Are you considering a career in Public Health and searching for a Public Health Scholarship to help get you on your way? Are you pursuing your Public Health degree and in need of Master of Public Health scholarships or undergraduate scholarships to fund your education? This list of 20 scholarships may be what you’re looking for to help you fund your passion. Are you in search of a Master of Public Health scholarship? Or you’re getting started with your undergraduate degree in a Public Health related area? Search this list of scholarships to find the funding you need.
This list is a compilation of Public Health scholarships that are unrelated to a school or state. Scholarships listed have specific requirements which may include:
- ethnic background
- financial requirements
- or regional residency as well as specific education standards such as GPA
Check out the websites of the Public Health scholarships of interest for more specific information and requirements. In addition, be sure to check your school, region and professional organizations for other valuable scholarships. Scholarships listed here are in alphabetical order. See scholarship applications to confirm application deadline dates.
Best Master’s in Public Health Scholarships Available
1. Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
Deadline: April 30
The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) offers this scholarship honoring Albert W. Dent, the first African-American Fellow of ACHE. This $5000 award is designated for minority students with demonstrated financial need. They must be enrolled in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program:
- MHA
- MPH
- MBA in Healthcare Administration or similar
It’s to offset:
- tuition costs
- student loans
- expenses
In addition to the application, applicants need to include:
- their current resume
- official transcript
- three letters of recommendation
- an essay including reasons for their career choice
- history of work in the field
- financial need
- evidence of community engagement
Multiple $5000 awards are given. ACHE student members are given preference, but non-members will be considered.
2. Barbara A. Cooley’s Master’s Scholarship
Deadline: October 15
This $1000 scholarship is awarded annually to a master’s level student currently enrolled in a health education program. It may be used in any manner they desire. Recipients will also receive a one-year student membership to SHAPE America. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship is awarded at the annual SHAPE America convention awards luncheon. Applicants submit a resume and a three-part essay including:
- their philosophy of health education
- professional goals
- their assessment of current and future issues in health education
In addition, two letters of recommendation and a current official transcript is required, along with the online application.
3. Bill and Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship
Deadline: March 15
This regional scholarship provides financial assistance for those pursuing a career in nursing or another healthcare field, including public health. A minimum of 50 percent of scholarships are awarded support nursing education. The remaining funds are awarded to students pursuing education in other healthcare-related programs. Applicants must be accepted and enrolled as full time students. Students enrolled in pre-health programs will not be considered. In-person interviews may be required. Applicants must reside in designated counties in the states of:
- Missouri
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Nebraska.
4. Corris Boyd Scholars Program
Deadline: May 1
This generous scholarship was established by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). It’s in honor of Corris Boyd, a healthcare industry leader who valued diversity and leadership in students. This $40,000 scholarship for tuition is paid out over four installment periods. Applicants must already be accepted into a full time master’s program in an AUPHA school. Applicants must be:
- African American
- American Indian
- Asian American
- Latino
- Hawaiian
- Alaska Native
- or other ethnic background signifying them as a student of color
A minimum 3.0 GPA and United States Citizenship or permanent resident status is required.
5. Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship Program
Deadline: See application
This scholarship is sponsored by the Guttmacher Institute, honoring the legacy of Cory L. Richards. He was known as a mentor whose commitment to cultivating individual talent benefited many during his nearly 40 years at the Institute. This is a $15,000 scholarship. It’s aimed at developing future leaders in the field by providing financial support to master’s degree students. They must be planning to devote their careers to public policy and rights related to sexual and reproductive health. Scholarships are offered yearly to full-time graduate students at an accredited program in the United States. Applicants pursuing a master’s degree in public policy or public health are welcome to apply. Priority is given to those with the greatest financial need. Recipients are selected on basis of:
- academic record
- demonstrated leadership
- honors
- work experience
- a personal essay.
6. David A. Winston Health Policy Scholars Program
Deadline: April 10
This generous scholarship provides up to twenty $10,000 scholarships each year to master’s degree students in:
- health administration
- health policy
- public health
Award winners participate in a one-day health policy symposium in Washington, DC. Applicants can expect to submit:
- a resume
- personal statement stating plans for a career in the health policy industry
- transcripts
- two letters of recommendation, including one from a professor from their current degree program.
Applicants from MPH, MPP, MHA, MBA, MA, JD programs, as well as joint degree programs (such as JD/MPH), are encouraged to apply.
