2025 Social Work Scholarships: Top 25 Picks for Students
If you’re passionate about helping people and planning a career in social work, you’re likely thinking about how to fund your education. The good news? There are many scholarships for social work students in the USA that can ease the financial burden. Whether you’re just starting your bachelor’s or you’re pursuing a Master’s in Social Work (MSW), there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s explore 25 handpicked scholarships designed specifically for undergraduate and graduate social work students. Plus, we’ll share popular online MSW programs and answers to common questions students have about funding their degree.
Help for Aspiring Helpers: Undergraduate Social Work Scholarships
These scholarships are ideal if you’re earning your first degree in social work or a related field.
| Scholarship Name | Level | Who Can Apply | Award Amount | Deadline (if known) |
| Patty Gibbs-Wahlberg Scholarship | Undergraduate | BSW juniors/seniors | Up to $3,000 | Varies |
| Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship | Graduate | Immigrant/first-gen grad students | Up to $90,000 | Typically in October |
| Ima Hogg Foundation Scholarship | Graduate | TX-based social work grad students in mental health | $5,000 | Varies |
| Carl A. Scott Book Scholarship | Both | Students promoting equity in social work | $500 | September |
| Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship | Graduate | Mental health in African American communities | $5,500 | Spring |
Solution For Your Problem: How to Apply for MSW Programs
Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust
Who can apply: New Hampshire students pursuing nursing, medicine, or social work.
Amount awarded: Varies based on need.
Bethesda Lutheran Communities Student Scholastic and Service Scholarship
Who can apply: Christian students pursuing careers in service for people with developmental disabilities.
Amount awarded: Up to $3,000.
Davis-Putter Scholarship
Who can apply: Undergraduate students active in social justice movements.
Amount awarded: Up to $15,000.
Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program
Who can apply: African American students dedicated to public service.
Amount awarded: Varies.
Once you’ve chosen your degree, compare MSW, MSSW, and MSSA to align with your scholarship options.
Indian Health Service Preparatory Scholarship
Who can apply: Native American undergraduates entering health careers including social work.
Amount awarded: Full tuition plus monthly stipend.
James F. Reville Scholarship
Who can apply: New York residents studying social work with a disability services focus.
Amount awarded: $3,000.
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Scholarship
Who can apply: Jewish students with financial need pursuing social service careers.
Amount awarded: Up to $8,000.
Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship
Who can apply: Full-time undergraduate and graduate students in social work.
Amount awarded: Up to $9,000.
National Association of Black Social Workers Scholarships
Who can apply: African American undergraduate students in accredited social work programs.
Amount awarded: Varies.
Patty Gibbs-Wahlberg Scholarship
Who can apply: BSW students in their junior or senior year.
Amount awarded: Up to $3,000.
Presbyterian Scholarship for Undergraduates
Who can apply: Active Presbyterian students in service fields like social work.
Amount awarded: Varies.
Pride Foundation Scholarship
Who can apply: LGBTQ+ students and allies in the Northwest.
Amount awarded: Varies by recipient.
American Indian College Fund Scholarships
Who can apply: Native American undergraduate students in accredited institutions.
Amount awarded: Up to $2,000.
Lawanna Renee Barron Scholarship
Who can apply: Students with an interest in mental health and social work.
Amount awarded: Varies.
Carl A. Scott Book Scholarship
Who can apply: BSW and MSW students promoting equity in social work.
Amount awarded: $500.
Check it Out: Top Social Work Schools in the USA
MSW from Anywhere: Popular Online Programs for 2025
Many accredited universities now offer online MSW programs to fit students’ busy schedules. These programs are CSWE-accredited and often allow you to complete your field placements locally.
Top picks include:
- University of Southern California (USC)
- Simmons University
- Columbia University Online
- Boston University
- University of Michigan Online
Most of these schools also offer financial aid for social work majors and scholarship options.
Funding Your Future: Graduate Social Work Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Deadline (Approx.) |
| NASW Foundation | March 1, 2025 |
| CSWE Minority Fellowship Program | February 12, 2025 |
| Patty Gibbs-Wahlberg Memorial | April 15, 2025 |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund | March 2025 |
Already finished your bachelor’s and aiming for a master’s or doctorate? These graduate scholarships are tailored for you.
Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
Who can apply: MSW students serving Hispanic, American Indian, or Alaska Native communities.
Amount awarded: Up to $4,000.
Council on Social Work Education Minority Fellowship Program – Master’s
Who can apply: MSW students from minority backgrounds focusing on mental health or substance abuse.
Amount awarded: Up to $10,000.
Social Work Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship
Who can apply: PhD students with research interests in public policy.
Amount awarded: Varies.
Eileen Blackey Doctoral Fellowship
Who can apply: Doctoral students focused on welfare policy research.
Amount awarded: Up to $6,500.
Jane B. Aron Doctoral Fellowship
Who can apply: Doctoral students researching social work practice or policy.
Amount awarded: Varies.
The Melanie Foundation Scholarship
Who can apply: Graduate students in mental health fields, including social work.
Amount awarded: $2,500.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Who can apply: Immigrant or first-generation graduate students.
Amount awarded: Up to $90,000.
Ima Hogg Scholarship
Who can apply: Texas-based graduate students in social work with a mental health focus.
Amount awarded: $5,000.
Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship
Who can apply: MSW students focusing on mental health in African American communities.
Amount awarded: $5,500.
Neysa Fanwick Memorial Scholarship
Who can apply: MSW students dedicated to LGBTQ+ issues.
Amount awarded: Varies.
Trending Scholarships for 2025
With the rise of technology and increasing interest in social work, new opportunities are emerging. Here are some trending scholarships for 2025:
1. AI-Powered Scholarship Search Tools
AI tools are becoming more common for students seeking funding. These tools use your interests and academic history to suggest the best scholarships for you.
2. Scholarships for Trauma-Informed Social Work
As awareness grows about trauma, scholarships specifically for trauma-informed social work are becoming more available.
3. Online MSW Programs with Scholarships
Many universities now offer online MSW programs with scholarships, which allow students to complete their degree while working or balancing other responsibilities.
4. Social Work for Underserved Communities
Social work programs that focus on underserved populations are gaining more attention. Scholarships supporting social work education for underserved communities are increasing.
Boost Your Chances: How to Stand Out in Your Scholarship Application
To make your scholarship application stand out, consider these tips:
- Personalize Your Application: Tailor your essay to the specific scholarship and explain why you’re passionate about social work. Scholarships like need-based scholarships or essay-based scholarships often look for genuine stories and commitment.
- Follow the Guidelines: Pay attention to the scholarship eligibility criteria and submit everything on time.
- Seek Mentorship: A mentor in the social work field can guide you and even help you find more scholarship opportunities.
Want to boost your chances of success after getting a scholarship? Don’t miss our guide on how to Crack MSW Internships in 2025 for real-world tips and field placement success!”
Conclusion
A career in social work is deeply rewarding—and with the right scholarship, it’s also more affordable. Explore your options, apply early, and invest in your future as a changemaker.
Want help with scholarship essays or building a winning MSW application? Let us know—we’re here to guide you!
