25 Public Health Scholarships and Tips to Apply

November 21, 2025 

For those who want to pursue a career in public health, there are Master of Public Health (MPH) programs that enable students to learn at their own schedules from any connected device. Going back to school requires a financial investment, but public health scholarships can offset the costs.

Some public health scholarships are given out by schools, while others are from private organizations and healthcare organizations. There are also scholarships available for all types of students based on demographics, interests and experiences.

There are a variety of public health scholarships to check out for aspiring public health students and students who are currently enrolled in public health programs. The following are public health specific scholarships. There are thousands of scholarships available for all types of students, so you’re not limited to applying only for public health scholarships.

Below is information on scholarships available for public health students of undergraduate, graduate or both, including certain MPH scholarships for minorities as well. If you plan to finance your degree, read the tips to successfully apply for public health scholarships.

List of Public Health Scholarships

Below is a list of 25 public health scholarships available to graduate students. These were chosen based on the amount awarded and if they represent any special interest groups. This information was last retrieved and updated in November 2025.

1. AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability

  • Target demographic: Students with disabilities who are committed to disability-related health fields.
  • Who’s eligible: Undergraduate or graduate students who identify as having a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and who are studying public health, disability studies, health promotion, or a closely related field.
  • Typical award: Around $1,000 per recipient.
  • Notes: Applicants are asked to submit documentation of disability, academic transcripts, and a personal statement focused on disability and health.
  • Scholarship link: AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability

2. AAPHP Public Health Practice Award

  • Target demographic: Students at Association of Accredited Public Health Programs (AAPHP) member or affiliate institutions.
  • Who’s eligible: Graduate (and sometimes advanced undergraduate) students enrolled in public health programs at AAPHP member or affiliate schools, often with a focus on community-engaged or practice-based projects.
  • Typical award: Often around $500–$1,000; number and size of awards may vary by year.
  • Notes: Recent cycles have emphasized community-engaged research and practice, so a strong project proposal is critical.
  • Scholarship link: AAPHP Graduate Student Scholarship Information

3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships

  • Target demographic: Students in nutrition, dietetics, and related public health nutrition fields
  • Who’s eligible: Students in the junior or senior year of an ACEND-accredited coordinated or didactic program in dietetics, dietetic technician programs, dietetic internships, or graduate programs in nutrition/dietetics.
  • Typical award: A wide range—many awards start around $500–$1,000, with some scholarships up to $25,000.
  • Notes: A single application is often used to match students with multiple foundation scholarships.
  • Scholarship Link: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarship Information

4. ACMPE Scholarship Fund Inc.

  • Target demographic: Students interested in medical practice management, including public health administration
  • Who’s eligible: Student members of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs related to medical practice management—such as public health, healthcare administration, or business with a health focus—at U.S. institutions.
  • Typical award: Many sources list awards in the $2,500–$5,000 range, though some scholarships may differ.
  • Notes: One application usually places you in consideration for multiple ACMPE scholarships administered by MGMA.
  • Scholarship link: ACMPE Scholarship Fund Inc. Information

5. Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship

  • Target demographic: Racially and/or ethnically diverse or LGBTQ+ students in healthcare management programs.
  • Who’s eligible: Students from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds and/or LGBTQ+ students in their final year of a graduate program such as MHA, MPH (with a management focus), MBA in healthcare administration, or similar.
  • Typical award: $5,000; ACHE awards up to 15 Dent and McGaw scholarships combined each year.
  • Notes: Offered by the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Demonstrated financial need and ACHE student membership are important considerations.
  • Scholarship link: Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship Information

6. Bill and Judy Bridgers Endowed Scholarship

  • Target demographic: Graduate public health students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Who’s eligible: UAB School of Public Health master’s and doctoral students who meet GPA and other criteria specified in UAB’s scholarship system (BSMART).
  • Typical award: Varies from year to year, as it’s an endowed fund.
  • Notes: This scholarship honors UAB’s founding public health dean, Bill Bridgers, and his wife Judy, and supports students pursuing graduate public health degrees at UAB.
  • Scholarship link: Bill and Judy Bridgers Endowed Scholarship Information

