Key takeaways
- Scholarships for psych majors:
- Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships
- Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships
- Centennial Mental Health Scholarship
- International Peace Scholarship Fund
- Where to look for psychology scholarships:
- Professional organizations:
- American Psychological Association
- American Psychological Foundation
- Psi Chi International Honors Society
- University website:
- Psychology department website
- Financial aid office
- Professional organizations:
Pursuing a psychology degree can be an exciting and meaningful journey leading to even more meaningful and impactful careers. Whether you plan to become a counselor, researcher, social worker, therapist, or behavioral specialist, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is the ideal starting point. But like many students, psych majors often face the challenge of financing their education as college education is a significant time and financial investment. However, there are multiple ways students can finance their education, and scholarships for psych majors are a popular option.
This comprehensive guide explores scholarships for psychology majors, tips on how to win them, and an FAQ section to answer common questions students ask when searching for financial aid.
What is an undergraduate degree in psychology?
A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a four-year program offered by colleges and universities across the globe. The program features an extensive curriculum covering the foundations of human psychology, including the study of the human mind, behavior, and emotions. A bachelor’s degree is the highest level of education at the undergraduate level and involves a lot more than just theoretical lectures.
Here, students are encouraged to participate in experiential learning opportunities, including psychology research and internship opportunities. By pursuing these opportunities, students not only develop job-specific skills highly sought after by employers but also fulfill degree requirements and develop the credentials for future career paths.
Moreover, pursuing psychology projects allows students to develop an impressive portfolio that enhances their eligibility for many psychology jobs. Additionally, it can give them a much-needed competitive edge in today’s competitive market. Whether they want to go into grad school or pursue entry-level jobs for psych majors, an impressive portfolio opens many doors.
Quick summary
Here is a summary of the bachelor’s psychology program.
Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Overview |
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|---|---|
| Level | Bachelor’s degree – 4 years |
| Number of credits | 120 – 128 credits |
| Degree options | Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology / Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Focus | The program focuses primarily on the study of behavior and mental processes.
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| Core courses |
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| Concentration tracks |
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| Who is it good for? | Intrinsic qualities that make you a good fit for the psychology program include empathy, problem-solving, patience, listening skills, and the ability to stay non-judgmental. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is ideal for students seeking entry-level psych-related jobs or preparing for graduate school |
| Career opportunities |
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| Median annual wage | $60,000 – BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2023 |
| Annual cost |
Estimated using data from: Data USA |
| ROI for a 20-year career period |
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Core courses in a bachelor’s degree in psychology
Core courses in a psychology degree typically cover courses in the field of psychology, research methods, and mathematics. Here are some you may come across in your bachelor’s degree:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Psychological Research Methods
- General Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Statistics
- Comparative Psychology
Available specializations in a psychology degree
Many psychology programs allow students to focus their studies on particular areas of interest. These specializations help prepare students for more targeted career paths or advanced study. Those
Common Specializations
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Educational Psychology
- Health Psychology
Explore scholarships for psych majors
Financing college education can prove to be quite expensive. According to a report by Credible, the average cost of getting a bachelor’s degree in the US is as follows:
- Public in-state tuition – $11,950
- Public out-of-state tuition – $31,880
- Private tuition – $45,000
Every year, tuition rates increase by about 8% each year, making it increasingly difficult for college students to afford a bachelor’s degree. However, aspiring psychology students can make education more affordable by applying for scholarships, financial aid, and grants. Scholarships are often the most popular option, as many cover a lot more than just tuition. Some may even cover living expenses and provide a monthly stipend. There are three main types of scholarships that students can explore:
- Merit-based – Awarded to high-achieving students, those with special talents, such as a sports scholarship. A high-achieving student with special talents can get a higher scholarship.
- Need-based – Students from low-income families can get a need-based scholarship to make education more accessible and affordable.
- Program-specific – These include research scholarships or program-specific scholarships, such as business scholarships. The goal is to encourage students to enroll in certain programs that can help drive economic growth and bridge the skills gap.
