With higher education prices on the rise, this article will help you find the best communications scholarships to assist you with paying your college expenses. Scholarships are typically provided by organizations, schools, and companies that wish to help college students pay for their tuition. The following list will provide brief descriptions of the 30 best communications scholarships that we found:
1. ABA Academic Merit Scholarship
Eligibility
-Attending a four-year accredited college as an undergraduate or graduate student
-Major related to the transport, travel, and tourism industry
The American Bus Association (ABA) offers an Academic Merit Scholarship each year. It is open to individuals who are interested in a career in the transport, travel, and tourism field. Applicants will be required to write an essay describing how their major is relevant to the tourism, transport, or travel industries. Two winners are chosen and will receive $5,000 each.
2. NDPRB Undergraduate Scholarship
Eligibility
-Attending a college or university as a sophomore, junior, or senior
-Taking courses and participating in extra-curricular activities related to dairy
-Committed to pursuing a career in the dairy industry
-Majoring in communications, public relations, business, marketing, nutrition, economics, food science, or agricultural education
The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDPRB) provides the NDPRB Undergraduate Scholarship to eleven college students each year. The winners are chosen by their academic grades, courses related to the dairy industry, commitment to pursuing a career in dairy, and extra-curricular activities related to dairy. Each student who receives this scholarship will be awarded $2,500 toward their college tuition.
3. George Foreman Tribute to Lyndon B. Johnson Scholarship
Eligibility
-Student at the University of Texas at Austin
-Rising sophomore, junior, or senior in college
-Interested in pursuing a career in radio, digital journalism, or television
The George Foreman Tribute to Lyndon B. Johnson Scholarship is provided by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). Only one recipient of this scholarship is chosen and will receive $6,000 as well as an invite to the Excellence in Journalism conference. To apply, the applicant must be a student at the University of Texas at Austin and submit three to five work samples of radio, television, or online news pieces.
4. DSF Geri Wolff Scholarship
Eligibility
-Full-time college student studying computer science, technology, digital design, or other digital-related fields
-Possess a 3.0 GPA
-Identify as female
Since 2014, the Digital Signage Federation (DSF) has been offering a scholarship named the Geri Wolff Scholarship. The objective of this scholarship is to promote women in the IT, design, and media management fields. One female winner is chosen annually, and they must be majoring in a subject that is related to the digital signage industry.
5. Helen Brett Scholarship
Eligibility
-Full-time student at an accredited college
-Pursuing a degree related to exhibition/event management
-Possess a 3.0 GPA
Once a year, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) offers the Helen Brett Scholarship to individuals studying exhibition or event management. Each applicant must write a 500-1,000-word essay on their goals in the exhibition and events industry. Four winners are chosen annually and may receive up to $5,000 each.
6. Dotty Lynch Endowed Scholarship
Eligibility
-Accepted to the Political Communication program
-Citizen or permanent resident of the United States
-Full-time college student
The American University in Washington, D.C. features the Dotty Lynch Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to graduate students with an interest and passion for politics, journalism, and ethics. The scholarship was created to honor Dotty Lynch, the inaugural director of the Master of Arts in Political Communication program and the senior political editor of CBS News. Applicants must be accepted to the American University’s political communication degree program to receive this scholarship.
7. Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility
-Currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a four-year college or university
-Pursuing a major in journalism, English writing, or communications
-Resident of the Pittsburgh region
Each year, Trib Total Media offers the Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship to help one college student become a journalist. The winner of this award will receive $7,500 each year ($30,000 over a span of four years), an internship, and a full-time offer of employment at Trib Total Media after graduation.
8. Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility
-Pursuing a major in a communications-related subject
-Possess a 3.2 GPA
The New York Women in Communications organization features the Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship to students who are interested and have a passion in communications. The winner will receive $10,000 and a paid summer internship at the company’s headquarter location in New York City.
