Scholarships for Psychology Students

There are many financial aid and scholarship options available in psychology for undergraduate and graduate students. Find the right scholarships for psychology students here.
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Updated September 20, 2023

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Psychology Scholarships

Higher education can be expensive, and focusing in the classroom and on coursework is difficult for psychology students stressing over their finances. Students who can take advantage of the many financial aid and scholarship options available in psychology can reduce this stress and make the most of their educational experience. Read on to learn about the scholarships, grants and tuition reimbursement programs available specifically to psychology students, and start reducing the stress that comes with paying tuition.

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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Psychology Financial Aid & Scholarships List

Scholarships are an excellent way gather the funds needed for a psychology degree. There are hundreds of scholarships available for psychology students with a wide variety of purposes; some are need-based, some merit-based, and more are a combination of the two styles. The American Psychological Association and psychology honor society Psi Chi are frequent sponsors of scholarships that undergraduate and graduate students can benefit from, but there are also many other scholarship sources to choose from. Explore the lists below.

National Private Financial Aid and Scholarships

APAGS/Psi Chi Junior Scientist Graduate Fellowships | $1,000

APAGS/Psi Chi Junior Scientist Graduate Fellowships

$1,000

First or early-second year graduate level students who are members of both the Psi Chi honor society and American Psychological Association are eligible to apply. The fellowship is intended to fund graduate level research, but may be applied to other projects. Applications are due by the end of June.

APA Society Convention Research Awards | $300 to $500

APA Society Convention Research Awards

$300 to $500

Members of the Psi Chi psychology honor society who present a poster of their relevant research at the annual American Psychological Association Convention are eligible for this scholarship. Four awards are available annually, two at the undergraduate level and two at the graduate level.

APF Walter Katkovsky Scholarships | $5,000

APF Walter Katkovsky Scholarships

$5,000

Students in their first year of studying psychopharmacology in APA-approved programs may apply. Eligible applicants are typically postdoctoral practicing psychologists continuing their education. Up to nine scholarships are awarded yearly. Applications are due at the beginning of December.

APF Graduate Student Scholarships | $1,000 to $5,000

APF Graduate Student Scholarships

$1,000 to $5,000

The American Psychological Foundation awards 21 scholarships annually, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 awards each. These scholarships are open to graduate level psychology students based on research proposals and student background. Applications for various scholarships are due at the end of June.

APS Society Convention Research Awards | $300 to $500

APS Society Convention Research Awards

$300 to $500

Psi Chi honor society members who present their research (typically in the form of a poster) at the annual Association for Psychological Science Convention are eligible for this scholarship. Awards are available at both the graduate and undergraduate level.

Benton-Meier Neuropsychology Scholarship | $2,500

Benton-Meier Neuropsychology Scholarship

$2,500

Graduate students who have completed their doctoral candidacy and are specializing in neuropsychology are eligible for this award. Two $2,500 awards are given out annually, with an application deadline of early June.

Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Student Fellowship | $25,000

Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Student Fellowship

$25,000

Supporting graduate research projects in the field of child psychology, these one-year fellowships are available to students who have completed their doctoral candidacy, demonstrated competence and commitment to research and have an institutional review board approval when using human research subjects. Applications are due mid-November.

Filipino-American Psychology Scholarship | $500

Filipino-American Psychology Scholarship

$500

Established by the Asian American Psychological Association to increase the number of Filipino-American psychology academics and researchers and increase service and involvement in the Filipino-American community. Awards are given to undergraduate students planning to pursue a master's or doctorate in psychology, or graduate students in their first two years of psychology study. Applications are due in February.

Goldstein & Schneider Scholarships | $3,000

Goldstein & Schneider Scholarships

$3,000

Awarded by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, this scholarship is designed to assist a graduate student pursuing industrial and organizational psychology with dissertation costs. Applicants must be student affiliates of Division 14. The call for applications opens in May.

Kay Wilson Psi Chi President Leadership Award | $1,200

Kay Wilson Psi Chi President Leadership Award

$1,200

Psi Chi honor society chapter presidents, both graduate and undergraduate, are eligible for this award. Individuals must be nominated by faculty or a Psi Chi member in order apply. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional leaderships skills and dedication to Psi Chi. One winner is chosen annually.

