Scholarships & Funding
The School of Social Welfare has several sources of financial assistance available for BSW, MSW and PhD students who meet various criteria.
School of Social Welfare Scholarships
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare has several sources of financial assistance available to BSW, MSW and PhD students who meet various criteria. Awards are made on an annual basis and are applied directly towards tuition and fees in most instances.
All students interested in applying are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as a School of Social Welfare application by March 1. All recipients are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Students must renew their applications each year they wish to be considered.
These awards are made possible through the generous support of friends and alumni of the School of Social Welfare and the KU Endowment Association.
Scholars Programs
Social work scholars programs provide monetary support and expanded learning opportunities.
Scholars programs in the KU School of Social Welfare provide monetary support and expanded learning opportunities.
Each program has specific criteria. Applications are required.
Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program
The Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program aims to develop the next generation of leaders in the field of gerontological social work by offering an innovative, individualized, and community-engaged learning opportunity.
- BSW and MSW programs
- All campus locations, program types (full-time and part-time) and program levels are eligible to apply
Toni Johnson Scholars Program
The Toni Johnson Scholars Program supports BSW, MSW, and PhD students in the KU School of Social Welfare.
- BSW and MSW scholars programs
- PhD dissertation award
- All campus locations, program types (full-time and part-time) and program levels are eligible to apply
Integrated Health Scholars Program
The Integrated Health Scholars Program provides an educational experience for exceptional KU clinical MSW students residing in Kansas or Missouri to develop knowledge and skills for interprofessional clinical practice and leadership in integrated health care.
- MSW advanced-year students in the clinical specialization
- All campus locations are eligible. Students must reside in Kansas or Missouri.
Emergency Funding
The School's Emergency Fund helps students who experience unexpected needs.
In 2018, the School of Social Welfare established the Emergency Fund to help students who experience an unexpected financial need.
Since the fund's creation, the School has helped students with a range of items from assistance with rent, utility bills, car maintenance, technology needs, etc.
A special thank you goes out to alum, Eric Sigler, for his generous donations toward the Emergency Fund.
Learn more about the Emergency Fund and how to apply for assistance
PhD Student Funding
The School of Social Welfare offers tuition support for PhD students.
For students beginning the Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) program in fall 2024, the KU School of Social Welfare guarantees four years of tuition support, as long as the student remains in good standing.
In addition, students may perform duties as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) or Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or a combination of the two, making up a 50% appointment. Students apply for these competitive GRA and GTA opportunities, which will pay a stipend on top of guaranteed tuition.