications must include proof of admission, a current curriculum vitae, official transcripts, three reference letters, and a letter describing career plans in criminology.
Contact
ASC Graduate Fellowships for Ethnic Minorities
1314 Kinnear Road Suite 212
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 292-9207
asc@asc41.com
Scholarship Link
5. CHCI Graduate Fellowship Program
Deadline: February 5th
Offering $2,900 plus bi-weekly pay of $1,160 minus taxes, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Graduate Fellowship Program provides PhD candidates of Latino/a heritage with work experience in Washington, DC and leadership training. Qualified fellows must have completed a master’s degree, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, be lawfully authorized to work in America, show commitment to public service, complete at least 20 hours of volunteer work, and demonstrate evidence of leadership skills.
Contact
CHCI Graduate Fellowship Program
1128 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 543-1771
fbohorquez@chci.org
Scholarship Link
6. Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships
Deadline: January 8th
Valued at $24,000, the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships provide three-year doctoral grants to minorities who are currently engaged in pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (ScD) degree. Eligible recipients must be U.S. citizens or green card holders, enroll in a research-based program at a non-profit U.S. institution, have superior academic achievement, and be committed to a career in teaching or research at the university level. Accepted majors range from history and political science to chemistry and linguistics.
Contact
Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 334-2000
infofell@nas.edu
Scholarship Link
7. Harriett G. Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship
Deadline: February 23rd
Sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Harriet G. Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship will provide up to 20 PhD scholarships for minorities, women, and people with disabilities who are studying STEM disciplines. Applicants should be enrolled full-time at accredited U.S. universities with doctoral majors related to aeronautics, life science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, astronomy, computer science, earth science, physics, or engineering. Award packages start at $24,500 and include a Mentor-Protégé Initiative.
Contact
Harriett G. Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship
2750 Prosperity Avenue Suite 600
Fairfax, VA 22031
(800) 231-9155
brenda.j.collins@nasa.gov
Scholarship Link
8. Hsiao Memorial Economics Scholarship
Deadline: February 19th
The Asian Pacific Fund presents the Hsiao Memorial Economics Scholarship each academic year for $1,000 to Asian American or Pacific Islander students attending a U.S.-based college or university for a PhD degree in economics. Qualified candidates must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, plan a teaching or research career in academia, have at least 50% Asian heritage, exhibit financial need, and be conducting research that benefits Asians. Priority is given to doctoral students of Chinese descent.
Contact
Hsiao Memorial Economics Scholarship
465 California Street Suite 809
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 395-9985
info@asianpacificfund.org
Scholarship Link
9. Jeanette Elmer Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 1st
Started in 2006 by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, the Jeanette Elmer Scholarship Fund gives $1,000 annually to American Indian or Alaskan Native students who are members of federally-recognized tribes in Wisconsin, New Mexico, or Arizona. To be eligible, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s program, enroll in an accredited U.S. graduate school, pursue a master’s or PhD, demonstrate financial need, have one-fourth degree Indian blood, and submit a 250-word typed personal essay.
Contact
Jeanette Elmer Scholarship Fund
4520 Montgomery Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 881-4584
Scholarship Link
10. Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholars Program
Deadline: May 1st
Administered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholars Program bestows $18,000 PhD scholarships for minorities enrolled full-time in a clinically focused doctoral nursing program. Eligible American Indian, Asian American, Black, Latino, or Pacific Islander students must be U.S. citizens, attend an CCNE-accredited college, have RN licensure, and commit to becoming full-time faculty in a registered nursing program after graduation.
Contact
Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholars Program
1 Dupont Circle NW Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-6930
mokoniewski@aacn.nche.edu
Scholarship Link
11. KSEA-KUSCO Scholarships for Graduate Students
Deadline: April 1st
The Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) partners with the Korea-U.S. Science Cooperation Center (KUSCO) annually to provide $20 scholarships for $1,500 each to graduate students of Korean heritage who are earning a master’s or Ph.D. degree. To qualify, candidates must attend an accredited U.S. institution, major in the STEM fields, have KSEA membership, excel in community service, submit two recommendations, and write an 800-word essay explaining how their research will impact Korean-U.S. cooperation.
Contact
KSEA-KUSCO Scholarships for Graduate Students
1952 Gallows Road Suite 300
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 748-1221
admin@ksea.org
Scholarship Link
12. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
Deadline: February 19th
Funded by Tyler Technologies, the Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship is granted for $8,000 each year through the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) to outstanding minority master’s or Ph.D. students preparing for a career in state or local government finance. Qualified majors include public administration, accounting, finance, economics, political science, nonprofit management, and business. U.S. or Canadian citizens can be enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited North American institution.