Melanie Foundation Scholarship | $2,500

Melanie Foundation Scholarship

$2,500

Individuals pursuing a doctorate or master's degrees in mental health fields are eligible for this scholarship. The application requires curriculum vitae, transcripts, letters of recommendations and a personal essay. The scholarship is eligible for renewal. Applications are due in early March.

National Association of School Psychologists Minority Scholarship Program | $5,000

National Association of School Psychologists Minority Scholarship Program

$5,000

Established to assist minority graduate students pursuing careers in school psychology, this scholarship is awarded annually at the NASP Annual Convention in February.

National Board of Certified Counselors Military Scholarship | $8,000

National Board of Certified Counselors Military Scholarship

$8,000

Open to former or current active-duty U.S. military service members or their spouses who commit to providing mental health services to military members or veterans for at least two years, and who apply for a National Certified Counselor certification. Five scholarships are awarded annually, with an application deadline at the end of October.

National Institute of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program | Up to $20,000

National Institute of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Up to $20,000

Available to students from disadvantaged communities who commit to studying behavioral health and have exceptional financial need. Scholarships are awarded each year, and are renewable for up to four years. Monies may be used for tuition, educational expenses and reasonable living expenses.

Noba + Psi Chi Student Video Award | $1,000 to $2,500

Noba + Psi Chi Student Video Award

$1,000 to $2,500

Graduate and undergraduate members of Psi Chi honor society are eligible for this award. Applicants must create and submit an educational video about a specific topic chosen by Noba and Psi Chi. Videos must be submitted by mid-May to be considered. Three tiers of award amounts are available.

Paul H. Henkin Memorial Scholarship Award | Varies

Paul H. Henkin Memorial Scholarship Award

Varies

Open to school psychologists in applied research programs what are members of the National Association of School Psychologists. Applications are due

Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research & Eye on Psi Chi Diversity Article Awards | $600

Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research & Eye on Psi Chi Diversity Article Awards

$600

Members of the Psi Chi honor society who have an article submitted to one or both of Psi Chi's two publications are eligible for this award. The article must focus on diversity, such as LGBT topics, physical or mental disabilities, or economic and ethnic disadvantages.

Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships | $3,000

Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships

$3,000

Undergraduate Psi Chi members in need of financial assistance are eligible for this scholarship. The application requires transcripts, financial documents, a personal essay, a financial need essay, and a letter of recommendation from the honor society's faculty advisor. Applications are due at the beginning of July.

Scott & Paul Pearsall Scholarship | $10,000

Scott & Paul Pearsall Scholarship

$10,000

Designed to fund graduate level psychology work that increases the public's understanding of the psychological stigmas faced by adults living with physical disabilities. Applications are due at the beginning of October.

Student Affiliates in School Psychology Diversity Scholarship | $500 to $1,000

Student Affiliates in School Psychology Diversity Scholarship

$500 to $1,000

Awarded to students from underrepresented cultural backgrounds studying school psychology. Two $500 awards are given annually to master's or doctoral level students in their first or second year of graduate study, and one $1,000 award is given to an advanced master's or doctoral level student in year three or higher of graduate study. Application deadlines fall at the end of April.

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Graduate Student Scholarships | $500 to $1,000

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Graduate Student Scholarships

$3,000 to $3,500

With a total of four scholarships awarded each year, graduate students pursuing a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology who are Division 14 affiliates are eligible for these awards. Monies are designated to assist students with the cost of dissertation work.

Regional Private Financial Aid and Scholarships

Catharine Wilder Guiles Scholarship | Varies

Catharine Wilder Guiles Scholarship

Varies

Graduate students studying at either University of Maine or University of Southern Maine are eligible for this scholarship, which gives students with financial need the opportunity to achieve graduate-level training in mental health fields. Interested students should contact the financial aid offices of either university for deadlines and application details.

Community Foundation of Shelby County Medical & Health Profession Scholarship | Up to $1,200

Community Foundation of Shelby County Medical & Health Profession Scholarship

Up to $1,200

Available to high school graduates of Shelby County, Ohio pursuing a certificate, associate, bachelor's or master's degree in a medical or associated health profession. Selection is based on financial need, GPA requirements, community or school service and recommendations. Deadlines for applications are in July.

