Top PhD Scholarships in Education

Earning a PhD in education or an EdD can be expensive. Doctoral scholarships in education can help make these programs affordable.

A doctorate in education requires four to six years of full-time graduate study. It is most common to earn a master’s in education before earning your doctorate in education. The first step for doctoral students is to choose a specialization. Next is:

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completing advanced coursework
internships
comprehensive exams,
dissertation research.

EdD programs tend to be lighter on research than PhD programs.

Those with a PhD in education tend to teach at the college level or go into administration. A PhD in education qualifies you for jobs in

education supervision
administration\ policy making.

The following are 20 great doctoral scholarships in education. These scholarships are offered by a variety of sources. All have the goal of helping nurture leaders in education.

Reviewing the Best Scholarships for Doctorate Students in Education

1. A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship

Deadline: April 18th

The A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship is awarded every year. The award is administered by The National Association for Gifted Children. The scholarship is awarded to two licensed K-12 educators training in gifted education at the master’s or doctoral level. Eligible members must display excellence in teaching gifted youth in diverse classrooms. Applications must include:

two letters of recommendation
evidence of enrollment
a CV.

Contact

A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship
1331 H Street NW Suite 1001
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 785-4268
nagc@nagc.org
Scholarship Link

2. AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship

Deadline: November 2nd

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) offers the $20,000 Minority Dissertation Fellowship. This scholarship is for students who aree:

Black
Indigenous
Asian
Hispanic
Pacific Islander

Eligible U.S. doctoral students must be starting their dissertation on an education research topic. Topic examples include:

STEM development
high stakes testing
curriculum design
bullying.

Fellows may present their research at the AERA Annual Meeting.

Contact

AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship
1430 K Street NW Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 238-3200
fellowships@aera.net
Scholarship Link

3. Antonio Cirino Memorial Art Education Award

Deadline: April 29th

The Antonio Cirino Memorial Art Education Award ranges from $2,000 to $12,000. The scholarship is awarded by the Rhode Island Foundation to artists pursuing a master’s or PhD degree in art education. Recipients must intend to teach at the K-12, undergraduate, or graduate level. Qualified applicants must live in Rhode Island and exhibit financial need. They must also be active in the artistic community and provide five artwork samples. Students attending the Rhode Island School of Design aren’t eligible.

Contact

Antonio Cirino Memorial Art Education Award
1 Union Station
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 427-4011
rbogert@rifoundation.org
Scholarship Link

4. Carmelita K. Williams Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: December 15th

The Carmelita K. Williams Graduate Scholarship exists to honor the past IRA president. The $2,500 scholarship is awarded by the Virginia State Reading Association. Students must be enrolled in master’s or doctoral level programs for reading education. Eligible applicants must have been VSRA members for at least one year. They must be state licensed teachers. They must work in a K-12 position where reading is an instructional focus. And they must seek extra reading endorsements and exemplify professionalism.

Contact

Carmelita K. Williams Graduate Scholarship
48 Crooked Spur Road
Millboro, VA 24460
(804) 287-6678
vsrakim@gmail.com
Scholarship Link

5. Donald H. and Verna S. Duncan Fellowship

Deadline: June 1st

Phi Delta Kappa International offers the Donald H. and Verna S. Duncan Fellowship to support PDK members. Members must be enrolled full-time in an accredited educational leadership program. The program must be either master’s or PhD level. Candidates must intend to become elementary, secondary, or university public school administrators. Applications must include:

graduate transcripts
two letters of recommendation
a position paper.

Contact

Donald H. and Verna S. Duncan Fellowship
1525 Wilson Blvd. Suite 705
Arlington, VA 22209
(800) 766-1156
memberservices@pdkintl.org
Scholarship Link

6. Education Pioneers Fellowship Program

Deadline: February 12th

The Education Pioneers Fellowship Program has helped over 3,000 teachers afford graduate school. To be eligible, students must be working toward an MEd, PhD, or EdD. The focus must be on transforming student development. Eligible candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in education. They must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. university. They are required to have at least two years of full-time teaching experience. Finalists must complete an in-person or phone interview with an EP staff member.

Contact

Education Pioneers Fellowship Program
360 22nd Street Suite 220
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 893-4374
info@educationpioneers.org
Scholarship Link

7. Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant

Deadline: March 1st

The Esther Katz Rozen Fund Grant is the product of a generous bequest. It is administered by the American Psychological Association. The grant provides up to $50,000 per year. Eligible PhD students must be researching education for gifted and talented children. Qualifying majors include:

education
child psychology
school psychology

Research proposals must include:

the abstract
methodology
budget
IRB approval.

Contact

Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843
foundation@apa.org
Scholarship Link

8. Finis E. Engleman Scholarship Award

Deadline: October 15th

The Finis E. Engleman Scholarship Award gives $2,500 per year to an outstanding scholar. The student must be pursuing a graduate degree in educational administration. The end goal of the recipient must be to become a school superintendent. Applicants will submit:

three essay responses
two letters of endorsement
official transcripts.

Other AASA doctoral scholarships in education include the Forrest E. Connor Award and Paul B. Salmon Award.

