Pursuing an online or hybrid master’s in psychology doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right financial resources, you can lower your costs and focus on launching your career helping others. Let OMD guide you through 20 scholarships and fellowships designed for online psychology students. You’ll also find answers to common financial aid questions and practical tips to help you fund your degree and make graduate school more affordable.
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Scholarships and Fellowships: Online Psychology Master’s Students Edition
Below are scholarships, grants, and fellowships open to U.S.-based students pursuing an online or hybrid master’s in psychology. Pay close attention to eligibility and deadlines and don’t be shy about applying for more than one if you qualify.
Psi Chi Graduate Scholarships
Offered by Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, these scholarships support outstanding Psi Chi members in graduate psychology programs, advancing the society’s mission of encouraging excellence and ethics in psychology.
Amount: $3,000 each
Deadline: Early July annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Psi Chi member pursuing a graduate degree in psychology
- Exceptional academic standing
- Active involvement in Psi Chi
APAGS Graduate Student Ethics Writing Prize
Presented by the APA Graduate Students (APAGS) Ethics Committee, this competition promotes scholarly dialogue on ethics in psychology. It awards one graduate student for an outstanding paper examining a psychological ethics topic, underscoring the importance of ethics education in graduate training.
Amount: $1,000 award plus travel and hotel to the APA annual convention
Deadline: March annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- APA graduate student member enrolled in psychology master’s or doctoral programs
- Original essay (up to 25 pages) on a psychology ethics issue
APA/APAGS Distinguished Graduate Student Award
Co-sponsored by APA and APAGS, this award recognizes graduate psychology students who demonstrate exemplary service or innovation in working with underserved populations. It highlights the APA’s commitment to social impact by honoring students whose applied work benefits communities in need.
Amount: $1,000 honorarium
Deadline: June annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduate student in a psychology master’s or doctoral program
- Evidence of outstanding clinical/service work with underserved groups or innovative health service delivery
- Nomination with 1,000-word statement of the student’s work
APF COGDOP Graduate Research Scholarships
Funded by the American Psychological Foundation (APF) in partnership with the Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology (COGDOP), these 21 annual awards assist graduate students with the research costs of their thesis or dissertation.
Amount: Up to $5,000 each
Deadline: Late June annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduate student in psychology conducting thesis or dissertation research
- Nomination by department (must be a COGDOP member)
- Thesis or dissertation research proposal
- Curriculum vitae
APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship
Offered by the American Psychological Foundation, this scholarship honors Queen and Nellie Evans by supporting graduate psychology students from underrepresented communities who are committed to improving the well-being of underserved populations The award reflects APF’s dedication to diversity and social justice in psychology.
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: January 31 annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minority graduate student (master’s or doctoral) in accredited psychology program
- Demonstrated financial need
- Dedication to addressing disparities in mental health
- Commitment to communities of color
APF Beth N. Rom-Rymer Scholarships
Established through APF, these scholarships help fund training in clinical psychopharmacology for psychology graduate students and licensed psychologists. By supporting up-and-coming clinicians in prescriptive authority programs, this fund aims to expand integrated care for underserved populations. Preference is given to those working with underserved groups.
Amount: Up to $5,000 each
Deadline: Early February annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduate student or practicing psychologist enrolled in a clinical psychopharmacology training program
- Evidence of program enrollment
- Application detailing career goals in psychopharmacology
APS & Psi Chi Albert Bandura Graduate Research Award
Honoring renowned psychologist Albert Bandura, this award is a collaboration between the Association for Psychological Science (APS) and Psi Chi. It recognizes a graduate student who is the first author of outstanding research presented or published in the past year. The award promotes high-quality research and APS/Psi Chi’s shared goal of encouraging scientific excellence among young psychologists.