Davis Educational Fund | Varies

Davis Educational Fund

Varies

This scholarship is for adult students in Sarasota County, Florida pursuing careers in medical or nursing fields. Financial need is taken into consideration. Funds may be used at any accredited college or university. Applications are due early April and must include a letter of recommendation, resume, and supporting financial documents.

DuPage County Medical Society Scholarship | Varies

DuPage County Medical Society Scholarship

Varies

Residents of DuPage County, Illinois who have completed undergraduate education are eligible for this scholarship. Applications are accepted from January to April and require a letter of recommendation, transcript, tax return, and proof of enrollment/acceptance to the health care program applicants intend to apply the funds to.

E. Eugene Waide, MD Memorial Scholarship | $1,000

E. Eugene Waide, MD Memorial Scholarship

$1,000

College seniors from Amarillo, Texas and surrounding counties who are preparing to obtain a medical certification or graduate degree are eligible for this scholarship. Applications must have maintained a 2.5+ GPA through college and received an undergraduate degree in a medically-relevant field. Applications are accepted from November to mid-February.

Goldstein & Schneider Scholarships by the Macey Fund | $3,000

Goldstein & Schneider Scholarships by the Macey Fund

$3,000

Open to minority PhD students studying industrial and organizational psychology. Students must be affiliates of Division 14, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and must use the award to cover the cost of carrying out dissertation work.

Frank and Louise Groff Foundation Scholarships | Varies

Frank and Louise Groff Foundation Scholarships

Varies

The Groff Foundation scholarships are available to Monmouth County, New Jersey individuals who attended public high schools. The scholarships cannot be applied to undergraduate studies and are need-based. Scholarships are renewable up to four years. Applications are due at the start of April; transcripts and financial information are required.

Franklin D. Boyce Annual Health Scholarship | $2,500

Franklin D. Boyce Annual Health Scholarship

$2,500

The Boyce Scholarship can be applied to either graduate or undergraduate studies in a medically-related field. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be residents of Hopewell, Virginia, or a neighboring locality. Applicants must also submit test scores, transcripts, financial information, three letters of recommendation, and maintain a 3.0+ GPA.

Harry N. and Melva A. Derickson Scholarship | Varies

Harry N. and Melva A. Derickson Scholarship

Varies

The Derickson Scholarship is a need-based renewable award for students in select Pennsylvania counties. Applicants must be attending or entering college or university with intentions to join a medical field. The application is due at the beginning of April and requires financial information, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

Marsh Minority Scholarship | $1,000

Marsh Minority Scholarship

$1,000

Third-year undergraduate students or beyond attending West Texas A&M University are eligible to apply. Applicants must be African American or Hispanic, demonstrate financial need, major in nursing or allied health, and must maintain a 3.0+ GPA. The scholarship is renewable up to four semesters; applications accepted from November to mid-February.

Mary Morgan-Wolf Memorial Scholarship | Varies

Mary Morgan-Wolf Memorial Scholarship

Varies

Native Kuskokwim applicants who plan to enter health fields are eligible for this scholarship. The application requires recommendation letters, transcripts, and a personal essay. There are two application cycles; the first cycle ends mid-June and the second ends mid-November.

Mortensen Undergraduate & Study Abroad Scholarships | $1,000

Mortensen Undergraduate & Study Abroad Scholarships

$1,000

Awarded to psychology undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota, Mortensen Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees and books. Application deadlines fall in the early part of spring semester.

Stephanie Nicole Ross Foundation Graduate Scholarship | $1,000

Stephanie Nicole Ross Foundation Graduate Scholarship

$1,000

Awarding two scholarships to Florida students studying graduate level psychology, cognitive or behavior sciences. The deadline to apply falls in mid-April.

University of Minnesota Psychology Engagement Awards | $500 and $600

University of Minnesota Psychology Engagement Awards

$500 and $600

Open to University of Minnesota, Twin Cities undergraduate psychology students who demonstrate financial need and are involved in learning experiences or volunteer opportunities outside the classroom. Two $500 awards are distributed each semester, and the highest ranking applicant for the year receives a $600 Natalis Award.

