Social work scholarships can help pay for your education.
To be a social worker, you must have bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or a master's degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited university. Like all college degrees, the education to become a social worker can be expensive. Many students get by on loans, but repaying loans on a starting social worker salary can be challenging. Your best bet is to find a scholarship.
Financial Aid Office
The first place to check for scholarship information is your school's financial aid office. It has information about local and school-sponsored scholarships and can tell you who to contact and apply.
To get help from your school's financial aid office, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so the financial aid officer will have a better understanding of your financial situation. See resources to apply for FAFSA online.
Council on Social Work Education
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) offers the Carl A. Scott Books Scholarships, two scholarships per year in the amount of $500 each. Qualified applicants must be in their last year of studies in a BSW or MSW program. They must be African-American, American Indian, Asian American, Mexican American or Puerto Rican. Additionally, they must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater, be enrolled in at least 12 academic hours, and have shown a commitment to promoting social justice. Visit cswe.org for more information.
National Association of Social Workers
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers up to 10 Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 and one Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. Qualified applicants must be NASW members in good standing, be enrolled in an accredited MSW program and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. More information can be found at naswfoundation.org.
National Association of Black Social Workers
The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) offers two Cenie Jomo Williams Tuition Scholarships of $2,000 each; four Selena Danette Brown Book Scholarships of $250 each; one Emma and Meloid Undergrad Tuition Scholarship of $1,000 and one Dr. Joyce Beckett Grad Student Tuition Scholarship of $1,000. To qualify for any of these scholarships, applicants must be African- American, be paid members of NABSW, have at least a 2.5 GPA, have demonstrated community service, express interest in social work in the black community and be enrolled for full-time study in an accredited social work program in the United States. Visit nabsw.org for additional information.
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