Amount: $1,200 plus three-year APS membership and journal subscriptions
Deadline: February 1 annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduate student in psychology and member of Psi Chi and APS
- First author on a research paper or poster in a psychology discipline (published or presented at a conference within the last year)
- Brief essay may be required
The Melanie Foundation Scholarship
A nonprofit honoring Melanie Merola O’Donnell, the Melanie Foundation offers a scholarship to students dedicated to the mental health field, seeking to empower future mental health professionals in psychology, social work, counseling, or related graduate programs who show passion for helping others. Demonstrated commitment to mental health through work or volunteering is expected.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Master’s or doctoral student enrolled in an accredited program in mental health
- Essay on motivation for a mental health career
- Official transcripts
- Letters of reference
Dr. Shuqiao Yao Memorial Scholarship
Created in memory of Dr. Shuqiao Yao, this scholarship supports graduate students in psychology or psychiatry, with a preference for those of East Asian heritage. Its mission is to encourage diversity in mental health fields and honor Dr. Yao’s legacy by supporting students who draw on their cultural background as a strength in their studies.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduate student in psychology or psychiatry programs (Master’s or PhD)
- Short essay on how student’s background influenced decision to pursue field
Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship
The Indian Health Service (IHS), a federal agency, offers this scholarship to American Indian and Alaska Native students in health-related programs. It aims to increase Native representation in health professions, including psychology, by covering educational costs in exchange for a service commitment in tribal communities.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe
- Graduate student in eligible health programs
- Signed contract to serve in an IHS or tribal health facility upon graduation
Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality Student Research Award
Sponsored by APA’s Psychology of Religion and Spirituality division, this award supports thesis or dissertation projects on topics at the intersection of psychology, religion, and spirituality, fostering scholarly understanding of spiritual and religious factors in psychology.
Amount: Up to $2,500
Deadline: September 30 annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduate student completing a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation related to the psychology of religion/spirituality
- Research proposal submission
NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), through its Education and Research Trust, established this program to reduce financial barriers for graduate students of color in school psychology. The award honors NASP’s commitment to diversity by supporting and mentoring scholars from underrepresented backgrounds who will go on to serve diverse youth populations
Amount: $5,000 each
Deadline: April annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minority student enrolled or accepted into an accredited specialist-level or master’s program in school psychology
- NASP member
- Commitment to cultural diversity in schools
- Minimum cumulative overall GPA of 3.0
NBCC Minority Fellowship Program (Masters)
Funded by SAMHSA and administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation, this fellowship supports master’s students in counseling who commit to serving underserved communities. The goal is to increase the number of culturally competent counselors in areas of great need, through financial support and specialized training.
Amount: $10,000 fellowship award (plus training and travel opportunities)
Deadline: March annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. citizen or residents enrolled in an accredited master’s program in counseling and actively pursuing the NCC credential
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with underserved minority communities
- Commitment to providing mental health services after graduation
- Essays and recommendations
AAUW Career Development Grants
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers career development grants to help women who are returning to school to advance or change their careers. AAUW’s mission is to empower women in higher education, and these grants specifically support women pursuing a first master’s degree, graduate certificate, or specialized training in fields including psychology. Strong preference is given to women of color, women in nontraditional fields, or those re-entering the workforce
Amount: $2,000–$20,000
Deadline: November 15 annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must identify as women
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Bachelor’s degree obtained at least three or more years ago
Pepperdine GSEP Urban Initiative Scholarship
Offered by Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), this scholarship is designed to increase access to graduate education for students engaged with urban communities and reflects Pepperdine’s Christian mission and commitment to service by supporting students who are actively involved in urban community work.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility Requirements:
- New or continuing student enrolled full time in Pepperdine’s psychology and education programs
- Active engagement in urban community activities or service
- Demonstrated Christian values and community involvement
Pepperdine Curtice & Evelyn Booth Veterans Endowed Scholarship
This endowed scholarship at Pepperdine GSEP provides financial support to graduate students with U.S. military backgrounds or affiliations. Its mission is to honor veterans and their families by reducing financial obstacles to an advanced degree. Pepperdine uses this scholarship to thank veterans for their service and integrate their leadership potential into fields like psychology.
