When you’re pursuing a degree in media or reporting, the best journalism scholarships are a great way to cover your educational costs. These awards are designed to support future members of the media — some scholarships cover tuition and fees, while others can be used for everything from computers to room and board. If you qualify for one or more of these options, you can reduce debt and feel more confident taking an entry-level job as a reporter or a writer after graduation.
1. Academic Merit Scholarships
Eligibility
– Student at an accredited university
– Majoring in a field related to transportation, travel, or tourism
– Have a GPA of 3.4 or higher
If you’re thinking of being a travel journalist, the Academic Merit Scholarships can be a valuable addition to your financial aid package. Given by the American Bus Association, this award offers $5,000 for your education. To apply for this scholarship, you’ll need to create an ABA account and apply online. Applications are due by April 6th.
2. ACES Education Fund Scholarships
Eligibility
– Enrolled as a junior, senior, or graduate student
– Not have received an ACES scholarship in the past
Every year, the American Copy Editors Society offers six of the best journalism scholarships you can find. They range in amounts from $1,500 to $3,500. The Bill Walsh Scholarship, which is given in honor of a former Washington Post copy editor, also comes with funding to help the winners attend the ACES national conference. As the committee considers applications, they look at your commitment to editing, either in the news industry or in the publishing industry as a whole. Apply by November 15th.
3. Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility
– New Mexico resident
– College junior, senior, or graduate student at a New Mexico University
– GPA of 3.0 or higher
– Majoring in an approved program
– Maintaining an internship in marketing
Each year, the American Advertising Federation of New Mexico provides one or two recipients with $1,400 each through the Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarship. This award is designed to help students who are planning to go into advertising. During the application process, you can expect to submit a personal essay, transcripts, and references. The deadline to apply is June 4th.
4. Alliance for Women in Media Scholarships
Eligibility
– Female
– Undergraduate or graduate at an accredited U.S. institution
– Pursuing a career in media
In partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund, the Alliance for Women in Media awards two scholarships each year: the Ford Emerging Voices Scholarship and the Ford Empowering America Scholarship. Each winner receives $3,000. The Emerging Voices runner-up also receives $1,000; the runner-up for the Empowering America award gets $2,000. In addition, winners get the opportunity to attend professional events with AWM. Apply by May 8th to be considered.
5. Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship
Eligibility
– Minimum 25% Asian American and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity
– U.S. citizen or permanent resident
– High school senior or college student
– Minimum 3.0 GPA
Earn $1,000 toward your tuition and fees with the Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship. Given by Against the Grain Productions, this award promotes the education of students who are studying journalism, mass communications, performing arts, or visual arts. As part of the application process, you’ll need to submit an essay or an artistic portfolio; the committee also considers your leadership, academic performance, and interview. Keep in mind that if you win, you must submit a one-minute “thank you” video that will be published on the Against the Grain social media profiles. The application deadline is May 31st.
6. Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Program
Eligibility
– High school junior
– Available to attend the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
– Demonstrate that you are a “free spirit”
– Planning to go into journalism
Run by the Freedom Forum Institute, this unique program offers two benefits: it pays for winners to attend the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference and also provides them with a $1,000 college scholarship. That way, recipients get an introduction into the world of journalism before they begin their studies. When you apply, plan to submit essays as well as samples of your work in media; these samples can come from class assignments or publications. The application deadline is February 1st.
7. AWM Austin Scholarship
Eligibility
– Sophomore, junior, or senior college status
– Attending a school within 40 miles of Austin
– Studying media or a related field
– GPA of 3.25 or higher
If you’re a student at an Austin-area university or college, you can apply for this award, which is distributed by the Alliance for Women in Media Austin Affiliate. The organization offers one award of $5,000 each year; it can be used for tuition, and will be sent to your school’s financial aid office. Keep in mind that the recipient must be able to attend the Trailblazer Awards Gala. Apply by March 2nd; winners will be announced by March 31st.
8. Bethesda Auxiliary Scholarships
Eligibility
– Active member of a Lutheran congregation
– Minimum GPA of 3.0
– Junior or senior at an accredited institution
Every year, Bethesda Lutheran Communities and the Bethesda Auxiliary offer a variety of scholarships for students. There are 10 in total: five for undergraduates and five for post-graduate students or seminarians. Each winner receives $3,000. There are no restrictions on your major, but you must be planning to use your education in a way that serves or involves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Apply by May 15th.
9. BMI Founders Internship for Radio Broadcasting
Eligibility
– Aged 17-24
– Current full-time college student
– Pursuing a degree related to radio broadcasting
If you’re studying radio broadcasting, this award is one way to get an internship in the field. If you win, you can choose to work in one of 15 different markets across the United States. The program lasts for four to six weeks; winners are paid for their internships. Apply by April 15th to be considered for the program.
