Scholarships in Master’s program in counseling

A master’s degree in counseling can help you start an impactful career helping others through challenges in their lives. However, the cost of this advanced degree can be prohibitive for many. Fortunately, some top schools offer competitive scholarships to make a master’s in counseling affordable. Here are some highly-ranked schools that provide funding opportunities as well as tips for securing scholarships.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) offers one of the largest counseling programs in the country. Each year, UNCG awards over $1 million in scholarships and assistantships for its counseling master’s students. Awards range from $1,000 to full tuition and are merit-based. Students must complete the General Scholarship Application by March 1st for the following fall.

Another outstanding public research institution is The Ohio State University (OSU). OSU’s award-winning counseling program provides various scholarships including those that prioritize underrepresented groups. Students submit one generic scholarship application by February 15th which is considered for all available funding. A personal statement showcasing merit and financial need aids the selection process.

Among private nonprofit schools, the University of Denver (DU) ranks among the top for counseling scholarships. DU offers funding up to $18,000 annually through the O’Neil Scholarship. Candidates must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and demonstrate leadership along with commitment to social justice. The priority deadline for this scholarship is December 15th.

The University of Maryland (UMD) consistently ranks in the top 5 public universities. UMD’s counseling program provides Graduate Research Assistantships that waive tuition and provide a monthly stipend. To qualify, submit an assistantship application by January 15th highlighting research experience and interests. A personal statement about career goals strengthens the application.

When applying for counseling scholarships, follow deadlines closely and craft thoughtful, well-edited personal statements. Highlight any academic or extracurricular achievements, leadership roles, and service experiences. Identify your interest areas in mental health and express your passion for serving diverse populations. Additionally, ask program faculty about assistantship opportunities involving teaching, research, or clinical work. Maintaining a high GPA also improves your chances of winning competitive scholarships. With diligence and effort, you too can earn funding for your counseling master’s degree from top-ranked schools.

All the best!