Contact

Finis E. Engleman Scholarship Award
1615 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 875-0723
jminichello@aasa.org
Scholarship Link

9. Hollis L. Caswell Laureate Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Kappa Delta Pi has established several PhD scholarships in education for active members. These include the Hollis L. Caswell Laureate Scholarship. Candidates for this $2,000 award must be pursuing a PhD in curriculum and instruction. The student must be attending a participating U.S. university full-time. The application requires:

an official transcript
reference letter
CV
essay

The essay topic must describe how they plan to positively influence school curriculum.

Contact

Hollis L. Caswell Laureate Scholarship
3707 Woodview Trace
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(800) 284-3167
kristen@kdp.org
Scholarship Link

10. Larry E. Frase Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 1st

The Larry E. Frase Scholarship Fund is another PhD scholarship in education from the PDK International. The $2,500 per year scholarship is available to teachers in a qualifying U.S doctoral program. Candidates must have a teaching license. Professional classroom experience is also required. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.5. Three recommendation letters must be submitted as part of the application process. Students must show a commitment to improving academic performance among students.

Contact

Larry E. Frase Scholarship Fund
1525 Wilson Blvd. Suite 705
Arlington, VA 22209
(800) 766-1156
memberservices@pdkintl.org
Scholarship Link

11. L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarships

Deadline: February 5th

The L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarships are awarded by the California Teachers Association. Three $5,000 scholarships are awarded to full-time graduate students. Their program must lead to teacher credentials in public education. Eligible master’s or PhD students must be CTA members. They must be enrolled full-time at an accredited California college. Students must also maintain a GPA of 3.0. The highest scoring applicants receive the Philip Vera Cruz Pacific Asian American Scholarship.

Contact

L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarships
P.O. Box 921
Burlingame, CA 94011
(650) 552-5446
scholarships@cta.org
Scholarship Link

12. McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program

Deadline: January 15th

The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program awards $17,000 to Black and Hispanic PhD students. The annual scholarship is administered by the Florida Education Fund. Students must be attending one of nine participating Florida universities. Eligible candidates must be Florida residents and hold U.S. citizenship. Applicants must already have a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree. The award is only available to students who plan to become college professors. Preference is given to students working on a PhD in:

math
science
business
agriculture education.

Contact

McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program
201 East Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 272-2772
mdf@fefonline.org
Scholarship Link

13. Nadeen Burkeholder Williams Music Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Pi Lambda Theta awards the Nadeen Burkeholder Williams Music Scholarship each year. The $1,000 goes to to outstanding K-12 music teachers in a graduate education program. The master’s or PhD program must be for music education. To be eligible, teachers must hold valid education certification. At least one year of full-time classroom experience is also required. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 and write a 1,000-word essay titled “The Qualities of an Excellent Music Teacher.”

Contact

Nadeen Burkeholder Williams Music Scholarship
P.O. Box 7888
Bloomington, IN 47407
(812) 339-1156
pltscholarships@pdkintl.org
Scholarship Link

14. NAEd Spencer Dissertation Fellowships

Deadline: October 1st

Each year, the National Academy of Education (NAEd) awards 35 Spencer Dissertation Fellowships. These fellowships award $27,500 each to extraordinary scholars. The awards go to researchers studying the history, theory, analysis, or practice of formal education. Eligible recipients must have completed all pre-dissertation requirements. They must attend a graduate school in the United States. They must submit a research proposal and be supported by two reference letters. Finally, their goal must be to have a career in education research.

Contact

NAEd Spencer Dissertation Fellowships
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 334-2341
info@naeducation.org
Scholarship Link

15. PDK Past Presidents’ Graduate Fellowship

Deadline: June 1st

The PDK Past Presidents’ Graduate Fellowship is open to active Phi Delta Kappa members. They must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program leading to a master’s, PhD, or EdD degree in education. Applicants must submit an online application with graduate transcripts. A one-paragraph summary of their PDK involvement is also required. Applicants will need two recommendations. Applicants must write a 1,000-word paper highlighting their professional goals in education.

Contact

PDK Past Presidents’ Graduate Fellowship
1525 Wilson Blvd. Suite 705
Arlington, VA 22209
(800) 766-1156
memberservices@pdkintl.org
Scholarship Link

16. Pi Lambda Theta Graduate Student Scholar Award

Deadline: April 1st

Since 1993, the Pi Lambda Theta Graduate Student Scholar Award is offered every year. The $1,000 award is offered to members and non-members alike. They must be pursuing a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree in education. Eligible nominees must have completed at least 12 graduate credits of their program. They must also maintain GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students must display potential for leadership and attend a U.S. college. They are looking for those who have made significant contributions to local or national education efforts.

Contact

Pi Lambda Theta Graduate Student Scholar Award
P.O. Box 7888
Bloomington, IN 47407
(812) 339-1156
pltscholarships@pdkintl.org
Scholarship Link

17. Richard M. Weaver Fellowship Program

Deadline: January 23rd

The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) hosts the Richard M. Weaver Fellowship Program. This annual program provides 15 awards for $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000 to U.S. citizens who are enrolled in a doctoral program. Students must be enrolled full-time and plan to teach at the university level. Applicants must be a current ISI member. Applicants must submit a five-page autobiography and 10-page writing sample. The program also requires:

a headshot
transcript
CV,
three letters of recommendation.

