Find your perfect college degree
Why stop at a bachelor’s degree when you can earn a master’s? While taking the master’s degree path can mean more student loans, keep in mind that it will open more doors of opportunity! Your bachelor’s degree may be enough to get inside the door, but a master’s degree will get you a seat at the table.
Here’s proof: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs that require a master’s degree will rise by about 17% between 2016 and 2026. Indeed, a master’s degree brings with it numerous benefits, particularly in differentiating yourself from the competition and being a valued employee.
Data Points
- In the AY 2021-22, the large majority of graduate degrees conferred were master’s degrees (80.8%)*
- Doctoral degrees and graduate certificates were only 11.7% and 7.5%, respectively, of the graduate degrees awarded in 2021-2022.
- About 62% of Master of Education, 59% of Master of Arts,56% of Master of Science, and 51% of MBA degree holders have student loan debt.**
- Nearly 43 million individuals—one in six adult Americans***—have federal student loan debt.
- The federal student loan portfolio now exceeds $1.6 trillion.
First and foremost, your earnings potential will likely increase.
On average, employees with a master’s degree earn more than 20 percent more than employees with a bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, workers with a bachelor’s degree earn $66,600, while master’s degree holders earn $80,200. Both figures represent average annual salaries.
Throughout their careers, the former will earn $2.27 million, while the latter can earn up to $3.65 million. Of course, there are differences in the average annual salary earned between professions. For example, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers can earn between $101,000 and $107,000 annually.
Beyond the monetary benefits, earning a master’s degree will also result in a more specialized knowledge in your field. You may even introduce innovations in the course of your studies, thesis presentation, and fieldwork. Indeed, you have every opportunity to make a difference in the world!
With a master’s degree, your transition from rank-and-file employee to a senior position will be easier, perhaps faster.
This is because many organizations, from for-profit corporations to non-profit charities, recognize the knowledge and skill behind a master’s degree. Most of these organizations prefer employees with master’s degrees, too, especially in the healthcare, engineering, and education industries.
While you’re in the master’s degree program, your research, analysis, and communication skills will also be challenged and polished. You will be better at critical thinking and problem solving as you pursue life-long learning.
Furthermore, your personal and professional network will be bigger and better – and we know the benefits of such a network in your life!
But we understand your hesitations about pursuing a master’s degree.
For one thing, there’s the issue of time since most people enrolled in a master’s degree program are part-time and full-time employees. How can you pursue advanced study when you’re already juggling work and family responsibilities?
Well, you can find the time! Take note that universities and colleges offer flexible arrangements for working students, an opportunity worth grabbing. You can take the minimum number of credits, for example, so you’re not pressured for time.
In addition, there are financial problems associated with higher education in the United States.
Student loan debt has soared to a record high of $1.75 trillion, and you may well still be paying for your student loans. You’re reluctant about getting a master’s degree because it can mean more debt.
The cost of higher education has also rapidly risen, according to the study The Price of Graduate and Professional School – How Much Students Pay. In 2021-2022, for example, the average published tuition and fees for students enrolled in a master’s degree program ranged between $12,596 (public universities) and $28,017 (private non-profit institutions). These amounts are exclusive of other expenses, such as room and board, travel, and miscellaneous costs.
The actual tuition and fees vary widely, too, depending on the university.
At Harvard Graduate School of Education, part-time students pay $30,051, while full-time students pay $60,102 for the 2024-2025 academic year. The amount doesn’t include the $5,794 health insurance fees as well as the costs for rent, utilities, food, books and supplies, personal expenses, and technology expenses, among others.
Fortunately, there’s good news – SCHOLARSHIPS!
Your student and personal debts don’t have to be as large as you dreaded it because scholarships are available and aplenty. Of course, scholarships are monetary support provided to students without the expectation of repayment, not even a single cent.
But like grants, there are eligibility requirements and other conditions attached to scholarships. Some scholarships are needs-based, meaning these are given to underserved or unserved cohorts like women of color. However, some scholarships are merit-based, meaning individuals meeting high academic standards will qualify.
Some scholarships are granted based on industry or profession, such as scholarships only for nurses or for individuals studying Jewish culture.
Depending on your personal situation, there are also scholarships that pertain to specific needs, like autism. In addition, specific topic-related scholarships, like psychology scholarships, can be obtained with a little research and determination.
Many scholarships are so generous in their terms, too, that the benefactor will shoulder your entire two-year master’s degree program! Fulfill your end of the bargain, which may include excellent academic performance, public speeches, and innovative solutions.
But we will be the first ones to warn you that getting a scholarship isn’t easy!
With hundreds, perhaps thousands, of master’s degree students vying for a single scholarship, it’s a tough field out there. Put your best foot forward to ensure successful submissions.