General Medical Financial Aid and Scholarships

American Indian Graduate Center Gerald Peet and Ruth Muskrat Bronson Fellowships | $500 - $5,000

American Indian Graduate Center Gerald Peet and Ruth Muskrat Bronson Fellowships

$500 - $5,000

Students seeking a professional or graduate degree in a medical or nursing field are eligible for these scholarships. Applicants must be members of a federally recognized tribe or submit a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. The application is due in early June and is awarded to applicants with demonstrated financial need.

Catching the Dream Scholarship | $500 to $5,000

Catching the Dream Scholarship

$500 to $5,000

American Indian and Alaska Native tribe members are eligible for this scholarship, which is primarily intended for individuals seeking degrees in STEM fields. Applicants are required submit a personal essay and seek out additional scholarship opportunities. Applications are available upon request; due dates vary depending on planned enrollment date.

Elizabeth and Sherman Asche Scholarship | $1,500

Elizabeth and Sherman Asche Scholarship

$1,500

Undergraduate and graduate who are members of American Indian tribes are eligible to apply. Applicants must be studying a field associated with health or science. The application includes a short essay and is due at the beginning of June.

Elizabeth J. Davis Scholarship | $1,000 to $3,000

Elizabeth J. Davis Scholarship

$1,000 to $3,000

A scholarship program for home care professionals in Vermont seeking an advanced degree, and associate or bachelor's degrees in a health profession, including nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy or medical social work. The application deadline comes annually in mid-February.

F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program | Full tuition plus stipend

F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program

Full tuition plus stipend

Available for students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, including psychology, who are commissioned military officers. Full tuition is covered, in addition to a $2,000 monthly stipend during school and officer's pay during breaks. Service obligations are one year of active duty for every year of scholarship.

Future Physicians Scholarship Program | $500

Future Physicians Scholarship Program

$500

This scholarship is intended for students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or other program with the intention of joining the medical field. The scholarship is eligible for renewal and the application, which includes a short personal essay, must be submitted by mid-October.

Haffizulla Family Scholarship | $1,000

Haffizulla Family Scholarship

$1,000

Pre-med and medical students who are members of the American Medical Women's Association are eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship is merit-based. The application requires a letter of recommendation from a senior member of the American Medical Women's Association and a short essay. Applications are due by the end of December.

Health Professionals and Specializing Physicians Scholarship Program | $500

Health Professionals and Specializing Physicians Scholarship Program

$500

This scholarship is intended for students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or other program with the intention of joining the medical field. The scholarship is eligible for renewal and the application, which includes a short personal essay, must be submitted by mid-October.

Indian Health Service Scholarship Program | Varies

Indian Health Service Scholarship Program

Varies

The IHS provides three scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing degrees in health professions. One scholarship is designated for undergraduate students, the second is designated for undergraduate students pursuing pre-graduate degrees and the third is open to both undergrad and grad students who commit to a service obligation in clinical practice after graduation.

Linda Brodsky MD Essay Award | $500

Linda Brodsky MD Essay Award

$500

Medical students who are members of the American Medical Women's Association are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must submit a short essay responding to the supplied prompt. Submissions must be received by the end of January.

National Medical Fellowships Emergency Scholarship Fund | $5,000

National Medical Fellowships Emergency Scholarship Fund

$5,000

Members of specific minority groups who are experiencing a financial emergency are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in a medical school. The application requires two essays, a letter of support from the program's financial aid director, and additional financial documentation. Applications are accepted throughout the school year.

Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship | Varies

Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

Varies

Awarded to Native American or Alaska Native undergraduate students who demonstrate a commitment to Native and Tribal policy and health care, including psychological studies. Scholarship deadlines fall during the beginning of March.

Undergraduate Kaplan MCAT Scholarship | $2099

Undergraduate Kaplan MCAT Scholarship

$2099

This scholarship is offered by the American Medical Women's Association and Kaplan to undergraduate pre-med members of the Association. Financial need is not necessarily a determining factor but is taken into consideration. The awarded funds are intended to be used for Kaplan MCAT test preparation. Applications, which include essays, are due by the end of September.