7. C. Sylvia and Eddie C. Brown Community Health Scholarship Program

  • Target demographic: Students focused on health equity and underserved communities.
  • Who’s eligible: Students in designated master’s and doctoral programs at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health whose work focuses on improving health in low-income and underserved communities, often with a preference for students of color.
  • Typical award: Substantial multi-year support (tuition plus stipend) for a small cohort of scholars.
  • Notes: Highly competitive; recipients are often selected as part of admission and funding packages.
  • Scholarship link: C. Sylvia and Eddie C. Brown Community Health Scholarship Program Information

8. Corris Boyd Scholars Program

  • Target demographic: Students of color entering graduate programs in healthcare management.
  • Who’s eligible: Students of color who have been accepted into full-member AUPHA master’s programs in healthcare. management (e.g., MHA) and meet minimum GPA and other requirements.
  • Typical award: $40,000 total, usually paid in four installments over two years.
  • Notes: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled full-time.
  • Scholarship link: Corris Boyd Scholar Program Information

9. David A. Winston Health Policy Fellowship

  • Target demographic: Graduating master’s or doctoral students who want a policy career in Washington, D.C.
  • Who’s eligible: Recent graduates (master’s or doctoral) from health policy–related fields, including public health, health administration, public policy, law, and related disciplines.
  • Award format: A paid, 12-month postgraduate fellowship in Washington, D.C., including a full-time placement with Congressional or executive-branch offices and a living stipend with travel support.
  • Notes: This is not a tuition scholarship—it’s a post-graduate fellowship with intensive exposure to national health policy.
  • Scholarship link: David A. Winston Health Policy Fellowship

10. Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

  • Target demographic: MPH and other public health applicants to Drexel.
  • Who’s eligible: Applicants to full-time graduate programs at the Dornsife School of Public Health. Many admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships and fellowships.
  • Typical award: Varies, but Drexel reports that a very high share (over 90%) of full-time students receive some form of scholarship support.
  • Notes: No separate application is typically needed beyond the program application, though some named scholarships may have add-on requirements.
  • Scholarship link: Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

11. Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship

  • Target demographic: Final-year students in healthcare management–focused graduate programs.
  • Who’s eligible: Full-time students entering their final year in MHA, MPH (with a management focus), MBA in healthcare administration, or similar programs.
  • Typical award: $5,000; together with the Dent scholarships, ACHE awards up to 15 scholarships each year.
  • Notes: Open to students with financial need; ACHE student membership is generally expected.
  • Scholarship link: Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship Information

12. Herschel S. Horowitz Scholarship

  • Target demographic: Dentists and dental professionals pursuing an MPH or public health degree.
  • Who’s eligible: Dental professionals pursuing graduate training in public health, often in MPH programs with a dental public health or oral health focus.
  • Typical award: Frequently cited as $10,000.
  • Notes: Offered by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD); strong commitment to dental public health is expected.
  • Scholarship link: Herschel S. Horowitz Scholarship Information

13. HIMSS Scholarships

  • Target demographic: Students in health informatics, health IT, or related public health data fields.
  • Who’s eligible: Undergraduate and graduate students in health information and management systems, health informatics, or closely related disciplines, including public health students whose work centers on informatics and health IT.
  • Typical award: Several scholarships, typically in the $5,000 range (exact amounts can vary).
  • Notes: HIMSS membership and demonstrated engagement with health IT are often expected.
  • Scholarship link: HIMSS Scholarship Information

14. Indian Health Service Scholarships

  • Target demographic: American Indian and Alaska Native students preparing for health careers.
  • Who’s eligible: Enrolled members (or descendants, per program rules) of federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, pursuing qualifying health degrees—including some public and community health programs.
  • Typical award: Generally covers tuition and required fees and may provide a living stipend; in exchange, recipients commit to a period of service at IHS or tribal health facilities after graduation.
  • Notes: Multiple tracks exist (pre-graduate, health professions, etc.), each with its own rules.
  • Scholarship link: Indian Health Service Scholarships

15. James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program

  • Target demographic: Students in health and medical sciences with strong community involvement.
  • Who’s eligible: Graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing degrees in health, medical sciences, or related fields who demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement.
  • Typical award: Varies based on available funds.
  • Notes: Historically includes scholarships for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including those in health and public health fields.
  • Scholarship link: James M. & Erma T. Fremont Foundation Scholarship Program Information