And if you don’t know it by now, you can get two or more scholarships from different organizations. You may then be able to earn your master’s degree with manageable out-of-pocket costs! The trick is to apply for as many scholarships as you’re qualified for, submitting the required documents early, and hoping for the best.
Below are 50 of the Best Scholarships for Master’s Degree students. Many of these scholarships are annual. As such, you can reapply for the next school year if the deadline has passed.
Many, fortunately, also have current deadlines. We strongly recommend checking them out as soon as possible. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm!
Best Master’s Degree Scholarships
October 2026
P&D Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Up to $90,000 for the duration of the scholarship
Deadline of Application: October 29, 2026
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans restrict scholarship awarding to children of naturalized citizens, immigrants, DACA recipients, and green card holders attending master’s degree programs in accredited US graduate schools. The application will start in Spring 2026.
Eligibility requirements include being born outside of the United States, at least 30 years old or younger by the application deadline, with a four-year bachelor’s degree, and in their first or second year of master’s studies. Applicants should also show creative initiative, commitment to the values enshrined in the US Constitution, and sustained accomplishment.
Note: If you weren’t accepted into the program in any given year, you could still reapply in succeeding years for as long as you’re still eligible.
Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Seasonal Rounds)
Amount: $25,000 (Grand Prize)
Deadline of Application: April 30, 2026 (Spring season); Additional seasonal deadlines throughout the year
The Ayn Rand Institute is one of the leading organizations that promote Ayn Rand’s objectivist philosophy. It offers a unique scholarship program in which candidates must write an 800- to 1,600-word essay examining and arguing for a particular topic of the Ayn Rand book Atlas Shrugged. The contest operates in seasonal rounds with a total prize pool of $40,000, with a $25,000 grand prize.
Hertz Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Renewable for up to five years)
Amount: Up to $250,000 for five years
Opening of Application: August 2026
Deadline of Application: October 31, 2026
The Hertz Fellowship chooses graduate students pursuing science and technology degrees whose bold ideas have the best potential to become game-changing solutions to society’s current issues. Fellows not only receive substantial funding but also receive lifelong professional support and become part of a connected community.
Fellows choose from two options for getting their funding:
- Direct and exclusive funding from the Hertz Foundation, including full tuition equivalent, $38,000 in personal stipend for every nine months, and $5,000 annual stipend for fellows with dependent children
- Partnership with a partner college/university or awarding institution (e.g., National Science Foundation), including full tuition equivalent, $44,000 personal stipend for nine months, and annual supplemental and dependent stipends
The Hertz Fellowship program is open for graduate students at over 50 top universities, including Harvard University, Columbia University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and California Institute of Technology.
Caring Community Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $2,000
Deadline of Application: September 30, 2026
The Caring Community Scholarship program, sponsored by Marcus & Mack law firm and its attorneys, aims to spread community involvement among students! Note that only one student will be chosen for the award.
Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact on their community by implementing solutions for its betterment. Applicants must be US citizens in a graduate program and with a 3.0 GPA, minimum. Application documents include a 1,000-word essay on their specific community involvement success, academic transcript, and resume.
November 2026
American Concrete Institute Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000 to $10,000 stipend
Opening of Application: July 1, 2026
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2026
The American Concrete Institute Foundation was established to support students and professionals studying concrete. ACI offers several scholarship opportunities for graduate students through generous contributions from private individuals and organizations. Students enrolled in a master’s degree in concrete and relevant subjects can apply to the program.
The scholarship opportunities include:
Katharine & Bryant Mather Scholarship: Established in 1988, the scholarship honors Katharine and Bryant Mather for their significant contributions to concrete knowledge. It is funded by an international symposium and a Mather estate gift, offering graduate study in concrete.
Master Builders Solutions Concrete Materials Scholarship: This scholarship opportunity is open to students with advanced concrete degrees focusing on material science. However, those studying the use of admixtures to advance the use of concrete are given top priority. Applicants must be ACI student members, active members of an ACI Student Chapter, or focus on concrete-related material science, with no internship required.
W. Gene Corley Memorial Scholarship: Dr. Corley, a renowned structural engineer, offers a scholarship to graduate students interested in forensic engineering and concrete structure behavior and design.
Other scholarship opportunities include the Schwing America Scholarship for those with interest and ability to work in the concrete construction industry and the Stewart C. Watson Memorial Scholarship for students who focus on joints, bearings, or seismic systems for concrete structures.
Olivia James Traveling Fellowship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $26,000
Deadline of Application: November 1, 2026
Administered by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), the Olivia James Traveling Fellowship is awarded to a single scholar for study- and travel-related expenses between July 1 of the award year and June 30 of the following year. Only applicants studying classics, architecture, archaeology, sculpture, and history of Near and Middle Eastern studies will be considered, and the merit-based selection process is among the most competitive in the industry.