Amount: Typically a one-term tuition scholarship; exact funding depends on available endowment funds
Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility Requirements:
- Pepperdine GSEP students (master’s or doctoral) who are U.S. veterans, active-duty reservists, or their spouses/children
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Ineligible for the full Yellow Ribbon GI benefits (to assist those not fully funded by the VA)
- Proof of military service/benefits
- Personal statement
Capella University Social & Behavioral Sciences Empowerment Scholarship
Capella University offers this scholarship to promote greater diversity in fields like psychology and counseling. The award is part of Capella’s commitment to inclusivity, encouraging individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue graduate degrees in social and behavioral sciences by easing the financial burden.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Varies by enrollment period
Eligibility Requirements:
- New or reapplying Capella online student in select master’s programs within the Social and Behavioral Sciences department (such as psychology, counseling, social work)
- Typically requires enrollment in Capella’s GuidedPath format
- Eligibility may consider additional factors
Psi Chi Inez Beverly Prosser Scholarship
Named after Dr. Inez Beverly Prosser, the first Black woman to earn a PhD in psychology, this Psi Chi scholarship honors her legacy by supporting women of color in psychology. It provides funding to Psi Chi members who identify as women of color and are pursuing degrees in psychology. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and student’s goals.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: July annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a female student of color who is a member of Psi Chi and
- Enrollment in a psychology degree program
- Good academic standing
CAPF Christine Blasey Ford Grant
This scholarship supports research focusing on the prevention, treatment, understanding, and exposure to traumatic events like sexual harassment, assault, and/or rape.
Amount: $1,250
Deadline: February annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be graduate students or early career/doctoral-level psychologists
- Less than 10 years in practice
- Affiliated with nonprofit, educational institutions, scientific institutions, or governmental agencies that operate for charitable and educational purposes
- Demonstrate knowledge of trauma and trauma research
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Scholarship
CAMFT offers several scholarships and grants for graduate psychology students looking to work in marriage and family therapy. Preference may be given to applicants who have expressed their commitment to the profession through their membership in CAMFT
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: November annually
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be studying in the field of marriage and family therapy at an accredited institution
- Various criteria required for each award (see website for details)
Frequently Asked Questions: Funding an Online Master’s in Psych
Navigating tuition and financial aid for graduate school can be confusing, so we’ve answered five common questions about financing an online or hybrid master’s in psychology.
How much does an online psychology master’s program cost?
Tuition for online master’s programs in psychology can vary widely depending on the university. Generally, total program costs range from around $15,000 to over $90,000 at some private universities.
Below is a comparison of three online/hybrid psychology master’s programs. Keep in mind these figures exclude fees, books, and living expenses.
| School/Program | Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | 36 | $637 | $22,932 |
| Arizona State University | 36 | $576 | $20,736 |
| Pepperdine University | 48 | $1,945 | $93,360 |
What financial aid options are available for online master’s students in psychology?
Online psychology master’s students generally have access to the same financial aid options as campus students. Key funding sources include federal student aid (fill out the FAFSA to access federal loans); scholarships and fellowships offered by universities and outside groups; graduate assistantship working as a teaching assistant or research assistant in exchange for a stipend and/or tuition remission; employer tuition assistance; military and veterans’ benefits; and state grants or loan forgiveness programs.
Can I get federal loans and FAFSA-based aid for an online psychology master’s?
Yes; if your online or hybrid master’s program is offered by a Title IV-eligible institution, you can receive federal financial aid just like any other graduate student. The format (online vs. in-person) generally does not matter – what matters is that the program leads to a graduate degree and the school is accredited and participates in federal aid programs.
The important thing is to fill out the FAFSA each year. Being an online student does not exclude you from federal aid. According to the U.S. Department of Education, online students can qualify for the same aid as on-campus students, provided the program is accredited and meets aid requirements. Check with your school’s financial aid office if you have any doubts.