Top scholarships for psychology majors
Aspiring psychology students, or those already enrolled in an undergraduate program, can apply for any of the following psychology scholarships. These include scholarships offered by private agencies, government organizations, Non-profit governmental organizations, and more. Here are a few you can explore.
Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Outstanding students enrolled in an undergraduate degree in psychology can apply for the Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarship. The scholarship covers part or all of the student’s direct expenses, such as tuition, institutional fees, textbook costs, and so on. However, for a student to be eligible for the scholarship, they must demonstrate exceptional academic performance and financial need.
The scholarship is offered via the American Psychological Foundation (APF), which encourages students from all backgrounds to apply. The foundation does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, nationality, or any other discriminatory factor. As long as the applicant meets the eligibility criteria, they stand a fair chance of obtaining the scholarship.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Be an undergraduate student majoring in psychology at an accredited college or university
- Must be enrolled as a declared psychology major for the fall 2026 semester and plan to be enrolled during the spring 2027 semester.
- Have a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA
- Demonstrate financial need
Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships
Scholarship amount: $3,000–$5,000
Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, provides scholarships for its members, including funds for undergraduate study, summer research, and conference attendance. The scholarship amount helps cover the direct cost of getting an undergraduate degree in psychology. Winners can use it to contribute to their tuition, cover institutional fees, or use it to purchase textbooks or other study material. However, only Psi Chi members are eligible to apply for the Psi Chi undergraduate Scholarships.
Centennial Mental Health Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $500 – $2,000
Note: The exact amount awarded depends on full-time enrollment (12+ credits per semester). Awards may be prorated based on actual enrollment.
The Centennial Collegiate Scholarship is a program offered by Centennial Mental Health Center. It aims to encourage students to pursue studies in behavioral health. The scholarship supports individuals intending to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in a mental-health-related field, such as psychology, counseling, social work, or similar disciplines, with the goal that they eventually return to serve in rural communities within the Center’s service area.
Eligibility criteria and application requirements include:
- Residency – Must have a permanent address within the ten-county catchment area of Centennial Mental Health Center. These counties include:
- Citizenship status – Must be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.
- Study intent – Must be committed to completing at least a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral-health related area (psychology, sociology, counseling, etc.).
- Post-education commitment – Applicants must intend to return to and work in one of the rural counties served by Centennial Mental Health Center after completing their degree.
- Graduation requirement – Must have graduated from high school or obtained a GED before the upcoming summer (or equivalent, based on application cycle). Non-traditional students are also eligible.
- Application materials – Submission must include a:
- Completed application form
- High school (or prior) transcript or GED proof
- If already enrolled, college transcripts –
- Two letters of recommendation
- 500–750 word essay – Essay prompts typically focus on mental health awareness topics such as the stigma of mental illness, community mental health needs, or the applicant’s intended role in supporting mental health in their community.
- Merit and community service – The selection also considers academic achievement, aptitude, and past community service or engagement.
International Peace Scholarship Fund
Scholarship amount: Up to US$12,500 per academic year.
Outstanding international female students pursuing graduate (master’s or PhD) degrees can apply for the International Peace Scholarship (IPS). The scholarship provides partial financial support for expenses such as tuition, living costs, and other educational expenses, but it is not intended to cover all costs. It is offered by the Philanthropic Educational Organization, which encourages women from outside the U.S. and Canada to apply. The selection process does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, nationality, or disability.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Applicants must be women from outside the United States and Canada
- They must be admitted to (or already enrolled in) an accredited graduate program (Master’s or PhD) in the U.S. or Canada
- The applicant must have at least one full academic year of coursework remaining (i.e., dissertation-only or research-only students are not eligible)
- She must plan to reside in the U.S. or Canada for the entire period of the scholarship
- They must demonstrate financial need and also provide a realistic budget showing any additional funding sources (personal/family funds, assistantships, other grants/scholarships, etc.)