9. Lee Thornton Scholarship
Eligibility
-Rising sophomore, junior, or senior college student
-Interested in a career in radio, digital journalism, or television
The Lee Thornton Scholarship is provided by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) to individuals passionate about communications and the career field of radio, digital journalism, or television. One winner is chosen and will receive $2,000 toward their college tuition along with an exclusive invitation to the Excellence in Journalism conference. Preference is given to students who attend Howard University and the University of Maryland.
10. Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minorities
Eligibility
-Part of the United Methodist Church
-Ethnic minority junior or senior college student
-Experience in journalism and interest in becoming a religion journalist
Resource United Methodist Church gives out an annual scholarship called the Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minorities. This scholarship opportunity is for minority college students who are interested in religion journalism or mass communications. One winner is chosen annually and will receive $2,500. Applicants must be part of the United Methodist Church and a junior or senior in college.
11. Los Angeles HPRA Scholarship
Eligibility
-Accepted or attending a four-year college or university in Southern California
-Rising sophomore, junior, or senior college student studying public relations, advertising, marketing, or communications
-At least 25 percent Hispanic
-Interested in a career in public relations or communications
The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) developed the Los Angeles HPRA Scholarship for Hispanic students who need assistance paying for their college tuition. The goal of this scholarship is to help these students pursue their dream careers in public relations or communications. Five winners are chosen, and each will be awarded $2,000. Applicants must be attending a college or university in Southern California, which includes Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, Imperial, and Santa Barbara.
12. Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship
Eligibility
- Rising sophomore, junior, or senior college student
- Interested in pursuing a career in radio, digital journalism, or television
The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) created the Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship to help students interested in sports journalism earn an education. One winner is chosen annually and will receive $1,000 and an invite to the Excellence in Journalism conference. Applicants must be pursuing a career in digital journalism, television, or radio.
13. Adam Smith Fellowship
Eligibility
-Planning to enroll in a PhD program
-Interested in conducting research or teaching
The Adam Smith Fellowship is sponsored by the Liberty Fund Inc. and the Mercatus Center. The purpose of this fellowship is to encourage PhD students to engage in the political economy. Each chosen fellow will spend one week throughout the summer and three weekends throughout the school year partaking in provided seminars and workshops on the schools of political economy in Virginia, Australia, and Bloomington. The fellows will receive $10,000 a piece, which includes a stipend, travel, and lodging.
14. NATAS College Scholarship
Eligibility
-Rising senior at a college or university or a graduate student
-Interested in pursuing a career in the television industry
The NATAS College Scholarship is provided by the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). These scholarships are given to senior college students who wish to pursue a career in the field of television. Two to five winners are chosen annually and will be awarded between $4,000 to $5,000 toward their college tuition.
15. NBCUniversal/LNESC Scholarship
Eligibility
-Full-time sophomore or junior Latino college student
-18 years of age or older
-Possess a 3.0 GPA
-Citizen or permanent resident of the United States
-Interested in pursuing a career in media or entertainment
Every year, NBCUniversal provides a scholarship called the NBCUniversal/LNESC Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to help Latino college students pay for their education in the media and entertainment fields. Ten recipients are chosen annually and will receive $5,000 each toward their college tuition.
16. NDS/DMI Education & Communication Scholarship
Eligibility
-Sophomore or junior college student
-Pursuing a major in education, communications, public relations, marketing, food science, nutrition, or journalism
The National Dairy Shrine and the Dairy Management Inc. awards the NDS/DMI Education & Communication Scholarship to junior and senior college students earning a degree in education or communication. Applicants must plan to use their education to pursue a career in the dairy or a food-related industry. The majors typically accepted are communications, education, marketing, public relations, nutrition, food science, and journalism. The grand prize winner will receive $1,500 and the runner-up will receive $1,000.
17. The Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship
Eligibility
-High school senior
-Resident of King, Snohomish, or Pierce County in Washington state
-Planning to enroll in a college or university in Washington state
Since 1949, the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship has been assisting graduating high school seniors with their college tuition. Applicants can only live in King, Snohomish, or Pierce County and must be accepted to a college in the state of Washington. Around 35 to 40 students are awarded this scholarship each year. The amount ranges between $500 to $2,000 per student and can be renewed for up to four years.