United Negro College Fund - Medtronic Foundation Scholarship | $4,500

United Negro College Fund - Medtronic Foundation Scholarship

$4,500

African American college juniors studying biomedical fields are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must be attending UNCF member schools and have a 3.0+ GPA. The scholarship is primarily merit-based, and the application deadline is the end of November.

Pay for School: Additional Aid for Psychology Students

For some students, psychology scholarships alone do not cover the entire cost of earning a degree. There are additional financial aid options, including programs that reimburse psychology students entering medical fields for the cost of their tuition in exchange for service, research grants, federal aid programs and more. No matter what psychology specialization a student chooses, many of the following financial aid options are broad-level to help a variety of psychology students complete their education.

School Payment Plans

  • 529 Savings Plans
    A savings-based education payment plan method widely accepted by colleges and universities. Operated by either a state entity or educational institution, these savings plans provide tax advantages for money deposited. Funds may be used for post-secondary training and other qualifying expenses, such as computer equipment or lab fees.
  • FAFSA® Free Application for Federal Student Aid
    Students who intend to apply for financial aid programs provided by their college or university will likely have to fill out the FAFSA®, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid to assess financial need. Students can apply for FAFSA® between October 1st and June 30th.
  • Rutgers Tuition Payment Plan
    An example of a traditional tuition payment program offered by many colleges and universities, the Rutgers University Tuition Payment Plan allows students to make monthly payments, interest-free and at no additional cost.

Grants

  • APA Student Travel Award
    Grant Amount: $300
    Graduate students looking to present their research at an American Psychological Association Conference are eligible to apply for this travel grant. The grant funds are designated for graduate students who would not otherwise be able to present their research.
  • APA Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity Grants
    Grant Amount: Wages
    Undergraduate psychology students with minimal laboratory experience are eligible for this grant, which supplies wages (at least $10 per hour) necessary for their institution to hire them as a summer research assistant. Applications are due at the beginning of January and must include a full research proposal.
  • APAGS Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Grant Program
    Grant Amount: $1,000
    Graduate students researching the mental health of LGBT community members and/or LGBT topics in psychology are eligible for this grant. Applicants must be American Psychological Association Graduate Students (APAGS) to be considered. A full project proposal is required as part of the application. The deadline is early December.
  • APAGS Nancy B. Forest & Michael Honaker Master's Grant for Research in Psychology
    Grant Amount: $1,000
    Funding thesis research at the Master's level, this $1,000 grant helps support growth and development of the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students. Students must be members of the APAGS to be eligible.
  • APS Student Grant Competition
    Grant Amount: $300 to $500
    Encouraging student research in psychological science, applicants must be student affiliates of the APS (Association for Psychological Science) to qualify. Awards are intended to be used as “seed grants” to support research in the developmental stages. Research practices must be in line with APS policy, ethics and regulatory codes. Applications are due in mid-November.
  • Division 36 Student Research Award
    Grant Amount: $500
    Undergraduate or graduate students of psychology are eligible for this grant. This grant is awarded to up to six students proposing research on the psychology of religion and spirituality. The application is due in early June and requires a proposal, letter of recommendation and curriculum vitae.
  • Heath Resources and Service Administration Graduate Psychology Education Grants
    Grant Amount: Varies
    Provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Graduate Psychology Education program funds accredited graduate, doctoral, doctoral internship and residency programs that provide health care for underserved populations and areas of need in the United States. A list of programs who receive grant monies from the GPE can be found here.
  • Mamie Phipps Clarke Research Grants
    Grant Amount: $1,500
    Psi Chi undergraduate, graduate, and faculty members are eligible to apply for this grant. The grant funds research related to issues of diversity and diverse communities. Applications require a research proposal and are due in the beginning of November.
  • National Association of School Psychologists Graduate Student Research Grants
    Grant Amount: $1,000
    Up to three $1,000 awards are made annually to graduate students conducting high-level research that positively impacts the field of school psychology. Applications are due in mid-September.
  • Psi Chi Summer Research Grants
    Grant Amount: $5,000
    Undergraduate psychology students who are members of Psi Chi honor society are eligible for this grant. The grant is intended to fund a summer research project for the applicant and their faculty supervisor. The application requires a research proposal and is due at the beginning of March.
  • Psi Chi Unrestricted Travel Grants
    Grant Amount: $1,500
    Members of the Psi Chi honor society at undergraduate, graduate or faculty levels are eligible to apply for this grant. The funds can be used to cover or reimburse recipients for the travel costs associated with attending a national convention to present research. Deadlines are in December and May.
  • Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant
    Grant Amount: $15,000
    Graduate level researchers are eligible for this grant. Proposed research must focus on LGBT family psychology and therapy. The application must include a research proposal, IRB approval and endorsement from a supervisor. Applicants must be members of the American Psychological Association/Foundation.
  • Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Research Grant
    Grant Amount: $1,000
    This grant is typically awarded to graduate and postgraduate researchers, but undergraduate students are welcome to apply. Applications require a research proposal, IRB approval and a budget. Applicants must be members of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. Applications are due at the beginning of February and June.
  • Thelma Hunt Research Grant
    Grant Amount: $3,000
    Graduate and undergraduate Psi Chi honor society members are eligible to apply for this research grant. Applicants must submit proposals for empirical research that is related to Psi Chi's mission. Undergraduate students are the preferred recipients of the grant. Applications are due in the beginning of November.