Contact

Richard M. Weaver Fellowship Program
3901 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
(800) 526-7022
programs@isi.org
Scholarship Link

18. Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study

Deadline: November 1st

The Ruth Crymes TESOL fellowship gives students $1,500 to help pay for their degree. The fellowship is for members of the TESOL International Association. Members must be enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral ELL interventions program. The award is specifically to help with ELL related research. Applications must include a 1,250-word project proposal. Students must also submit a letter of recommendation and brief personal statement.

Contact

Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study
1925 Ballenger Avenue Suite 550
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-0774
awards@tesol.org
Scholarship Link

19. STEM Teachers for America’s Future Scholarship

Deadline: April 22nd

The AFCEA Educational Foundation awards the STEM Teachers for America’s Future Scholarship. $2,500 to $5,000 are awarded each year. Eligible students must be pursuing a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree for teaching STEM subjects in K-12 schools. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and attend an accredited college on-campus. Students must take at least two classes per semester and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.

Contact

STEM Teachers for America’s Future Scholarship
4400 Fair Lakes Court
Fairfax, VA 22033
(800) 336-4583
edfoundation@afcea.org
Scholarship Link

20. Women in Geographic Education Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

The Women in Geographic Education Scholarship is offered by the NCGE. The $1,000 award goes to women who are pursuing a master’s or PhD degree in geography education. Recipients must intend to teach at the secondary or higher education level. Qualified recipients must attend an accredited U.S. college. They must have completed at least nine graduate credits in geography and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5. The applicants will also submit two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Women in Geographic Education Scholarship
1101 14th Street Suite 350
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 216-0942
awards@ncge.org
Scholarship Link

What are some other sources of funding for my doctoral degree?

The federal government is your best bet. This article focuses on third party scholarships for people earning their doctoral degree. This is because federal student aid for doctoral degrees is pretty scarce. Federal student aid for those earning doctoral degrees is often awarded for specific research. Your doctoral program may have a list of the kinds of funding available, so that would be a great place to check.

Financial assistance at this level often comes through research grants. This is a primary source of government funding at this level. Research assistantships are also sometimes available through your school of education. These can help provide for your living expenses if your doctorate degree is not research focused. We would advise you to check with your school of education for research grants and other forms of financial support.

Financial aid is harder to come by the higher you go in academia. One of the best ways to pay for your doctorate degree is to apply to teach at the school you plan to attend. If you have your master’s degree in education, this is a great option. Often you get discounted or free tuition for pursuing your doctorate if you teach in the same school of education. It is, after all, possible to teach undergraduate students if you have a master’s degree. With financial aid being tough to come by, this is likely your best option.

Any advice on choosing a school?

There are many things to consider when choosing a school to earn your education degree. Financial aid, living expenses, and more should be considered when choosing a doctorate degree. Location is also a factor. It’s no secret teachers don’t make a lot of money. It might be better to aim for a college in an area with lower cost of living. Paying for graduate degrees out of pocket or through loans can be brutal.

Since financial aid is hard to come by, you may end up having to take a job teaching in higher education for the discount. It can also be difficult for international students with all the visa struggles involved. So working as a professor can pull double duty in that regard. If you want to do research, make sure the school’s research areas align with yours. Ask directly about what research grants might be available to you. Make sure you are confident in your school’s intention to help when it comes to financial support.

Is it best to get my doctorate in the same subject as my master’s or should I pick a different subject?

Generally speaking this doesn’t matter so much. It mostly depends on what your aims are. If you want to work in curriculum research or educational research, then curriculum design is a good choice. If you want to become a principle or college administrator, educational leadership is a good choice. In education your graduate degrees don’t really affect which doctoral programs are open to you.

You should be able to gain sufficient financial assistance as long as you use the strategies talked about earlier. So, you won’t hurt yourself by choosing a different area of study from your master’s degree. However, you may be able to cut out some coursework if you do select a doctorate in the same subject.

So really the question is, do you want to pivot to a different area of education, or dive deeper into your area of expertise?

Is student health insurance available to doctoral students?

Student health insurance coverage is available to graduate students. What insurance coverage you have access to may differ depending on your status. Graduate students who work as teaching assistants or professors are employees. So they would likely qualify for employee insurance. Those who are students only are usually provided student health insurance coverage. However, this may only be the case if the school requires students to have it. You should check with your school to be sure.

Conclusion

There’s one thing that most doctoral candidates have in common whether they’re studying:

curriculum design
business education
literacy
school administration
TESOL

Dedicating four or more years to PhD or EdD study without a full-time teaching salary is financially draining. Taking on graduate assistantships can help afford tuition while fine-tuning your teaching skills in the college classroom. Scholarships and fellowships will also provide free gift aid to minimize your student loan debt. Let your teacher leadership career grow by funding your degree with these great doctoral scholarships in education.

GCD Staff

Related to top scholarships for doctorate in education:

This concludes our listing of the best scholarships for doctorate in education.

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