18. NorthStar Scholarship
Eligibility
-Undergraduate college student in the United States
-Pursuing a degree in communications
-Possess a 3.0 GPA
A brand communications collective organization, APC Co., offers the NorthStar Scholarship to help ensure that education is affordable for all students. One recipient is chosen annually and will be awarded $5,000 toward their college tuition. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in communications. This scholarship may be renewed up to four years depending on the student’s academic performance.
19. PDC Fellowship
Eligibility
-Graduate student enrolled in American University’s School of Communication
The PDC Fellowship is sponsored by the Public Diplomacy Council and the American University. It is a great opportunity for graduate students to gain more learning and hands-on experience with the practice of public diplomacy. Students who have participated in this fellowship have commended it for providing in-depth skills and knowledge related to their studies in international communication, marketing, media, and other related majors. The recipients of this fellowship will receive $15,000 stipends.
20. JCFS Scholarship
Eligibility
-Jewish
-Born and raised in Chicago metropolitan area, which includes Lake County, Indiana OR
-Employed for one year in the Chicago metropolitan area
-Plan to remain in the Chicago metropolitan area after graduation
-Pursuing a graduate degree in a helping profession or a rising junior or senior earning a bachelor’s in a helping profession
Annually, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago provides funding to college students through its scholarship program. Applicants must be pursuing a career in one of the following fields: business, communications, education, healthcare, public health, Jewish communal service, law, medicine, performing arts, fine arts, physical science, natural science, social services, rabbinate, technology science, urban affairs, or public policy. The scholarships cover varying amounts, which can be up to $8,000 per year. Recipients may be able to renew the scholarship each year if they maintain good academic standing.
21. The Rose Bowl Game Keith Jackson Postgraduate Scholarship
Eligibility
-Planning to enroll in a graduate or professional school within 18 months of graduation
-Possess a 3.0 GPA
-Interested in pursuing a career in the sports industry, such as journalism, media relations, event operations, team operations, or marketing
The Rose Bowl Game Keith Jackson Postgraduate Scholarship was created by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. One graduating college senior from the Big Ten Conference will be selected as well as one graduating college senior from the Pac-12 Conference. These winners will be chosen based on their academic achievements and civic service. Both will be awarded $10,000 toward the graduate or professional school that they plan to attend.
22. Two Ten Higher Education Scholarship
Eligibility
- Applicant or their parent must possess two years of employment in the industry of footwear
- Citizen of the United State or eligible non-citizen
- Attending a college or university
The Two Ten Footwear Foundation developed the Two Ten Higher Education Scholarship to help students pay for their college tuition. Award amounts are based on financial need, academic grades, and personality. The awardee may receive up to $4,000 each year and may be able to renew their scholarship for up to four years. Applicants or their parents must possess experience in the industry of footwear.
23. The Gail Achterman Leadership Scholarship
Eligibility
-Undergraduate or graduate college student
-Leadership in the transportation field
-Identify as female
The Gail Achterman Leadership Scholarship was developed in honor of the Advancing Women in Transportation’s (WTS) chairwoman. The goal of this scholarship is to help pay for the education of a female college student who shows strong dedication and leadership in the industry of transportation.
24. Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship
Eligibility
-Full-time undergraduate student with at least 60 college credits
-Interested in pursuing a career in live entertainment (music business management, customer service, hospitality, or a related field)
-Possess a 3.0 GPA
Live Nation Worldwide Inc. and The House of Blues implemented the Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship in honor of a former employee who helped improve concert experiences among artists, fans, and staff members. The objective of this scholarship is to provide support to the constantly developing customer service demands in live entertainment. One winner will be chosen and will receive $10,000 toward their college tuition.