10. BWI Scholarship Fund
Eligibility
– Attending an accredited college or university
– Clear goals in the boating media
To ensure a constant flow of boating journalists, Boating Writers International offers the BWI Scholarship. This award goes to a student who has demonstrated an interest in boating media; the committee gives preference to applicants who are experienced in the boating lifestyle. Be prepared to detail this experience and lay out your plans for future work in journalism or media that’s related to boats. Apply by December 15th.
11. Cameron Impact Scholarship
Eligibility
– 3.7 GPA or higher
– U.S. citizen
– Enrolling full-time in a bachelor’s degree program
Cover the costs of a four-year college education with the Cameron Impact Scholarship. Awarded each year by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation, this award provides full tuition to exceptional students. The committee considers a wide range of factors, including academic performance, leadership, extracurriculars, and work in the community. The early application deadline is May 22nd; the regular deadline is September 11th. Only the first 3,000 applications are considered, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible.
12. MacArthur Fellowship
Eligibility
– Nominated by an official nominator
– Pursuing groundbreaking or game-changing work
The MacArthur Fellowship is a unique grant that’s designed to help people who are close to a breakthrough or a game-changing idea. Winners receive $625,000; the money arrives in quarterly payments over five years. You cannot apply for this award — instead, you must be nominated by The MacArthur Foundation’s pool of invited external nominators. The best way to win this award is to excel in your journalistic work and make sure that your efforts are visible to the public.
13. CIC/Anna Chennault Scholarship
Eligibility
– Graduating high school senior
– Accepted to or enrolled in a US college
– Willing to sign up for membership in the AAJA
The CIC/Anna Chennault Scholarship, which is administered by the Asian American Journalists Association
(AAJA), provides $5,000 to journalism students who have demonstrated a commitment or sensitivity to issues relevant to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In addition to the award, you’ll receive a paid trip to the AAJA National Convention. The application process includes work samples, an essay, and a letter of recommendation. Apply by April 21st.
14. Connecticut Broadcasters Association Scholarships
Eligibility
– Connecticut resident
– Accepted or enrolled at an accredited institution
– Majoring in broadcasting, marketing, broadcast journalism, broadcast engineering, broadcast IT, or broadcast electronics
Each year, the Connecticut Broadcasters Association gives out a variety of scholarships. The best part? You only need to fill out a single application to be considered for all of the awards. Before you apply, gather your transcripts, FAFSA, and letters of recommendation. In addition, every applicant must write up to 500 words about their goals in the field of broadcasting. Submit all of your materials by March 16th.
15. CTSPJ Eddy Scholarship Program To Foster Journalism Careers
Eligibility
– Connecticut resident OR
– Enrolled in a Connecticut university
– Junior or senior status
– Majoring in journalism
Earn between $1,000 and $2,500 for college with the Eddy Scholarship Program To Foster Journalism Careers. This program is run by the Connecticut Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. In addition to the application itself, plan to submit PDF work samples, transcripts, and an essay about a current event and its coverage in the media. Applications must be submitted by April 1st.
16. NDPRB Scholarships
Eligibility
– Sophomore, junior, or senior status
– Enrolled in a program with a dairy emphasis
– Majoring in an approved course of study
If you’re interested in a journalism career that focuses on the dairy industry, the NDPRB Scholarships can help with your educational costs. The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board in partnership with Dairy Management Inc., gives out 11 scholarships every year. Each award totals $2,500. When you apply, you’re also considered for the James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship, which offers $3,500 to the top applicant. To be considered, you’ll need to have courses related to dairy and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in the field. Apply by May 22nd.
17. George Foreman Tribute to Lyndon B. Johnson
Eligibility
– Attending the University of Texas at Austin
– Going into sophomore, junior, or senior year
– Majoring in radio, digital, or TV journalism
The Radio Television Digital News Association administers this award, which is given to one student from the University of Texas at Austin every year. The scholarship comes with a $6,000 educational award and a ticket to attend the Excellence in Journalism Conference. With the application, you’ll need to submit between three and five samples of your work. The application deadline is January 17th.
18. Hub Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility
– Undergraduate or graduate student
– Enrolled at an accredited US institution
– 3.5 GPA or higher
– Community service participation
The Hub Foundation gives out up to 15 scholarships every year. The program is designed to support students who are looking to include Islam and Muslim voices or perspectives in their journalism work. In doing so, the foundation hopes to build harmony and dialogue between cultures and civilizations. Awards range from $2,500 to $20,000. Apply by June 30th.
19. Helen Brett Scholarship
Eligibility
– Full-time student
– Pursuing a career in the field of exhibition and event management
– 3.0 minimum GPA
If you’re interested in reporting about exhibition and event management topics, the Helen Brett Scholarship can help. This award, which is given by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, comes with up to $5,000 toward tuition; you’ll also be considered for an internship during the IAEE’s annual meeting. The application process includes an essay about your goals in the industry. Submit your materials by June 1st.
