Scholarships for human resources degrees are numerous. They help prevent budding HR specialists from being bogged down with high tuition costs. At the bachelor’s and master’s level, human resources programs prepare students for helping organizations maximize their employees’ talents and productivity.
Human resources majors are trained to handle staffing issues from recruitment to payroll and employee benefits for a satisfied workforce. Having an HR degree opens doors for:
- labor relations directors
- compensation managers
- training specialists
- position classifiers
- head hunters
- employee education consultants, and more
Some graduates excel as Chief Human Resource Officers (CHRO) with a median annual salary of $239,248! Master the strategies for linking employees with management by applying for these 20 great human resources scholarships.
1. Allen E. Grotke Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 28th
The Allen E. Grotke Scholarship Fund is sponsored by the Johnson County Employee Relations Resources Association. It provides $1,000 awards to current or past graduates from the county’s high schools who are pursuing degrees in:
- business
- human resources
- law
Tennessee residents must:
- be enrolling full-time at an accredited U.S. college
- maintain a cumulative GPA above 2.0
- submit two non-family letters of recommendation
- write an essay discussing why they’ve chosen employee relations fields.
Contact
Allen E. Grotke Scholarship Fund
398 South Main Street
P.O. Box 217
Franklin, IN 46131
(317) 738-2213
frontdesk@jccf.org
Scholarship Link
2. Anthony C. Russo Scholarship
Deadline: September 30th
The Anthony C. Russo Scholarship is valued at $3,000. It’s awarded yearly by the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association to support students seeking master’s degrees in:
- human resources
- labor relations
- industrial psychology
- political science
- public administration
Eligible candidates must:
- be U.S. citizens
- attend accredited graduate schools
- have government work experience
- display strong interest in the public sector
Another $1,500 is available for NPELRA members to attend the Annual Training Conference.
Contact
Anthony C. Russo Scholarship
1012 S. Coast Highway Suite M
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 433-1686
foundation@npelra.org
Scholarship Link
3. Excellence in Human Resources Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
The Management Association’s Centennial Endowment Fund offers an Excellence in Human Resources Scholarship for $1,000 annually. It’s for undergraduates pursuing HR degrees in:
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin.
Qualified recipients must:
- be enrolling full-time this fall
- have rising junior or senior standing
- attend an accredited four-year business school
- exhibit leadership potential
Applications must include:
- an employment history
- letter of reference
- 300-word typed essay on human resources contributions.
Contact
Excellence in Human Resources Scholarship
9805 45th Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55442
(800) 488-4845
hrscholarship@mranet.org
Scholarship Link
4. Fred Foulkes Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 19th
The Northeast Human Resources Association offers the Fred Foulkes Scholarship Award. The annual award is for $5,000. It goes to three full-time graduate students who are attending accredited New England colleges in:
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Connecticut
They must maintain academic excellence. These scholarships for human resources degrees require:
- submitting an online application
- current resume
- transcript copy
- 750-word HR career goals essay
- two recommendation letters.
Contact
Fred Foulkes Scholarship Award
490 Virginia Road, Suite 32
Concord, MA 01742
(781) 235-2900
adenhard@nehra.com
Scholarship Link
5. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Scholarships
Deadline: May 20th
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education offers five Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Scholarships for $1,000 per year. They go to students pursuing degrees in:
- hospitality
- human resources
- marketing
- information technology
- other business fields
To qualify, candidates must:
- be enrolled full-time at one of the system’s 14 universities
- reside in Pennsylvania
- maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- have passed 60+ college credits
- show genuine commitment to the hospitality industry.
Contact
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Scholarships
2986 North 2nd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 720-4000
eshowers@thepafoundation.org
Scholarship Link
6. HR Payroll Systems Student Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
As a leading HRIS website, HR Payroll Systems funds one $1,000 Student Scholarship annually. It’s to financially help college students earning bachelor’s or master’s degrees in:
- human resources
- business
- labor relations
- organizational development
Interested applicants must:
- be currently enrolled at an accredited United States college
- have completed at least one HR course
- carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
- demonstrate a passion for human resources
- attach at least one faculty recommendation.
Contact
HR Payroll Systems Student Scholarship
225 East Robinson Street
Orlando, FL 32801
(866) 574-4968
Scholarship Link
7. Human Resource Leadership Awards
Deadline: March 13th
The Human Resource Leadership Awards of Greater Washington provide four $3,000 scholarships for human resources degrees annually. Eligible are undergraduates or graduate students attending accredited institutions in:
- Virginia
- Maryland
- the District of Columbia
Eligible HR majors must:
- maintain a minimum B average
- have active SHRM membership
- intend to pursue professional certification
- have not already won
Selected scholars are invited to attend the VIP Awards Reception.
Contact
Human Resource Leadership Awards
2807 North Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 284-5916
info@hrleadership.org
Scholarship Link
8. IPMA-HR Graduate Study Fellowships
Deadline: June 6th
Offering $2,000, the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) administers two Graduate Study Fellowships. They’re for outstanding students pursuing master’s degrees in:
- human resources
- business administration
- public administration
- law
- related fields
Qualified applicants must:
- have at least two years of HR experience
- already hold a four-year bachelor’s
- have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- demonstrate management potential
- have IPMA-HR membership
- be committed to the public sector.
Contact
IPMA-HR Graduate Study Fellowships
1617 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 549-7100
dtankersely@ipma-hr.org
Scholarship Link
9. J.C. Cote Human Resources Scholarship
Deadline: March 21st
The Arkansas SHRM State Council presents the J.C. Cote Human Resources Scholarship. This annual $1,000 award is for juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have declared a major or business concentration in human resource management. Eligibility criteria mandates:
- attending an accredited four-year college in Arkansas
- having completed at least six HR credits
- achieving a cumulative GPA above 3.0
- being actively involved in an SHRM Student Chapter.
