As a professional in the field of social work, you’re already aware that investing time and effort in worthwhile causes can lead to meaningful impacts down the road. Pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) is one of these rewarding opportunities – but of course, it comes with the cost of tuition in addition to the commitment of time and hard work. Education is a large but worthy investment, and MSW scholarships can help make pursuing your master’s degree more affordable.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota maintains a commitment to providing accessible tuition that reflects our Lasallian value of service to our community. Learn more about our online MSW program.
An initial search may leave you with the impression that most scholarships are restricted to undergraduate students. However, funding opportunities for graduate students have increased in recent years in response to the higher numbers of professionals choosing to pursue master’s degrees. Today, graduate students make up about 15% of the total college student population,1 and scholarship opportunities are much more prevalent.
By seeking out MSW scholarships, you may be able to significantly reduce the amount of student loan debt you take on during graduate school. According to the latest data, 60% of master’s degree graduates used student loans to pay for their education, and the average graduate degree holder owes $106,850.2 Luckily, there are many open scholarships for MSW students – you just need to know where to look.
How to Find Scholarships for MSW Students
Unlike student loans, scholarships provide funding for your education that you won’t have to pay back. These opportunities can make all the difference in your graduate level education. When searching for MSW scholarships, it’s important to focus on the opportunities you’re most qualified for. Be sure to read the requirements listed for each scholarship and submit fully complete applications, including personal essays, when they’re requested.
Where to Start Your Search
Many student and professional social work organizations offer MSW scholarships. These funding opportunities often include service requirements that help recipients build professional connections while gaining hands-on experience. To explore professional and student organizations that offer scholarships for MSW students, begin with the following:
Several websites also make it convenient to search for MSW scholarships. You can find opportunities posted by individuals, organizations, and foundations on the following websites:
Local organizations such as churches, community centers, and special interest clubs are other good places to search for scholarship opportunities. Some funding opportunities may also be specific to your state. To explore local and state scholarships for MSW students, start here:
- Contact your local Chamber of Commerce
- LeadMN
- MyHigherEd Minnesota
If you’re a member of a minoritized population, you may also find it helpful to search for scholarships designed specifically to help make the social work profession more diverse and inclusive. MSW scholarships for minorities may be awarded by:
- American Indian College Fund
- Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
- Donovan Kayne Lujan Memorial Fund Scholarship
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- National Association of Black Social Workers Scholarship
- Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program
- Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship
- The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
Grants for MSW Students
Most scholarships are merit-based, meaning you may need to submit an essay, maintain a minimum GPA, and meet other requirements. It’s important to note that, in addition to scholarships, some grants are available to graduate students. MSW grants are often based on financial need and, like scholarships, provide free money for your education. The state of Minnesota offers a number of grants that can be used for graduate school:
- Public Safety Officers’ Survivor Grant
- Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant
- Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant
Explore these and other grant opportunities to take full advantage of the MSW funding opportunities available to you.
Are You Ready to Become an Ethical Leader in Social Work?
Prepare to work with clients in a clinical environment with a CSWE-accredited, online MSW from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Other Ways to Fund Your Education
MSW grants and scholarships aren’t the only options for making your degree more affordable. Learn more about other ways to fund your education below.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees who want to earn a degree to build new skills and expertise for their careers. Speak with your employer or human resources representative to learn whether your workplace offers tuition reimbursement.
Military and Veteran Benefits
Active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, and family members of those who have served may qualify for discounts, tuition reimbursement, and other education benefits. At Saint Mary’s, VA School Certifying Officials and a Higher Education Veteran Program Coordinator are even present on campus to assist you in your educational journey. Learn more.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans if you meet certain requirements. Learn more.
University-Employer Partnerships
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota partners with numerous employers in Minnesota and nationwide to offer employees a way to save money while earning their degree. Through our Trusted Partnership Program, employees (and spouses) of our partnering organizations qualify for a significant tuition discount. Learn more.
Invest in Your Future
Earning your MSW can open doors to a host of new career opportunities. If you’re ready to take your next step toward advancement in this rewarding career, learn more about the online MSW program from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. In this CSWE-accredited program, you’ll build the expertise you need to become a more ethical leader and provide clinical care to clients seeking mental health support.
Investing in yourself today can lead to great things for your future. Learn more about Saint Mary’s online Master of Social Work program to get started.
Sources
- Wood, Sarah. “How to Find Scholarships for Graduate School.” April 25, 2023. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-find-scholarships-for-graduate-school.
- Hanson, Melanie. “Student Loan Debt Statistics.” Mar. 3, 2024. Education Data Initiative. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from https://educationdata.org/student-loan-debt-statistics#.