20. Dallas Area Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility
– Minimum GPA of 3.0 in declared major or overall 3.25
– Full-time student at a Texas university
– Majoring in an approved program
The Dallas Area Alliance for Women in Media Foundation gives out two $5,000 scholarships per year in honor of Irene Runnels and Paula McStay. The awards are designed to promote excellence in media; the committee considers your career goals, honors, activities, community service, and references. Recipients are expected to attend the Dallas Area Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Award of Excellence Gala to accept their scholarships. Apply by March 8th.
21. JCCIA John Fischetti Scholarship
Eligibility
– At least 50% Italian ancestry
– Undergraduate or graduate student
– Chicago metro area resident
– Studying journalism or media communications
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans administers the John Fischetti Scholarship to a student who plans to pursue a career in the media. The award honors Fischetti, who was an editorial cartoonist for some of the top newspapers in the country. The application is simple, and includes a short essay about a topic related to Italians. If you win, you’ll get $2,000 toward your college education. Apply by April 30th.
22. Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility
– Resident of the Pittsburgh region
– 3.25 minimum GPA
– Enrolled or planning to attend an accredited four-year institution
Get up to $30,000 toward a four-year program and guaranteed post-college employment with this award, which is given by Trib Total Media in memory of a former Tribune-Review managing editor, Jim Borden. This scholarship supports a student who is studying communication, English writing, or journalism; it also comes with a summer internship at Trib Total Media, as well as a full-time job offer from the company after graduation. Apply by February 29th.
23. Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic
Eligibility
– 3.2 minimum GPA
– Majoring in a field related to communication
– Available for a summer internship in New York City
If you’re interested in public relations, the Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship is a valuable opportunity. The winner receives $10,000 plus a summer internship at the Scholastic headquarters in New York City. Apply by January 26th.
24. Lee Thornton Scholarship
Eligibility
– Full-time sophomore or junior
– Good academic standing
– Planning a career in radio, television, or digital journalism
The Lee Thornton Scholarship is administered by the Radio Television Digital News Association. In addition to a $2,000 educational award, it comes with an invitation to attend the Excellence in Journalism Conference for networking opportunities. As part of your application, you’ll need to submit up to five of your best work samples. The scholarship review committee gives preference to applicants from the University of Maryland and Howard University. The application deadline is January 15th.
25. National Press Club Scholarship for Diversity Honoring Julie Schoo
Eligibility
– High school senior
– 3.0 GPA or higher
– Planning a career in journalism
This scholarship was created as a way to help increase diversity among the journalists of the future. It’s administered by The National Press Club, and includes $2,000 for the first year and $2,500 for up to three additional years. In addition, the first-year award comes with $500 for books. Keep in mind that the application requires you to submit all materials in triplicate. Apply by March 1st.
26. NBCUniversal/LNESC Scholarship
Eligibility
– Rising college sophomore or junior
– 18 or older
– 3.0 GPA or higher
– US citizen or legal permanent resident
If you’re a Latino student who’s planning a career in the entertainment or media industry, this scholarship program can provide $5,000 for college. There are no restrictions on your major; feel free to apply no matter what you’re studying. As long as you have an interest in the industry, you can be considered. This program is administered by the LULAC National Educational Service Centers and funded by NBCUniversal. The application deadline is November 6th.
27. New York Financial Writers’ Association Scholarships
Eligibility
– Undergraduate or graduate student
– Residing in the tri-state New York area
To support students who are interested in business and financial journalism, the New York Financial Writers’ Association offers several scholarships each year. The award amounts vary by year. As they consider applications, reviewers look at your resume, essay, and work samples. Send in your application by email by April 15th; the committee notifies winners in the first half of May.
28. APC Co. NorthStar Scholarship
Eligibility
– Incoming freshman or a current college tsudent
– Accepted into a university communications program at a US college
– 3.0 GPA or higher
Get $5,000 for school with the APC Co. NorthStar Scholarship. This award is split between two semesters and can be renewed every year as long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA. Given by the brand communications collective APC Co., the NorthStar award helps support future content creators. Winners are also eligible for paid internships and other opportunities. Get your application in by the week of May 4th.
29. Minority Journalism Scholarship
Eligibility
– African American, American Indian, Hispanic, or Asian American
– Senior student at a high school in Ohio
– GPA of 2.5 or higher
The Minority Journalism Scholarship provides $1,250 to students who are interested in a communications-related major. You don’t need to be a journalism student; marketing, advertising, and communications are also acceptable. In addition to an application form, you’ll need to send two letters of recommendation, an official transcript, and an autobiography. Submit the application by May 15th.
30. American University PDC Fellowship
Eligibility
– Accepted into the Global Media graduate program at American University
Every year, the Public Diplomacy Council works with American University to give $15,000 to recipients in the interdisciplinary Global Media program. The goal of the award is to support future diplomacy practitioners. Apply through American University; the application deadline is February 1st.
See more great scholarships here.