16. Kentucky Public Health Association Scholarships

  • Target demographic: Students with a clear connection to public health in Kentucky
  • Who’s eligible: Undergraduate and graduate students, with preference for those studying public health or working in Kentucky public health practice; KPHA membership and in-state ties are often expected.
  • Typical award: Historically up to around $2,000, though amounts can vary by year.
  • Notes: KPHA usually offers multiple categories (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, employee/affiliate), so read requirements closely.
  • Scholarship link: Kentucky Public Health Association Scholarships Information

17. North Carolina Public Health Association Scholarship

  • Target demographic: Students in North Carolina preparing for public health practice.
  • Who’s eligible: Undergraduate and graduate students with a demonstrated commitment to public health practice, often with preference for NCPHA members or those working in NC health departments or related settings.
  • Typical award: Frequently up to $1,000–$1,500, depending on the scholarship category.
  • Notes: NCPHA periodically updates its scholarship structure, so check current categories and eligibility.
  • Scholarship link: North Carolina Public Health Association Scholarship Information

18. USF Health Scholarships

  • Target demographic: Public health students at the University of South Florida.
  • Who’s eligible: Primarily graduate (and some undergraduate) students in the USF College of Public Health, with awards based on academic merit, financial need, leadership, or specific donor criteria.
  • Typical award: Varies by scholarship; some cover partial tuition, others offer smaller stipends.
  • Notes: Students typically apply via USF’s internal scholarship portal, with one application often used for multiple COPH awards.
  • Scholarship link: USF Health Scholarships Information

19. UTHealth School of Public Health Scholarships

  • Target demographic: Students at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
  • Who’s eligible: Master’s and doctoral students at UTHealth Houston SPH, including those at regional campuses. Many awards take into account academic merit, research interests, and financial need.
  • Typical award: Varies, from modest stipends to more substantial awards.
  • Notes: Some scholarships are campus-specific, and UTHealth may also offer assistantships with tuition benefits.
  • Scholarship link: UTHealth School of Public Health Scholarships Information

20. Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship

  • Target demographic: Undergraduate and graduate students in health education and health promotion.
  • Who’s eligible: Full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are members of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and whose studies focus on health education, health promotion, or closely related public health areas.
  • Typical award: Up to $2,500 plus mentorship and professional development opportunities.
  • Notes: Applicants usually submit essays describing their commitment to health education and equity.
  • Scholarship link: Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship Information

21. Winston Health Policy Scholarship

  • Target demographic: First-year graduate students in health policy, administration, or public health.
  • Who’s eligible: Current first-year graduate students in accredited programs such as MPH, MHA, MPP, MBA (health focus), or JD programs with a strong interest in U.S. health policy. Programs must generally be members of AUPHA or comparable organizations.
  • Typical award: $10,000 per scholarship; up to 10–20 scholarships are awarded annually.
  • Notes: Scholars also attend a one-day health policy symposium in Washington, D.C.
  • Scholarship link: Winston Health Policy Scholarship Information

22. APHA–Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fellowship

  • Target demographic: Paid, post-graduate placements in community health and health-equity work.
  • Who’s eligible: Early-career professionals with a recently completed MPH, DrPH, or PhD in public health from partner universities. 
  • Award format: A 12-month, full-time fellowship with a stipend of roughly $120,000 plus professional development and mentorship.
  • Notes: Fellows are placed with community health organizations and Kaiser Permanente–affiliated sites to lead high-impact projects.
  • Scholarship link: APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fellowship

23. Texas Public Health Association (TPHA) Scholarships

  • Target demographic: Students in Texas pursuing public health and related degrees.
  • Who’s eligible: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in public health or related fields, often with preference for TPHA members and Texas residents.
  • Typical award: Amounts vary by year, but several small-to-moderate awards are usually offered.
  • Notes: TPHA has separate awards for students and in-service professionals; requirements and deadlines are updated annually.
  • Scholarship link: Texas Public Health Association (TPHA) Scholarships

24. Oklahoma Public Health Association – Pam Rask Public Health Scholarship

  • Target demographic:Supporting Oklahoma students committed to public health.
  • Who’s eligible: Students in Oklahoma who are studying or planning to study in a public health–related field; OPHA membership or ties to Oklahoma public health practice may be prioritized.
  • Typical award: Modest scholarship amounts (often a few hundred dollars to around $1,000), depending on available funds.
  • Notes: Ideal for students building a career in Oklahoma’s public health workforce.
  • Scholarship link: Oklahoma Public Health Association – Pam Rask Public Health Scholarship

25. TYLENOL® Future Care Scholarship

  • Target demographic: Future healthcare professionals, including public and community health.
  • Who’s eligible: College seniors and graduate students in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or D.C. pursuing healthcare degrees (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health education, community health, and other health professions).
  • Typical award: Each year, 10 scholarships of $10,000 and 25 scholarships of $5,000, totaling $225,000 in awards.
  • Notes: Selection emphasizes academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
  • Scholarship link: TYLENOL® Future Care Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there scholarships available for Online MPH Programs?