25. BMI Founders Internship for Radio Broadcasting
Eligibility
-Full-time student at an accredited college or university
-Pursuing a broadcasting degree with a concentration on radio broadcasting
-17-24 years of age
Since 2015, the BMI Foundation has been offering an internship for college students interested in radio broadcasting. The internship lasts around four to six weeks and will be paid. This is an excellent opportunity for broadcasting students to gain hands-on experience while earning money toward college tuition. To apply for this internship, applicants must submit an essay on a given topic related to radio broadcasting.
26. Lester Wunderman Scholarship
Eligibility
-College student
-Interested in pursuing a career in marketing, such as advertising or digital, mobile, or social media marketing
The Lester Wunderman Scholarship was established by Marketing Edge to help students pay for their college education. This scholarship is awarded to students who wish to start a career in the field of marketing, which includes advertising and mobile, digital, and social media marketing. Students with various backgrounds and skills are selected to receive this scholarship each year.
27. NDS McCullough Freshman Communications Scholarship
Eligibility
-Freshman student at a college or university
-Pursuing a major in dairy or animal science with a concentration in communications or a major in agricultural journalism with a concentration in dairy/animal science
-Interested in pursuing a career in dairy journalism or communications
Every year, the National Dairy Shrine awards freshman college students with the NDS McCullough Freshman Communications Scholarship. Students selected for this scholarship will be earning an education in dairy or animal science with a specialization in communications or agricultural journalism with a specialization in dairy or animal science. Applicants must be interested in starting a career in dairy journalism or communications. Two winners are chosen annually and will receive $1,000 each.
28. Legacy Society Student Scholarship
Eligibility
-College student
-Interested in pursuing a career in business events planning
The PCMA Foundation established the Legacy Society Student Scholarship to provide financial assistance to students interested in business events planning. Three winners are chosen each year and will be awarded $3,500 toward their college tuition. In addition, each winner will be invited to attend the PCMA Convening Leaders conference, and their round-trip plane ticket and three nights of lodging will be paid for.
29. The Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship
Eligibility
-Rising junior or senior college student
-Studying sports media communications or management
-Interested in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, reporting, programming, or production
New York Women in Communications implemented the Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship for college students interested in sports media communications or management. This scholarship will help pay the tuition of one junior or senior college student who is pursuing a career in sports production, broadcasting, reporting, or programming.
30. Marketing for Change Internship
Eligibility
-Junior or senior undergraduate student or a graduate student
-Majoring in communications, journalism, marketing, research, psychology, design, advertising, or creative writing
Marketing for Change provides an internship opportunity for college students to gain hands-on, in-depth experience in one of their offices. The internship typically lasts between four to six months and is paid. Some of the specific duties that students will partake in during the internship are generating reports, coordinating activities, writing ads, conducting research, designing ads, and creating digital products. This is a great opportunity for students to learn new skills while earning money to pay for their college tuition.
Related Resources
- Scholarships
- 10 Great Scholarship Apps
- 15 Great Scholarships for College Freshmen
- 15 Great Scholarships for College Juniors
- 15 Great Scholarships for Transfer Students
- 15 Great Scholarships for Veterans
- 20 Great Scholarships for Average Students
- 20 Great Scholarships for High SAT Scores
- 20 Great Scholarships for Older Students
- 20 Great Scholarships for Out-of-State Students
- 20 Great Scholarships for Youth Adopted From Foster Care
- 25 Great Scholarships for College Students
- 25 Great Scholarships for Young Black Men
- 25 Great Scholarships for Young Moms
- 30 Great Community Service Scholarships
- 30 Great Essay Scholarships
- 30 Great Merit Scholarships
- 30 Great Renewable Scholarships
- 35 Great Scholarships for High School Seniors
- 35 Great Scholarships for Online Students
- 35 Great Scholarships for Single Moms
- 40 Great Scholarships for First-Generation College Students
- 40 Great Scholarships for International Students
- 40 Great Scholarships for Minorities
- 40 Great Scholarships for Study Abroad
- 45 Great Scholarships for Latino Students
- 50 Great Scholarships for Non-traditional Students
- 6 Great Colleges for Volleyball Scholarships