- Applicants must intend to return to their home country after completing their degree, to apply their education toward a positive impact and foster global peace.
Where can I find psychology scholarships?
You can browse for psychology scholarships through multiple sources, including professional psychology organizations, university resources, and other online resources. Here are just a few you can browse:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- American Psychological Foundation (APF)
- Psi Chi International Honor Society
- Association for Psychological Science (APS)
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- University websites:
- Psychology Department website
- Financial aid office site
- Scholarship portal
Top colleges for a psychology degree
Here is a list of the top psychology colleges in the US for those interested in pursuing a degree in the field.
Top 10 colleges for a Bachelor’s in Psychology |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | Stanford University | $45,154 | $45,154 |
| 2 | Princeton University | $65,210 | $65,210 |
| 3 | Harvard University | $59,320 | $59,320 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley | $17,478 | $55,080 |
| 5 | Yale University | $69,900 | $69,900 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | $63,204 | $63,204 |
| 7 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $18,346 | $63,962 |
| 8 | The University of Chicago | $71,325 | $71,325 |
| 9 | University of California, Los Angeles | $15,700 | $53,302 |
| 10 | Columbia University | $67,740 | $67,740 |
Top accredited online psychology programs
Considering pursuing an online degree in psychology? Here is a list of the top accredited online psychology programs in the US.
Top 10 colleges for an online Bachelor’s in Psychology |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | Pennsylvania State University | $20,644 | $41,790 |
| 2 | Oregon State University | $15,246 | $40,392 |
| 3 | University of Florida | $3,876 | $16,580 |
| 4 | Loyola University Chicago | $54,530 | $54,530 |
| 5 | University of Central Florida | $5,954 | $22,482 |
| 6 | Georgia State University | $5,830 | $15,010 |
| 7 | Indiana University | $44,339 | $44,339 |
| 8 | University of Arizona | $15,750 | $15,750 |
| 9 | Arizona State University | $10,064 | $10,064 |
| 10 | CUNY School of Professional Studies | $6,930 | $10,500 |
Career opportunities with a bachelor’s in psychology
Here are some career paths you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, alongside the earning potential for entry-level positions for psych majors as of November 2025.
| Job title | Entry-level salary | Mid-career salary |
| Case Worker | $47,429 | $50,500 |
| Behavioral Health Technician | $39,900 | $42,500 |
| Crisis Hotline Counselor | $69,365 | $79,000 |
| Research Assistant | $47,831 | $53,000 |
| Rehabilitation Specialist | $53,201 | $63,500 |
| Training & Development Assistant | $43,000 | $51,000 |
| Human Resource Specialist | $73,918 | $94,500 |
| Academic Advisor | $53,941 | $62,999 |
| Youth Program Coordinator | $25,700 | $36,400 |
| Social Services Assistant | $42,000 | $48,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you need to be a psychology major to apply for psych-related scholarships?
Not always. Some scholarships require you to major in psychology, while others accept related majors such as counseling, behavioral science, neuroscience, social work, or mental health studies. Always read the eligibility criteria—some awards simply require an interest in behavioral or mental health fields.
2. Can psychology majors get scholarships based on financial need?
Yes. Many psychology scholarships include financial need as part of their selection criteria. Federal and state aid, Pell Grants, and university-based need scholarships also apply to psych majors. Even merit-based awards may consider financial need when comparing applicants, especially for mental health–focused programs.
3. Are there scholarships for psychology graduate programs?
Absolutely. Graduate psychology students have access to numerous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. These can come from the APA, research institutions, universities, and private foundations. Many graduate programs also offer teaching or research assistantships that provide tuition waivers and stipends.
4. How competitive are psychology scholarships?
Competition varies. National awards, such as the NSF or APF scholarships, are highly competitive. Departmental scholarships, local foundations, and campus-specific awards often have fewer applicants, making them easier to win. Applying to a mix of large and small awards gives you the best chance of success.