Counseling Scholarships: Funding Opportunities for Your College Education
Pursuing education in counseling represents a commitment not just to your future career, but to the wellbeing of countless individuals you’ll serve throughout your professional journey. We understand that the financial burden of undergraduate and graduate education can be significant, which is why we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of scholarships specifically designed for aspiring counselors.
These funding opportunities aim to recognize academic excellence, commitment to underserved communities, research potential, and passion for specific counseling specialties. From national professional organizations to private foundations and university-specific awards, these scholarships can help make your educational goals more accessible.
Whether you’re just beginning your undergraduate studies or advancing your expertise through graduate work, investing in your counseling education is investing in better mental health outcomes for future clients. We encourage you to review these opportunities carefully, noting application deadlines and specific eligibility requirements, and to apply for those that align with your background and professional aspirations.
Undergraduate
GMiS California Health Sciences Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Offered by Great Minds in STEM (GMiS), this scholarship supports students pursuing health science degrees, including counseling. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to the health sciences field.
Amount: $80,000
This substantial scholarship supports students committed to pursuing careers in human resources, so if your counseling emphasis will be organizational, consider applying.
oxyGEN with AT&T National Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Sponsored by AT&T’s oxyGEN employee resource group, this scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in various fields, including counseling, who demonstrate innovation and passion in their area of study and can tie in a STEAM emphasis.
NLBHA Josie Torralba Romero Scholarship Fund
Amount: $1,000
Offered by the National Latino Behavioral Health Association, this scholarship supports Latino students pursuing degrees in behavioral health fields, including counseling.
Amount: Up to $15,000 per year (need-based)
For students actively involved in social justice work. Ideal for those pursuing counseling with a passion for community mental health, advocacy, or equity work. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and activist involvement.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
Amount: Up to $20,000/year in tuition, educational expenses, and a stipend
For students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing careers in behavioral health or research. Includes paid research training and a service obligation at NIH after graduation.
Amount: Varies (Typically $1,000 – $12,000)
This scholarship supports LGBTQ+ students pursuing degrees in various fields, including mental health counseling. It prioritizes those who have overcome barriers and are dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Financial need and leadership in social justice are key selection factors.
Amount: $500 – $5,000
This scholarship supports Hispanic and Latino students pursuing higher education, including counseling and psychology degrees. It is need-based and awarded to those who show academic achievement and community involvement. Recipients gain access to mentorship, career support, and networking opportunities.
Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
This scholarship honors Marie C. Quinn by supporting students pursuing careers in mental health counseling. It is awarded to those with a passion for helping individuals through therapy and advocacy. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to the field.
NAADAC William White Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 undergraduate, $2,000 graduate
Students must have at least one year of coursework remaining in an Addiction Studies program or related field. Applicants must be a NAADAC member and submit a research paper and letters of recommendation.
Live for Lou Drug Counseling Scholarship
Amount: Up to $5,000
This scholarship is for students pursuing a certificate, license, undergraduate or advanced degree on the path to becoming a substance abuse counselor. Students from Massachusetts with a preference for those from Cape Cod may apply.
Amount: Up to $33,000
This award is for a student who came to the US before the age of 16 before 2019 and have significant unmet financial need to attend college. Students may also get up to $6,000 for other books and fees.
Graduate
Jim Dempsey Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship is aimed at students pursuing degrees in psychology or counseling who have shown a dedication to community service and leadership within the mental health field.
NBCC Foundation Military Scholarship (Master’s Level)
Amount: Varies
Designed for service members, veterans, and their spouses pursuing a counseling degree, this scholarship supports those committed to serving military communities.
U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Amount: Full tuition + monthly stipend (~$2,600/month) + other benefits (books, fees, equipment)
Offers full scholarships to students in mental health-related programs, including counseling psychology, in exchange for service as a behavioral health officer in the Army. You’ll serve after graduation for a minimum of 3-4 years, depending on your program length.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program
Amount: Up to $50,000 for a 2-year full-time commitment; $25,000 for part-time
For licensed counselors and other health professionals working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Helps repay student loans in exchange for serving in underserved communities.