Are online psychology master’s programs cheaper than on-campus programs?
Online programs sometimes have lower tuition or fees, but these vary by institution. Many universities charge the same tuition for online and on-campus graduate courses in psychology. Some online programs even charge a flat rate for all students, which can save out-of-state students money (since on-campus out-of-state tuition is often higher). In many cases, the per-credit tuition online is comparable to campus.
What other strategies can help reduce the cost of an online master’s in psychology?
Beyond financial aid and scholarships, there are several smart strategies to manage or reduce costs including working part-time or full-time while in school; transfer credits or accelerated options; and loan forgiveness programs.Every student’s situation is different – the best strategy is usually a mix of approaches: get as many scholarships/grants as you can, borrow wisely, work or find service programs to offset costs, and be financially savvy during your studies.
Make Your Scholarship Applications Stand Out
When it comes to winning scholarships or fellowships for grad school, how you apply can be just as important as whether you meet the criteria. Here are five effective strategies to help your scholarship applications shine, along with insights from experts and university scholarship offices:
- Start Early and Meet Every Deadline: Scholarship deadlines sneak up quickly. Begin researching and preparing applications well in advance. Create a calendar or spreadsheet of due dates and required materials. Submit your application on time (or early), as missing the deadline, even by a minute, is usually an automatic disqualification. Scholarship advisors recommend setting a personal deadline at least a week or two before the actual due date, so you have a buffer for last-minute issues.
- Follow Instructions and Complete the Application Fully: It may sound obvious, but failing to follow directions is a top reason applications are rejected. Read all the guidelines carefully before you start. If an application asks specific questions, answer them directly. Provide all requested information and supporting documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of enrollment, etc.) in the format specified. Do not leave any blanks – if something isn’t applicable, mark “N/A” or explain why, rather than skipping it, and don’t include extraneous materials.
- Tailor Your Personal Statement and Make It Memorable: Most scholarship applications require an essay or goal statement. Customize each essay to the scholarship’s focus. Committees can tell if you repurpose a generic essay – instead, ensure you explicitly address the prompt or mission of that scholarship.Share your story – what drives you to study psychology? How have you overcome challenges? Concrete examples and a genuine voice will make your essay stand out from the clichés.
- Proofread Meticulously and Present a Neat Application: Typos, spelling errors, or sloppy formatting can hurt your credibility, so take time to proofread. Use spell-check and grammar-check tools, but also read it aloud or have someone else review it – fresh eyes catch mistakes you might miss. Ensure your application is well-organized and easy to read: follow any page or word limits, use clear fonts, and, if you must hand write any forms, print as neatly as possible (or better yet, type or fill out electronically).
- Secure Strong Recommendations and Support Materials: Many graduate scholarships ask for letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors. Choose references who know you well and can speak specifically about your strengths, character, and potential. Inform them early about the scholarship and provide them with your resume and a reminder of key points you’d like highlighted. A detailed, glowing letter can significantly boost your application.
Finally, one more tip: Apply to as many scholarships as you reasonably can. Even very qualified students get turned down sometimes, so increase your odds by putting yourself out there for multiple opportunities (while still customizing each application). Be persistent – rejection is not a reflection of your worth. Every application you complete can sharpen your skills for the next one.
20 Online Resources for Psychology Master’s Students
Staying informed and connected is key to success in a psychology graduate program. There are plenty of online resources – from professional organizations to research tools – that can support your studies and career development. Here’s a curated list of 20 useful online resources for psychology master’s students:
- The American Educational Research Association – This association offers programs and services, including the Graduate Student Council, for students seeking opportunities in mentoring, networking, professional development, and student advocacy. It offers campus meetings and associations and opportunities to network with graduate students who have similar objectives, values, and interests.
- American Psychological Association (APA) – The premier professional organization for psychology, the APA offers student membership info, publications, ethics guidelines, and a wealth of resources for students on its website.