Emphasis must be placed on the fact that field excavation projects aren’t covered in the scholarship. The money cannot be used for institutional overhead, administrative recovery costs, or indirect costs. Applicants should be AIA members for at least one year (graduate students) or two consecutive years and US citizens.
Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $4,000
Deadline of Application: November 2026 (Check back in May 2026 for exact date)
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Educational Foundation sponsors the Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship, a grant for graduate students studying psychology, therapy/rehabilitation, or social services. Applicants should have good academic standing.
Applicants should be American citizens from an ethnic population, particularly of Black, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Alaska Native, or Hispanic heritage, and affiliated with the sponsors.
Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
Amount: $5,250 per award (multiple awards)
Deadline of Application: November 20, 2026 (Fall); May 31, 2026 (Spring)
The Sandra West ALS Foundation was founded by Sandy West, a Christian mother of three who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. The foundation provides scholarships to deserving students affected by ALS, promoting hope and resilience and ensuring education transcends disease challenges.
The scholarship is designed to support children of ALS parents whose families are experiencing financial difficulties. It is open to current or prospective college students.
ACES Bill Walsh Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,500
Opening of Application: August 15, 2026
Deadline of Application: November 15, 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship is open to graduate students enrolled during the summer and fall term. It is awarded to the qualified individual regardless of the applicant’s field of study or major. Applicants should also demonstrate a passion and aptitude for news-related jobs, mainly copy editing. Applications open on August 15 each year.
Education Matters Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $5,000
Deadline of Application: November 30, 2026
Education Matters scholarship is another program funded by Unigo that gives chances to graduate students who are not academically competitive but want to pursue higher education.
This program only requires applicants to submit 250 words or less answering the question, “What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter or that college is a waste of time and money?” The best response will be awarded $5,000 towards their education.
December 2026
APhA Foundation Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $1,000
Deadline of Application: December 1, 2026
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation enables pharmacists to participate in research projects and programs that improve the quality of healthcare in the US. Graduate students in pharmacy programs will find plenty of scholarship opportunities, including:
- Marvin & Joanell Dyrstad Scholarship
- APhA Foundation Scholarship
- Pharmacists Mutual Community Pharmacy Scholarship
Applicants must be APhA-ASP members for US and Puerto Rico-based applicants and must show active participation in their chapter’s activities. Application requirements include an academic transcript, two letters of recommendation, and current curriculum vitae or resume, as well as a 500-word essay on an identified topic. Each scholarship opportunity also has specific eligibility requirements and criteria.
GeneTex Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Biannual
Amount: $2,000
Deadline of Application: July 11, 2026 (Summer); December 2026 (Winter)
The GeneTex Scholarship, offered by a Texas-based biotechnology company, is open to all STEM majors enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution, including international students. This award is given biannually to support young scientists pursuing post-secondary education and promote scientific advancement and future discoveries.
AWWA Scholarship Program (including Bryant L. Bench Scholarship)
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Up to $10,000
Opening of Application: August 1, 2026
Deadline of Application: December 20, 2026
Applicants to the Bryant L. Bench Scholarship should be enrolled in a master’s degree program in a water engineering-related field, especially with a focus on sustainability, energy use, and other environmental issues.
The requirements for application include a personal statement, an official transcript of records, an essay, and a recommendation letter. Applicants should demonstrate their passion for water-related issues and their innovative solutions, too, as well as their qualifications.
Top Ten List Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $1,500
Deadline of Application: December 31, 2026
Unigo’s Top Ten List Scholarship program caters to creative students. The scholarship awards $1,500 annually to one student who creates the best Top Ten List of reasons to receive it. This award celebrates uniqueness and originality rather than focusing only on academic merit or financial necessity.
January 2027
Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $1,500
Deadline of Application: January 1, 2027
Every year, one recipient is selected for the Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship Program, which celebrates excellence in the arts. Graduate students pursuing a fine arts degree are welcome to apply, although it must be emphasized that painters in general and painters who practice plein air (i.e., outdoors) painting in particular are given preference.
Applicants must submit a short essay about the ways that ordinary things, places and people inspire their art and images of their original art pieces.
NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Program
Type of Scholarship: Semester-based (One-time, non-renewable)
Amount: $10,000 for each sport season (3 times a year)
Deadline of Application: January 2027 (varies by sport season)
The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship is awarded to the NCAA’s best student-athletes, and it’s awarded three times during the year. Every sports season, the panel awards 42 scholarships for men and women, divided evenly between the genders.
Applicants are assessed based on their academic and athletic achievements, as well as their community and campus involvement, demonstrated leadership, and volunteer activities.
