STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and it’s a popular area of study for its higher-paying occupations and expected job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in STEM earn more than double the national average and are expected to grow more than 10% by 2033.
There are numerous scholarships exclusively available to students pursuing a degree in a STEM field. Below, we’ve outlined a list of STEM scholarships, plus common eligibility requirements and tips for applying.
Key Points
• STEM scholarships are designed to support students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, providing financial aid for education in these critical fields.
• These scholarships encourage students to enter high-demand STEM careers, where opportunities for growth and advancement are strong.
• Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and even specialized STEM programs, offering options for students at different educational levels.
• Some scholarships focus on underrepresented groups in STEM, such as women, people of color, or first-generation college students.
• In addition to STEM scholarships, students can apply for traditional scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.
STEM Scholarships for Graduate Students
Students in a master’s or doctoral program can apply for specific STEM scholarships to help cover tuition and living expenses. Scholarship eligibility may be based on the program type and focus of a student’s research.
Below are five STEM scholarships for graduate students.
• American Nuclear Society Scholarship Program: Multiple awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program related to nuclear science or nuclear engineering.
• American Welding Society Research Fellowships: Funding and support up to $35,000 annually for graduate students who are engaged in cutting-edge research within the field of welding.
• Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Scholarship: Funding for one year of full-time graduate studies (up to $24,000) in electrical engineering at an accredited engineering school in the U.S.
• DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship: Tuition assistance, stipend, and professional development ($45,000 value) for incoming and first-year PhD students enrolled in engineering, physical, computer, mathematical, or life sciences programs.
• Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program: Financial support of up to $47,000 for master’s and doctoral students in oceanography, marine biology, engineering, and resource management disciplines conducting research related to the mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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STEM Scholarships for Undergraduates
There are many STEM scholarships available to undergraduate students. Eligibility requirements may include a student’s major, location, financial need, academic achievement, and class standing.
Below are five STEM scholarships for undergraduate students.
• Changing the World Scholarship: Offers $1,000 awards per semester for undergraduate students who are pursuing a STEM degree and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrated financial need.
• Cold War Veterans Scholarship: Three $2,500 scholarships for students who are an active member of the Marine’s Memorial or a child or grandchild of an active member to pursue undergraduate studies in a STEM field.
• Goodyear STEM Career Day Scholarships: Multiple awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for Ohio high school graduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a STEM discipline.
• Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship: Multiple scholarships for undergraduate students enrolled in a four-year degree program and majoring in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics.
• SAE/Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies Scholarship: One $5,000 scholarship for an incoming freshman pursuing an engineering or related science degree at an accredited U.S. college or university.
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How to Apply for a STEM Scholarship
To apply for a STEM scholarship, you first need to put in the time to research and find STEM scholarships you qualify for. During your search, keep track of submission deadlines and application requirements for any opportunities you plan on applying to, as these can vary between scholarships.
A personal statement or essay is a common requirement for STEM scholarships. While it’s best practice to tailor your writing to address the scholarship’s specific prompts and instructions, creating a generic personal statement that you can modify for each application can save time.
STEM scholarships often require school transcripts and a letter of recommendation or references. Think about which high school teachers, college professors, or employers are best suited to speak to your academic merit and personal character. When applying for a STEM-specific scholarship, using a reference who teaches or works in a STEM field could be advantageous.
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When Should I Apply for STEM Scholarships?
There are STEM scholarships and grants available to help pay for all levels of higher education, from freshman year of undergrad to completing a master’s or doctoral degree.
For high school seniors, it’s okay if you’re not sure what college you should go to yet to begin applying for college scholarships. Some scholarship deadlines are one year in advance, so it’s helpful to be planning well ahead for applications.
Current college and graduate students can continue applying for scholarships every year of their education, and it may be necessary to reapply for an award if it doesn’t renew annually.
What Kind of GPA Do I Need to Apply for a STEM Scholarship?
STEM scholarships have different eligibility criteria, including GPA requirements. However, many merit-based scholarships require a GPA of at least 3.0 to apply, whereas students could qualify for some need-based awards with a GPA below a 3.0.
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Are International Students Eligible for STEM Scholarships?
Many STEM scholarships are intended for students who are U.S. residents. But there are still opportunities for international students to consider, including university-specific scholarships and grants.
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Top 5 STEM Scholarships for Women
There are many scholarships specifically for women pursuing a STEM degree and career. STEM scholarships for women are offered by companies, professional associations, and nonprofit organizations.
The top five STEM scholarships for women include:
• Advancing Women in Science Scholarships: Various awards for undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in STEM fields and members of the Association of Women in Science.
• Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship: One $1,040 STEM scholarship for a woman who intends to enter a career that leverages technology to make the world a better place, with preference for a student involved in a STEM field and entrepreneurial endeavors.
• SAE Women-in-Automotive Scholarship: Thirteen $5,000 scholarships for women with strong academic achievement and who are enrolled in an engineering degree program to pursue a career in the automotive industry.
• Scholarships for Future Women Engineers: Multiple awards ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 for women pursuing an associates or bachelor’s degree in STEM, manufacturing, or industrial engineering.
• STEMinist Scholarship: Financial support of up to $5,000 for women of color from the Chicago metropolitan area pursuing a college degree in engineering or a STEM-related field.
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Full Eligibility Requirements
When browsing STEM scholarships, it’s important to verify that you meet eligibility requirements before spending time and effort applying. There may be minimum GPA and residency requirements for applicants.
Depending on the type of scholarship, students could be required to demonstrate leadership experience, involvement in community service, and other experiences or skills to qualify.
Completing the FAFSA can be a prerequisite to apply and be considered for both need-based awards and merit scholarships.
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The Takeaway
Earning a degree in a STEM field can put you on the path to a rewarding and high-paying career. There are many scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students interested in a variety of STEM-related disciplines. Students can apply every year of school to increase their chances of getting scholarships and grants for college.
Still, many students require additional financing, such as federal and private student loans, to fund their education.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
What does STEM scholarship stand for?
A STEM scholarship is a type of free financial aid for students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics — a collection of subject areas known as STEM.
What is a STEM scholar?
A STEM scholar is someone who studies an academic discipline related to either science, technology, engineering, or math.
How can I apply for STEM scholarships?
To apply for STEM scholarships, students usually need to complete an online application, provide academic transcripts, and sometimes submit essays or letters of recommendation detailing their interest in a STEM field.
Photo credit: iStock/gorodenkoff
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