Tuition Reimbursement Programs

  • Chipotle's Educational Assistance Program
    Aid Amount: Varies
    Chipotle employees, part- or full-time, are eligible for this tuition assistance program. The program does not cover all tuition costs, but can reimburse students for a significant portion.
  • Starbucks' College Achievement Plan
    Aid Amount: Full Tuition
    Starbucks and Teavana employees, part- or full-time, are eligible for this program, which covers the tuition costs of earning a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University online. Unlike some tuition reimbursement programs, students are able to study whatever subject they want to earn a degree in.
  • United Parcel Service Tuition Assistance Program
    Aid Amount: Varies
    United Parcel Service (UPS) offers tuition reimbursement to certain types of employees. Participants do not necessarily need to seek a degree in a field specified by UPS. Additional Options
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
    Aid Amount: Full Tuition
    U.S. Armed Forces members who have served for more than 36 months or were honorably discharged after serving for 30 days are eligible to have the full costs of their tuition covered. Students who served less time are also eligible for assistance. The GI Bill targets those who are no longer on active duty.
  • United States Army Reserve Education Programs
    Aid Amount: Varies
    Members of the U.S. Army Reserve are eligible for a variety of programs that allow them to attend college while serving. Reserve members can apply for scholarships, tuition reimbursement programs, loan repayment programs and need-based financial aid.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Calculator

One of the common challenges of higher education is financing it. However, budgeting can help resolve that challenge by giving an idea of how much financial aid and scholarships will cover and what out-of-pocket financial obligation to expect. Using the calculator below, students can enter estimated tuition costs and other campus fees, and their expected scholarship or financial aid amounts to see their remaining out-of-pocket costs.

[School Cost]

Beyond Financial Aid & Scholarships: Student Loan Forgiveness

Covering the cost of earning a psychology degree isn't always possible with financial aid and scholarships alone, which is why so many use student loans to help bridge budget gaps. The Institute for College Access and Success reported 69 percent of seniors who graduated from public and non-profit colleges in 2014 had student loan debt. The good news for psychology students is there are many student loan forgiveness programs that can reduce or even eliminate student loan debt. The following programs pay part or all of a student's loan debt in exchange for service, so students gain career experience practicing psychology while paying down debt.

California State Loan Repayment Program

Who is Eligible?
California medical professionals in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must accept employment at an SLRP Certified Eligible site
  • Commit to working a minimum of 20 hours per week in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area

Service Obligations and Options

  • Two-year initial service obligation
  • Four-year half time initial service obligation
  • Full time extension years, up to four
  • Half time extension years, up to four

Forgiveness Amount

  • Up to $50,000 for initial service obligation period
  • Full-time Extension: Up to $20,000 per year for extension year one and two, up to $10,000 per year for extension year three and four
  • Half-time Extension: Up to $10,000 per year for extension year one and two, up to $5,000 per year for extension year three and four