Contact
Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
203 North LaSalle Street Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 977-9700
rkotchen@gfoa.org
Scholarship Link
13. National Gem Consortium PhD Science Scholarship
Deadline: November 15th
The National Gem Consortium offers the PhD Science Scholarship to minority students entering their first year of doctoral studies in any natural science discipline, including chemistry, physics, earth science, mathematics, biology, and computer science. Fellows are given full tuition coverage at a GEM university member, a $16,000 living stipend, and a paid summer internship. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and obtain promising GRE scores.
Contact
National Gem Consortium PhD Science Scholarship
1430 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 562-3646
info@gemfellowship.org
Scholarship Link
14. NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 10th
Within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program was established to provide four annual doctoral grants for minorities and women who may otherwise be unable to afford a PhD in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology, ecology, or a related field. Eligible candidates must attend an accredited graduate school, have U.S. citizenship, achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and show interest in studying fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
Contact
NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
1305 East-West Highway 11th Floor
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 713-3125
fosterscholars@noaa.gov
Scholarship Link
15. Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Deadline: January 15th
African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander PhD students are given preference when applying to the APA’s Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (MHSAS). Eligible applicants must be pursuing an accredited doctoral degree in psychology, be U.S. citizens, and be committed to a career in ethnic minority behavioral health services or policy. Fellows receive three years of funding, ancillary training, dissertation support, and network connections.
Contact
Predoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(800) 374-2721
executiveoffice@apa.org
Scholarship Link
16. Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship
Deadline: May 1st
As one of the most lucrative PhD scholarships for minorities, the Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship is awarded by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for $63,000 over three years. It’s designed for African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander students entering their second year of a doctoral program in the microbiological sciences. Applications must include official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a one-page statement highlighting career goals in microbiology.
Contact
Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship
1752 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 942-9283
fellowships@asmusa.org
Scholarship Link
17. SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program
Deadline: March 31st
Granting a $20,000 annual stipend, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Scholars Program is available for racial minority students enrolling full-time in a campus-based PhD program at a participating U.S. institution. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree, not be employed outside their department, reside in one of 16 member states in the Southern United States, and plan to become full-time university faculty members.
Contact
SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program
592 10th Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 875-9211
chanell.turner@sreb.org
Scholarship Link
18. UNCF Merck Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowships
Deadline: December 11th
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Merck Science Initiative offers at least 12 dissertation fellowships for $53,000 annually to African American PhD students enrolled full-time with a major in any life science, physical science, or engineering discipline. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, attend a regionally accredited institution, have completed all doctoral qualifying exams, exhibit outstanding academic ability, and be within one to three years of completing dissertation research.
Contact
UNCF Merck Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowships
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 810-0331
uncfmerck@uncf.org
Scholarship Link
19. Vine Deloria Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Through the American Indian College Fund, the Vine Deloria Jr. Memorial Scholarship is conferred annually for $1,000 to Native American or Alaskan Native graduate students who are currently pursuing an accredited master’s or PhD degree in any academic field. To be eligible, candidates must be enrolled members of federally-recognized tribes, have at least one-fourth Indian blood, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need. PhD students could also apply for the Anthony A. Welmas Scholarship.
Contact
Vine Deloria Jr. Memorial Scholarship
8333 Greenwood Blvd.
Denver, CO 80221
(800) 776-3863
info@collegefund.org
Scholarship Link
20. Xerox Technical Minority Scholarships
Deadline: September 30th
Ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the Xerox Technical Minority Scholarships are awarded for full-time minority college students pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD degree in a technical science, such as chemistry, computer science, information management, physics, manufacturing, software systems, or engineering. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited U.S. four-year institution, carry a minimum B average, have unmet financial need, provide a detailed electronic resume, and not be related to Xerox employees.
Contact
Xerox Technical Minority Scholarships
45 Glover Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856
(877) 747-3625
GlobalCareers@xerox.com
Scholarship Link
Earning a PhD will cost you plenty of stress and sleepless nights for around five years of your life. With rising tuition, that doctoral degree can also cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many minority students are held back from their doctorate dreams simply by lacking the financial means. Luckily, scholarships can provide ample funding for avoiding mountains of student loan debt. If you self-identify as African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Hispanic, or Alaskan Native, consider these 20 great PhD scholarships for minorities.