7. EmPOWERED to Serve
Deadline: January 31
This scholarship is sponsored by the American Heart Association for undergraduate college students of any major. However, they must be involved in improving community health and wellness through efforts such as:
- volunteering in local health organizations
- advocating healthy food access in their community
- fundraising for community health and wellness causes, and more
This scholarship could help further your vision if you have a passion for:
- public health
- health equity
- community engagement
Although there is no GPA requirement, 3.0 or higher is preferred. Applicants should be in their Freshman, Sophomore or Junior years. Recipients of this $10,000 college scholarship also become part of the EmPOWERED to Serve network ambassadors and alumni and receive invitations to special events.
8. Foster G. McGaw Scholarship
Deadline: April 30
This $5000 award is given yearly to 20 students in their last year of a healthcare management program at the graduate level. This includes MHA, MBA, and MPH students. The Foster G. McGaw Scholarship is available through the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) in honor of Foster G. McGaw, the founder of the American Hospital Supply Corporation. Preference is given to students who are members of ACHE, but non-members will be considered. Applicants are required to submit:
- resume
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- letters of recommendation
In addition, an application essay is required, including:
- your reasons for your career path in health care management
- history in this field
- community volunteer experience
- demonstrated financial need.
9. Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Deadline: See application
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program provides an opportunity for outstanding minority students to reach their highest potential by lessening their financial barriers. Students of color with high academic and leadership potential are invited to apply for this program. This award is based on:
- tuition
- fees
- books
- living expenses for an academic year
It takes into account the availability of other grants and scholarships reported on the student’s financial aid award letter, so it’s different for each winner. The undergraduate award may be renewed annually based on continued full-time enrollment and submission of required documents. Graduate students may be eligible for this scholarship if they’re studying in certain fields, including public health. Undergraduate students must complete the application process prior to freshman year. This application process includes the student application plus a Nominator Form and a Recommender Form. Students are evaluated on:
- academic achievement
- community service
- leadership potential.
10. Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
Deadline: The first Tuesday in February
This competitive, merit-based scholarship seeks scholars planning to make an impact on a particular issue or community through:
- policy development
- direct services
- advocacy
Funds may be used to cover:
- tuition cost
- room and board
- fees,
- up to $1000 in books
Most Truman Scholars seek master’s or doctoral degrees in:
- public administration
- public policy
- public health
- international relations
- government
- economics
- social services
- education
- urban planning
- conservation and environmental protection
- juris doctor’s degrees
Undergraduate students may also apply. Applicants submit:
- the application form and policy proposal
- a nomination letter from their school
- three letters of recommendation
- transcripts
Nominees are chosen by the Faculty Representative at their school. Then 200 Finalists are chosen by the Truman Finalist Selection Committee. Interviews are then conducted to select the Truman Scholars. In addition to monetary award, they will have opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. Between 50-65 Truman Scholars are selected each year.
11. Healthcare Training Scholarship Plan
Deadline: April 30
This scholarship is provided by the National CPR Association. It’s committed to helping students in their endeavors to become qualified healthcare professionals. This $3000 scholarship is awarded yearly for a winning essay (500-1500 word). In it they will discuss thoughts and feelings regarding the possibility of performing CPR on someone and how they would handle the situation and preparation to ensure they can do the task. Applicants may also discuss feelings and thoughts about their past involvement in a lifesaving scenario and use of CPR. Second and third place winners receive a complementary CPR Certification program (valued at $275). Any student enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate college program may enter. However, the organization is specifically seeking entries from students enrolled in:
- Medical or Dental School
- EMT Technician Program
- Nursing School
- Paramedic Program
- Pharmacy School
- Respiratory Therapy Program
Essay entries are submitted via email in the required format.
12. Health Resources and Services Administration
Deadline: April 23
The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) provides scholarships to students pursuing primary care health professions training. In return, they will commit to serve in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). The NHSC SP is seeking applicants focused on primary care who demonstrate geographic flexibility. They also must have a strong interest in providing primary health services to underserved people in the United States. This program pays for tuition and education related expenses. They will also get a stipend in return for a minimum of two years of full-time service in a NHSC-approved site in a HPSA. This scholarship program is open to US Citizens enrolled or accepted full-time in one of these programs:
- medical
- dental
- nurse practitioner
- nurse midwife
- physician assistant
The program must be in the United States or a US Territory. NHSC scholars should expect to serve their obligations as a non-federal employee approved by NSC SP. They must be eligible to hold an appointment as a Commissioned Officer of the Public Health Service or a federal civil service appointment. Three essays and two letters of recommendation are required for this application. Service obligation may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
13. Indian Health Service
Deadline: February 28
The Indian Health Services scholarship program was created to ensure that culturally appropriated personal and public health services are available to American Indian and Alaska Native people. The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers three scholarships to members of federally recognized Tribes enrolled in an eligible health profession degree program. The IHS scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students assist in educating and training health professionals to staff Indian health programs. The Health Professional scholarship provides financial aid to undergraduate- and graduate-level students studying full-time. It’s to assist in tuition and related school and living expenses. Upon graduation recipients fulfill a service commitment in full-time clinical practice. Awards are based on a point system in 3 categories:
- Academic performance
- Faculty/employer evaluations
- essays.
14. Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
Deadline: May 22
MGMA provides opportunities for a number of scholarships with varying eligibility requirements and dollar amounts between $2500-$5000. The scholarship fund supports the education of individuals who demonstrate potential to contribute to MGMA’s mission to transform healthcare. Applicants must be current student members of MGMA. They must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program relevant to medical practice management including:
- public health
- business administration
- healthcare administration
- other non-clinically related professions
To be eligible, scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a degree program for the upcoming academic year in the United States.
15. National Hispanic Health Foundation
Deadline: September 26
The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) funds the National Hispanic Health Professional Scholarship. It’s open to any student enrolled full time in a graduate level program in:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing (BSN)
- Public Health/Policy
- Physician Assistant
Applicants are not required to be Hispanic, but must have an affinity for Hispanic community health. They must also have an interest in required participation in NHF Scholars Alumni activities. Required for application are:
- a personal statement discussing why the applicant is interested in Hispanic Health issues
- professional aspirations
- a professional recommendation
- resume
- an unofficial transcript
- proof of US Citizenship
Applicants must be a Premier member of the National Hispanic Medical Association to be considered. Every year the NHHF awards between 15 and 20 scholarships to students with exceptional academic and leadership record.
16. National Institute of Health
Deadline: March 18
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s competitive Undergraduate Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They must want to pursue careers in:
- biomedical research
- behavioral research
- social sciences health-related research
This program offers:
- financial scholarship support
- paid NIH summer research training
- paid employment and training after graduation
This scholarship pays up to $20,000 per year for tuition and related educational expenses and reasonable living expenses. It may be renewed for up to 4 years. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by completing the Certification for Exceptional Financial Need form. They submit this form to their institution’s financial aid office. In addition, applicants must be a US citizen or permanent resident They must be enrolled in a 4 year full time program with a GPA of 3.3 or higher or within the top 5% of their class.
17. National Society of High School Scholars
Deadline: See application
The National Society of High School Scholars offers a variety of scholarships to help students achieve their academic and career goals in health and medicine as well other academic areas. Check these out to help you reach your potential and pay for:
- college
- study abroad programs
- summer programs
- graduate school
Two million dollars are awarded annually. Take time to read eligibility requirements and deadlines for each scholarship. Applicants striving for academic excellence will find something from the National Society of High School Scholars to help them on their way to fuel their interests.
18. Primary Health Network Foundation Healthcare Scholarships
Deadline: See application
The Primary Health Network (PHN) Foundation Healthcare Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a career in healthcare or allied health fields. PHN promotes the training of:
- doctors
- nurses
- technicians
- other health care professionals
The goal is to provide the highest quality of care in PHN centers located in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Each year PHN provides $30,000 in academic scholarships to students pursuing education in a healthcare profession. PHN is a federally qualified health center. It provides much-needed healthcare services to underserved communities. It reaches over 118,000 patients annually through health and health education services.
19. TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship
Deadline: June 27
This one time award from the makers of TYLENOL® is an annual scholarship to deserving students pursuing careers in healthcare. An applicant must be:
- a college senior who will be enrolling in graduate schoo
- a current graduate student in:
- Medical School
- Nursing School
- Pharmacy School
Applicants should have one or more years of school remaining and plan to actively treat patients upon graduation. Ten $10,000 scholarships and twenty-five $5000 scholarships are awarded annually. They’re not renewable. This award is to be applied to:
- tuition
- books
- fees
- supplies and equipment required for classes.
20. Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship
Deadline: See application
This $2500 scholarship is awarded annually to three full-time graduate or undergraduate students who:
- have excelled academically
- have demonstrated a commitment to Public Health through health education
- have demonstrated financial need
Students pursuing a health education degree and have completed at least one-third of their required coursework for their major are invited to apply for this scholarship. This award is designated for tuition and is paid directly to the institution. Applicants must be a current National SOPHE member and provide:
- an official transcript
- a letter of recommendation from a faculty member
- a statement from the applicant discussing issues that impact the future of health education
- the applicant’s role in resolving these issues
- resume
- demonstrated financial need
Recipients also receive an $800 21st Century Scholarship to attend the annual SOPHE conference.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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