College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 / Loan Forgiveness for Public School Employees

Who is Eligible?
Licensed and practicing public school psychologists.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Student loans must be federal and have loan periods of over ten years
  • Must be employed in a public school as a psychologist

Service Obligations and Options

  • Must serve as a public school psychologist for 10 or more years
  • Must serve as a public school psychologist for 10 or more years of service

Forgiveness Amount

  • No maximum forgiveness amount; after serving for 10 years as a public school psychologist and paying student loans without defaulting for those 10 years, all remaining debt is forgiven

Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program

Who is Eligible?
Licensed members of eligible psychology professions (chemical dependency counseling, clinical psychologists, counselors, counseling psychologists, and social workers) or individuals in final year of training for an eligible profession

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must hold a degree or be in final year of training for degree
  • Licensed (or, if in final year of training, license must be obtained before service begins)
  • Priority consideration given to members of federally recognized tribes

Service Obligations and Options

  • Two-year initial service obligation to work in American Indian and Alaska Native communities with greatest staffing needs
  • Extensions and contract renewals available

Forgiveness Amount

  • Up to $40,000 for initial service obligation
  • Extensions and contract renewals permitted until entire eligible student debt is repaid

National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

Who is Eligible?

Fully trained and licensed health care providers working in primary care medical, dental, or mental/behavioral health disciplines

Eligibility Requirements

  • Eligible to be provider in Medicare, Medicaid, and/or Children's Health Insurance Program
  • Fully trained and licensed to work in health discipline
  • Must accept employment in high-need areas (as determined by National Health Service Corps)
  • Must have unpaid undergraduate or graduate student loans

Service Obligations and Options

  • Two-year initial service obligation
  • Extensions and contract renewals available

Forgiveness Amount

  • Up to $50,000 for initial service obligation
  • Extensions and contract renewals permitted until entire eligible student debt is repaid

National Institutes of Health Extramural Loan Repayment Programs

Who is Eligible?

Researchers not employed by the National Institutes of Health

Eligibility Requirements

  • Doctoral degree
  • Student loan debt is greater than or equal to 20% of base salary

Service Obligations and Options

  • Perform qualified research (as determined by National Institutes of Health)
  • Research in one of five fields: clinical, pediatric, health disparities, fertility, clinical research with disadvantaged individuals
  • Renewals and annual reapplications permitted

Forgiveness Amount

  • Up to $35,000 per year
  • Renewals and yearly reapplications permitted

National Institutes of Health Intramural Loan Repayment Programs

Who is Eligible?

Researchers employed by the National Institutes of Health

Eligibility Requirements

  • Doctoral degree
  • Student loan debt is greater than or equal to 20% of base salary

Service Obligations and Options

  • Perform National Institutes of Health research
  • Research in one of three fields: AIDS research, clinical research with disadvantaged individuals, general National Institutes of Health research
  • Renewals and annual reapplications permitted

Forgiveness Amount

  • Up to $35,000 per year
  • Renewals and yearly reapplications permitted

Alaska's SHARP-I Program Carryover - Behavioral Health Solicitation

Who is Eligible?

Alaskan licensed behavioral health professionals

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be licensed to work in one of the following behavioral health professions: psychiatrist, psychology-specialized nurse practitioner/registered nurse, psychology specialized physician assistant, health service psychologist, clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, or licensed marriage and family therapist
  • Must accept employment in an Alaskan health professional shortage area

Service Obligations and Options

  • Two-year initial service obligation
  • Must work in or relocate to Alaska

Forgiveness Amount

  • $20,000 to $35,000 annually for initial service obligation; loan repayment amount depends on profession
  • Contract renewals and extensions determined by availability of funds

Texas Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals

Who is Eligible?

Texan mental health professionals Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be licensed to work in one of the following professions: psychiatrist, psychologist, board certified psychiatric or mental health nurse, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker
  • Must accept employment in a Texas correctional facility or serve Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program in a mental health professional shortage area

Service Obligations and Options

  • Five-year service obligation
  • Must work in correctional facility or serve an eligible program in a mental health professional service area in Texas

Forgiveness Amount

  • $40,000 to $160,000 over five-year service obligation, depending on profession

Popular Resources

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