Scholarships and other support

The desire to make a difference in people’s lives through social work should never be hindered by financial barriers. In addition to working with VCU Student Financial Services, our school offers a broad range of scholarships, research assistantships, awards and other financial supports like our Child Welfare Stipend Program. In addition, all VCU School of Social Work Ph.D. students have 100% of their tuition covered in the first four years of the program.

Students can find more information about school scholarships, and instructions, through the Rams Scholarship Hub. The following are available:

School scholarships and awards

  • Rosa Jimenez-Vazquez Adelante Scholarship: Sirviendo La Comunidad Hispana (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
  • Frank and Patricia Baskind Scholarship (B.S.W, M.S.W, Ph.D.)
  • Dr. David P. Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund (M.S.W.)
  • Dr. Marilyn A. Biggerstaff Fund for Doctoral Student Research (Ph.D.)
  • Don L. Bradley Endowed Scholarship (M.S.W.)
  • Campbell Merit Scholarship in Social Work (B.S.W.)
  • Joanne Kerbs Caramanica Scholarship (M.S.W.)
  • Thomas Carlton Memorial Fund (M.S.W.)
  • Emmett W. Cocke, Jr. Scholarship (M.S.W.)
  • Hans S. Falck Scholarship (Ph.D.)
  • Rick and Brenda Faulkner Scholarship (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
  • Anne Fischer Scholarship Fund in the School of Social Work (M.S.W.)
  • Fostering Success Scholarship (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
  • Kimberly Giancaspro Scholarship (M.S.W.)
  • Bob Green Research Fund (M.S.W. or Ph.D.)
  • Dr. Grace E. Harris Merit Scholarship (B.S.W.)
  • Hatcher Merit Scholarship in Social Work (B.S.W.)
  • William Randolph Hearst Scholarship for Social Workers in Aging (M.S.W.)
  • Hurtado Family Endowed Scholarship (B.S.W., M.S.W., Ph.D.)
  • Gaye Shinall Jones Merit Scholarship (B.S.W.)
  • Robin M. McKinney Dissertation Honor Fund Endowment (Ph.D.)
  • Pamela B. Nystrom Memorial Scholarship Fund (B.S.W.)
  • Peace and Justice Scholarship (M.S.W.)
  • Bill and Sherry Peterson Scholarship (M.S.W.)
  • Elaine Z. Rothenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund (B.S.W., M.S.W., Ph.D.)
  • David N. Saunders Legislative Internship Fund (B.S.W. or M.S.W.)
  • Rita Schleuter Memorial Scholarship (B.S.W.)
  • School of Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice (SWAPPP) Scholarship Fund (M.S.W.)
  • Martin Schwartz Scholarship (M.S.W.)
  • Cesare and Ida Sclarandis Fund (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
  • Swank-Divine Scholarships (M.S.W.)
  • Judy M. Thomas “Dr. T.” B.S.W. Scholarship (B.S.W.)
  • Virginia Council on Social Welfare Scholarship (B.S.W.)
  • Katharine McCardell Webb Merit Scholarship (B.S.W.)
  • Mel C. Whipple Scholarship (M.S.W.)
  • Rachel Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship (M.S.W.)

Learn more about the donors and supporters behind these scholarships. 

Other scholarship/funding opportunities

These scholarships are not available through the scholarship hub; use the links or contact information to learn more about requirements and the application process for each. 

School student assistance funds 

Learn more about our funds

Finish Line Fund

Helps B.S.W. and M.S.W. students in their final academic push toward graduation with a one-time award of up to $3,000.

Turning Tassels Together: Graduation Aid

Provides $500 scholarship for eligible B.S.W. and M.S.W. students in their graduation semester.

Global Social Work Enrichment Fund

Offers a $2,000 scholarship to any social work student accepted to a social work-led study abroad program.

Pay It Forward Fund

Serves as an emergency fund to help currently enrolled students in the B.S.W., M.S.W. and Ph.D. programs with a variety of unforeseen financial crises.

VCU National Scholarship Office

The National Scholarship Office (NSO) assists students with applying to national and international fellowship and scholarship opportunities related to their academic and professional goals. The office researches and offers suggestions on opportunities that best suit students' aspirations, provides advice on how students can produce competitive applications, and connects students with vital resources to improve their materials.

Please note that they only support services for students seeking external funding outside of VCU, thus excluding scholarships awarded by VCU schools and departments. Schedule an appointment with the NSO online or email natlscholar@vcu.edu.

Find external scholarship opportunities

Have questions?

Current and prospective students are encouraged to contact the School of Social Work's Office of Student Success at sswinfo@vcu.edu.