NHSC Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workforce Loan Repayment Program
Amount: Up to $75,000 for full-time; $37,500 for part-time (3-year commitment)
Supports mental health providers who specialize in substance use disorder counseling. Must serve at an approved facility in a high-need area.
Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Student Fellowship
Amount: Up to $25,000
This fellowship supports graduate students conducting research in child psychology, including topics related to child mental health and development. It is ideal for counseling students focusing on child therapy, trauma, or behavioral interventions. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong research proposal.
APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology
Amount: $1,000
This award recognizes outstanding graduate students in professional psychology programs who demonstrate excellence in research, leadership, and clinical practice. It is ideal for counseling psychology students committed to mental health innovation and advocacy. Applicants must show significant contributions to the field.
The Melanie Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
This scholarship is for graduate students pursuing degrees in counseling, psychology, or social work with a focus on mental health and well-being. It supports students who are committed to helping others through therapy, advocacy, or community service. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong dedication to mental health.
Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship funds research focused on reducing stigma associated with mental illness. It is ideal for students dedicated to improving public understanding and treatment of mental health conditions. Applicants must have a research project that aligns with this mission.
Harvey Neal Kretzer Scholarship
Amount: Varies
This scholarship is awarded to students in the Counseling program at Youngstown State University. You must demonstrate financial need to be awarded the scholarship.
LCCNC Nancy Howell Scholarship
Amount: $500
Awarded to two graduate students annually—one pursuing a master’s and one pursuing a doctoral degree in counseling—who demonstrate leadership potential as future counselors.
OSCA Graduate Student Scholarship
Amount: $500
Offered by the Oklahoma School Counselor Association, this $500 scholarship supports students enrolled in a master’s school counselor program in Oklahoma who have completed a bachelor’s degree and some graduate work. Applicants must be a member of the OSCA.
Stephanie Nicole Ross Foundation Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $1500
Students must be enrolled full-time in a Florida university and be studying cognitive and behavioral neurosciences, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, or clinical and health psychology with an emphasis on neurological conditions and/or neurocognitive disorders.
Cheryl Hamel School Counselor Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Awarded to graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in elementary or secondary school counseling at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. The scholarship amount is $1,500.
Emeliza Swain Legacy Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Offered by the Georgia School Counselors Association, this scholarship awards $1,000 to two graduate students enrolled full-time in an accredited master’s program in school or guidance counseling at a Georgia university. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and have been GSCA members for at least five consecutive years.
Lloyd A. Stone School Counseling Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Available to full-time graduate students at Emporia State University in Kansas who are majoring in school counseling. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. The scholarship amount is $1,000.
ACA Tomorrow’s Counselors Awards:
Amount: $500, $750, $1,000
Presented by the American Counseling Association, this award recognizes graduate students preparing for counseling careers with outstanding academic performance. The grand prize is $1,000, with first and second prizes of $750 and $500, respectively.
Minority Students
NBCC Foundation Minority Fellowship Program (Master’s Level)
Amount: Varies
This fellowship supports master’s-level counseling students committed to serving minority populations. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of and experience with underserved communities.
AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) for Emerging Leaders
Amount: Up to $20,000
This fellowship supports students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds pursuing graduate studies in marriage and family therapy. It aims to increase diversity in the mental health field and improve care for underserved communities. Recipients receive funding, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
APF Queen – Nellie Evans Award
Amount: $4,000
This award supports students who are conducting research on racial and ethnic rura issues in psychology. It is intended for those working on projects that advance mental health equity and social justice. Applicants must be committed to improving psychological services for underserved populations.
NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program
Amount: $5,000
Minority students pursuing graduate education in school counseling are eligible to apply for this scholarship. They will need to be in a NASP-approved school counseling program and be in good academic standing.
Rural Areas
NBCC Foundation Rural Scholarship (Master’s Level)
Amount: Varies
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation offers scholarships to students from rural areas pursuing a career in counseling. While primarily for master’s students, undergraduates planning to advance to graduate studies may also explore this opportunity.
NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program
Amount: Up to $100,000 for full-time; $50,000 for part-time (3-year commitment)
Specifically for licensed counselors and mental health providers working in rural areas battling substance use disorders. Aims to address the opioid crisis and access to behavioral health care.