Yes. Most scholarships are available for students to use for tuition costs, whether they’re attending on campus or online MPH programs. Generally, if a scholarship is offered for a specific school, you can count on the scholarship being able to be applied toward any type of tuition costs, including online school, and that goes for general scholarships as well.

Can I apply to multiple scholarships at the same time?

Generally yes. There are different types of scholarships available, and you’re not limited to applying only for public health scholarships. Some outstanding students can receive more than one scholarship. However, it’s advised to be focused and find the best fit instead of counting on the number of scholarships applied to. 

Do scholarships only apply to CEPH-accredited public health programs?

Program accreditation is not indicated in the scholarship application requirements. However, it’s important to note the importance of CEPH accreditation in public health and make sure the university is able to deliver courses of good quality. Also, check the application requirements carefully for any other special criteria (e.g., applicants must be members of a certain organization).  

What GPA do you need to get a full scholarship?

GPA is not everything. Some scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply. You don’t have to have 4.0 to apply for certain scholarships. However, it’s crucial to know GPA indicates your performance at school and is usually associated with your expertise in public health. Your practice experience is important, too, but it doesn’t mean you can neglect GPA. 

Is a GRE score required in graduate scholarships applications?

Some schools offer online MPH with no GRE requirement, which means some enrolled students may not have a GRE score. Fortunately, a GRE score is generally not required in scholarship applications. In the public health scholarships listed above, most of them do not indicate a requirement of GRE.

Tips to Apply for Public Health Scholarships

Some MPH students pay for all of school with scholarships. To increase your likelihood of being awarded the MPH scholarships you apply for, follow these guidelines.

1. Make a list of scholarships and ensure you meet the criteria.

Do research as early as possible and make a list of scholarships you want to apply for with application deadlines. Then, save time in the scholarship application process by carefully reading all scholarship criteria. Some scholarships may have very specific criteria (e.g., students must be in their first year of graduate school). Make sure you qualify before you apply.

Know that scholarships with large awards will likely have more competition compared to niche scholarships. You may have a better chance of winning smaller scholarships, so don’t discount them.

2. Find and keep communicating with mentors.

Some scholarships will require letters of recommendation from people who have taught, managed or mentored you. If you plan to apply for scholarships, reach out to mentors you can trust will write you a great letter of recommendation early on so they’re prepared and pay attention to your performance so that the recommendation can include more details.

Use the scholarship guidelines to provide anyone who is writing you a letter of recommendation with helpful information. You might mention why you’re applying for the scholarship, suggest achievements of yours to highlight or provide them with a resume that shows your experience so they have something to inspire their letter.

3. Track applications.

Make sure you meet scholarship deadlines and turn in all required materials. You might want to create a spreadsheet or document that includes:

  • The name of the scholarship
  • All required materials
  • Due dates
  • Progress of each material collected

Check in with your scholarship document regularly to stay on track. Before you submit, double-check that your application is complete and accurate.

4. Give each scholarship focused attention.

If you were applying for jobs, you wouldn’t send out the same cover letter to different companies. The same goes for scholarships: If you have to write an essay, make sure each essay you write is specific to that scholarship. 

Know your strength, demonstrate knowledge of the public health field, and express your commitment to it by elaborating on personal experience. You may want to first create an outline with notes to organize your writing.

Also, be sure to get your essay checked for spelling or grammar errors. Ask a friend or use a site like Grammarly to scan your essay.

5. Work hard.

Last but not least, work hard. It’s the most important thing. Scholarship applications are incredibly competitive. It’s important that you keep focused on your goal and work hard in school as well as on your applications. 

Going to school to pursue a career in public health can be a rewarding experience but sometimes not financially feasible. Public health scholarships help offset the costs of school, and in some cases, you may be able to fund your entire graduate education with public health scholarships. By following the tips listed above and dedicating time to commit to scholarship research and applications, you may have the opportunity to be rewarded.

Information last updated: November 2025