Financing Your Degree

When searching for scholarships, it is best to start with the broadest definition of your goals. From there, you can narrow down your personal attributes, geographic location, area of study, and other qualifying traits. Utilize the terminology listed in the description of potential scholarships to identify further search terms.

Additionally, it is helpful to create a comprehensive list of keywords—both general and specific—that applies to you. Keywords can include, gender, race or ethnicity, citizenship, volunteer or community service activities, research interests, or involvement in other organizations. Remember to view your work from its largest perspective.

Chances are faculty and current students have applied to similar scholarship opportunities: utilize their expertise! Have faculty, peers, and other professionals review the quality of your ideas and your scholarship applications.

Ask your friends and family to help you in the search process. Solicit organizations or groups with whom you affiliate (e.g., religious, social, and service) to inquire about potential scholarship opportunities.

Sponsors like to support recipients of other awards, no matter how small. Even the smallest award brings prestige to the applicant, demonstrating your potential for success.

After reviewing outside funding options, talk with your financial aid or admissions officer to see if they can provide additional suggestions or award institutional funds to help close the gap.

If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans. For more information visit the PSLF government website.

When should I start looking for funding/scholarships? 

Start as early as possible, ideally at the same time you begin researching programs. Many scholarships and fellowships have deadlines ahead of admissions deadlines. Some institutional awards are only open to students who apply by a priority date. 

Does ASPPH offer scholarships directly? 

ASPPH does not award scholarships to individual students. The resources on this page direct you to outside funding organized by eligibility. Your prospective schools and programs are often the largest source of aid, so ask each one what it offers. 

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA for a graduate degree? 

Yes, if you are a US citizen or eligible noncitizen and want to be considered for federal aid. Many schools also use the FAFSA to award their own need-based funding. Graduate students are generally considered independent, so you won’t need to report your parents’ financial information. Visit studentaid.gov for current deadlines and loan options. 

What types of funding are available to public health graduate students? 

Most students combine several sources of funding. These include scholarships and grants, fellowships, graduate or research assistantships, federal and private loans, employer tuition benefits, and service-based programs. Assistantships may include tuition support or a stipend. Availability varies by school, so ask the admissions or financial aid office what is typical for your school or program. 

I’m an international student. What are my options? 

International students are generally not eligible for US federal aid, but many schools, foundations, and home-country governments do offer funding. Start with the Citizenship-Based Criteria category above and ask each program what institutional awards are open to international applicants. 

How do I find scholarships I qualify for? 

Start broad and narrow down. Build a keyword list from your background, location, area of study, research interests, volunteer work, and organizational memberships. Use it across scholarship databases and the categories on this page. Smaller awards are worth applying for too, because sponsors like to support applicants who have won other awards. 

Can I apply for more than one scholarship? 

Yes, and you should. There is no limit on the number of applications. Just keep in mind that some schools adjust your aid package when you receive outside awards, so check each school’s policy. 

Who can help me with my applications? 

Ask faculty, current students, and professionals in the field to review your materials. Tell friends, family, and organizations you belong to that you are searching since many awards come through community, religious, and service groups. Financial aid and admissions officers can point you to funding you won’t find elsewhere. 

What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and would I qualify? 

PSLF forgives the remaining balance on Federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments. You must make those payments while working full-time for a government or qualifying nonprofit employer. Many public health careers meet that requirement. See the official PSLF page on studentaid.gov for the full requirements. 

Is there help with application costs? 

SOPHAS offers a fee assistance program for eligible applicants. Funds are limited, so apply early.