Applicants should meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:
- Either in the final season of NCAA eligibility or have completed it
- Either in the final year of the bachelor’s degree program or have finished it
- Either 3.200 overall undergraduate minimum cumulative grade-point average or its equivalent (4.000 scale basis); graduate-level hours and grades aren’t included
- Have performed with distinction in the varsity team of any sport for which the NCAA member school nominated them
- Have enrolled or must enroll in a graduate degree program in an accredited school
YIVO Institute of Jewish Research Fellowships
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
Amount: Varies
Deadline of Application: January 2027
The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research is a leading institution preserving and studying East European Jewry’s history and culture. In addition to hosting renowned exhibitions, concerts, and lectures, the Institute also offers several graduate fellowship programs for master’s degree students:
Joseph Kremen Memorial Fellowship: This fellowship is offered to graduate students involved in the Eastern European Jewish theater, music, and arts, and the stipend can be used for research-related expenses. Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, two letters of support, and a research proposal by regular mail, email, or fax.
Fellowship in East European Jewish Literature: YIVO also administers the combined Vladimir and Pearl Heifetz Memorial Fellowship and the Vivian Lefsky Hort Memorial Fellowship, a scholarship for graduate students engaged in the study of East European Jewish literature. The stipend can be used within 2-3 months of research, as required in the terms, and the fellow will be required to give a public lecture.
Samuel and Flora Weiss Research Fellowship: The Samuel and Flora Weiss Research Fellowship is awarded to graduate students who are researching modern Polish-Jewish history, particularly the Holocaust period, Jewish-Polish relations, and Jewish contributions to Polish culture. The fellow can spend the stipend on whatever expenses they deem fit during the 2-3 months of fellowship. The expectations include research conducted at the YIVO library and a public lecture in exchange for the stipend.
Joy Cappel Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $2,500 (awarded to 2 students)
Deadline of Application: January 2027
The Joy Cappel Scholarship program is offered to students pursuing a life science or related degree. Rockland Immunochemicals, Inc., a leading global biotechnology company, offers this program. Instead of submitting essays, applicants must submit a 1-5-minute video answering the following question: “What would you consider the most surprising and impactful scientific finding in the last five years, and how do you believe it has the potential to transform our understanding of the natural world?” The award will be given after a 3-round review process.
March 2027
NEF – Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Between $2,500 and $10,000
Deadline of Application: March 1, 2027
The Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) awards the Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship to registered nurses enrolled in graduate nursing programs. Applicants should be African-Americans/Black, a member of a recognized professional nursing association, and in a full-time master’s degree program. The scholarships are based on academic excellence, visionary goals, and recognized leadership potential.
April 2027
Gerry Grossman Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
Amount: $4,000
Deadline of Application: April 1, 2027
Gerry Grossman has set up this funding to honor the MFTs who are working with kids. Qualified applicants should be students of Marriage and Family Therapy graduate studies. Awardees should be a resident of California or intend to provide mental health treatment to children in this area.
May 2027
Byron Hanke Fellowship for Graduate Research
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: $3,000 – $5,000
Deadline of Application: May 1, 2027
The Byron Hanke Fellowship for Graduate Research, funded by the Foundation for Community Association Research, is geared toward graduate students who want to research community development, management, and governance.
Hanke Fellowship applicants must be enrolled in a graduate-level program at an accredited US or Canadian institution and have research projects relating to community associations or common interest communities.
June 2027
Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
Amount: $5,000
Deadline of Application: June 1, 2027
Offered by the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association, a non-profit trade association, the Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship caters to graduate students majoring in fire protection engineering and administration.
Applicants must be full-time students in an accredited US or Canadian college or university. Additional requirements include academic transcripts, a 1,000-word essay, and a letter of recommendation.
TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education)
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Up to $4,000 per year
Deadline of Application: June 30, 2027
The TEACH grant comes with a service-or-repay clause that applicants must carefully consider before submitting their applications. TEACH grantees must complete one four-year service obligation or, if the service obligation isn’t completed, repay the grant with interest (i.e., grant converted into a loan).
Every TEACH grantee must complete counseling for every year that they are on the federal aid program. TEACH grantees also sign a grant agreement.
Applicants must complete the FAFSA form, comply with the basic eligibility criteria for student federal aid programs, and be enrolled in a college or university participating in the TEACH Grant program. This is a selective program with applicants evaluated on their academic performance and potential.
July 2027
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual
Amount: Varies
Deadline of Application: July 31, 2027
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship program helps international Egyptian students pursue an Engineering or MBA degree at Harvard University, Stanford University, The University of Pennsylvania, or The University of Chicago. This scholarship covers full tuition, a living allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance. Eligibility requirements include a 3.5 bachelor’s degree GPA and a high TOEFL iBT or IELTS score.
August 2027
Sodowsky Law Firm Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
Amount: $1,000
Deadline of Application: August 15, 2027 for the 2027–2028 academic year
The scholarship program offered by the Sodowsky Law Firm invites all aspiring attorneys.
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