- Association for Psychological Science (APS) – A leading organization emphasizing psychological research. APS provides journals, convention information, and a student caucus for graduate students to network and find research opportunities.
- Psi Chi International Honor Society – The honor society’s website includes a range of resources for members such as announcements of awards and grants, career advice articles, and an online community of psychology students. Even if you’re not yet a member, Psi Chi’s site offers articles on grad school and research tips.
- APA Graduate Students (APAGS) – APA’s graduate student division, the APAGS section of APA’s site features webinars, toolkits, and advocacy info for grad students. For example, APAGS posts about finding mentors, improving diversity in graduate training, and tips for thriving in your program.
- Google Scholar – A free academic search engine to find scholarly articles, theses, and books, Google Scholar is indispensable for literature reviews – simply enter keywords to locate relevant research.
- PubMed – A massive database of biomedical and mental health literature maintained by the NIH, PubMed is especially useful for clinical and health psychology students. You can search for journal articles on psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, etc. Many articles have free abstracts and some full-text links.
- APA Style Resources – The official APA style website provides guidelines and examples for formatting papers, references, tables, etc. It has tutorials and an FAQ – essential for writing your thesis or class papers in correct APA format.
- Purdue OWL – APA Citation Guide – Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a go-to for clear guidance on APA style and academic writing. The OWL’s APA Formatting and Style Guide walks you through citation formats, paper structure, and style tips – very handy when you’re double-checking how to cite an unusual source.
- APA Dictionary of Psychology – If you come across an unfamiliar term or theory, you can quickly look it up here for an official definition. It’s a great study aid for courses and also useful when writing, to ensure you’re using terminology correctly.
- APA “Monitor on Psychology” – The APA Monitor is a monthly magazine covering trends in psychology practice, research, and education. Available online, it features accessible articles on everything from new therapy techniques to ethics case studies.
- Social Psychology Network – One of the largest internet sites devoted to psychology, this resource includes directories of psychology departments, lists of online studies, career advice, and links to topic-specific resources.
- Simply Psychology – Originally developed for students in the UK, Simply Psychology covers everything from classic theories to research methods and recent studies in plain language. It’s a helpful supplementary study resource if you need to brush up on a topic.
- BPS Research Digest – This blog by the British Psychological Society summarizes new psychology studies in an engaging way. The Research Digest updates frequently with short articles that distill research findings, making it easy to keep up with the latest empirical findings across all areas of psychology.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – The NIMH site offers authoritative information on mental disorders, treatments, and current research. You can access free publications, toolkits (like on research methodologies), and even find out about NIMH internships or training grants.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – NAMI is a leading nonprofit for mental health advocacy, and their website has extensive educational resources. As a psych student, you can use NAMI’s site to understand mental health conditions from the consumer/family perspective, stay updated on advocacy efforts, and find opportunities to volunteer or attend workshops.
- Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) – If you’re in an I/O psychology or organizational behavior program (or just interested in workplace psychology), the SIOP site is a must. It features job boards, graduate program directories, white papers on HR and organizational topics, and a community for I/O professionals and students.
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) – For those in school psychology (or related fields like educational psychology), NASP provides practice guidelines, research summaries, and student forums. Their online resources include crisis intervention handbooks, NASP position statements (helpful for papers on school policy issues), information on becoming a nationally certified school psychologist, and even scholarships and mentorships.
- APA Ethics Code – The full text of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct is available on APA’s website. This is an essential reference for any psychology grad student. Whether you’re doing research (see the human subjects ethics sections) or practicum work with clients, you’ll want to be familiar with the ethical standards.
- APA PsycInfo Database – PsycInfo is the go-to research database for psychology literature, run by APA. While access is typically through your university library (and not free to the general public), it’s worth highlighting because it’s such a crucial online tool. Through PsycInfo, you can search millions of abstracts and citations for psychology articles, books, and dissertations.