The selection process includes a panel interview.
Contact
J.C. Cote Human Resources Scholarship
P.O. Box 7801
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
(870) 230-5377
scholarship@ARSHRM.com
Scholarship Link
10. Jim Roberts Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 30th
The Jim Roberts Scholarship Fund is named for the retired Executive Director. It was established by the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut (HRACC) to award $1,000 to full-time sophomores, juniors, and seniors. They must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Selection is based upon candidates’:
- academic record
- financial need
- sponsorship from an HRACC member
- volunteer service
- interview quality
- genuine interest in human resources careers.
Contact
Jim Roberts Scholarship Fund
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06053
(860) 827-5789
programs@hracc.org
Scholarship Link
11. Karl B. Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 5th
In honor of the Southern Methodist grad who served 20 years as HR Director of the Texas Water Commission, the Austin Human Resource Management Association awards the Karl B. Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 to $2,000 annually. Eligible full-time and part-time students must reside in Central Texas, major in human resources or related fields, have active SHRM membership, achieve an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, and demonstrate leadership skills.
Contact
Karl B. Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship
7000 Mopac Expressway, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78731
(800) 561-2096
AHRMA@austinhumanresource.org
Scholarship Link
12. Larry Burk Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: November 1st
As the world’s largest HR association, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers several scholarships for human resources degrees. They include the $2,500 Larry Burk Undergraduate Scholarship. Qualified student members must:
- be pursuing a bachelor’s degree concentrated in HR
- attend an accredited U.S. university with an SHRM chapter
- have passed at least one human resources course
- have unmet financial need
- carry a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Contact
Larry Burk Undergraduate Scholarship
1800 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 535-6020
elissa.soares@shrm.org
Scholarship Link
13. Michael R. Losey Scholarship
Deadline: October 23rd
The Greater Valley Forge Human Resources Association sponsors the Michael R. Losey Scholarship. The award is $2,000 for undergraduates and $3,500 for graduate students who are majoring in:
- human resources
- organizational management
- industrial relations
Applicants must:
attend an accredited college in the Philadelphia area
have completed at least one HR course
have one or more semesters remaining
have internship experience
write a one-page essay about rising HR trends.
Contact
Michael R. Losey Scholarship
2119 Country Line Road
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 551-4736
gvfhracollegerelations@yahoo.com
Scholarship Link
14. NAHR Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Deadline: November 1st
The National Academy of Human Resources Foundation’s Graduate Scholarships bestow $5,000 annually. They’re for full-time students enrolled in master’s programs in:
- human resources
- labor relations
- industrial/organizational psychology
- other personnel-related majors
Judges look for scholars:
- attending accredited U.S. institutions
- actively involved in SHRM activities
- maintaining a minimum 3.5 GPA
- having completed at least six graduate credits
- showing dedication to HR management careers.
Contact
NAHR Foundation Graduate Scholarships
5420 Challen Place
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 215-5053
info@nationalacademyhr.org
Scholarship Link
15. Oracle Corporate Scholars Program
Deadline: April 4th
Through the United Negro College Fund, the Oracle Corporate Scholars Program is hosted annually to award up to $10,000 for African American students majoring in select business disciplines. These include human resources and organizational leadership. To apply, candidates must:
- attend an accredited HBCU
- have U.S. citizenship
- attain at least sophomore status
- maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
- submit an impressive resume
Recipients are offered summer internships at Oracle headquarters.
Contact
Oracle Corporate Scholars Program
1805 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 810-0258
David.ray@uncf.org
Scholarship Link
16. Robert W. Denomy Leadership Award
Deadline: June 1st
The Robert W. Denomy Leadership Award is worth $1,000. It’s presented annually by the Northwest Human Resource Management Association. It’s for dues-paying SHRM members who are attending accredited colleges in:
- Washington
- Oregon
- Alaska
- Idaho
Award qualifications require:
- being enrolled in undergraduate HR programs
- having good academic standing
- serving in a local student SHRM chapter
- exhibiting leadership ability
- submitting two letters of recommendation.
Contact
Robert W. Denomy Leadership Award
P.O. Box 13515
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 244-4294 ext. 203
awards@nhrma.org
Scholarship Link
17. Roger P. Lette Student Scholarship
Deadline: November 30th
The Roger P. Lette Student Scholarship was created by the North Texas SHRM. It awards $1,000 annually. Eligible are undergraduates attending an accredited four-year business school in the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with a human resources major or concentration. Recipients are chosen based on their:
- academic merit
- SHRM chapter involvement
- volunteer work
- financial need
- two letters of recommendation
- essay writing skills
- commitment to HR
There’s also a $500 SHRM-CP Certification Scholarship available.
Contact
Roger P. Lette Student Scholarship
PO Box 571358
Dallas, TX 75357
ntshrmboard@gmail.com
Scholarship Link
18. Susan R. Meisinger Graduate Fellowship
Deadline: August 15th
The Susan R. Meisinger Graduate Fellowship is a renewable, $10,000 award. It’s gifted by the Society for Human Resource Management to first-time master’s students, including MBAs, attending accredited U.S. graduate schools for human resources. Successful applicants will:
- be active SHRM members
- hold HR certification
- have at least five years of industry experience
- achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA
- exhibit the business acumen for contributing to the human resources profession.
Contact
Susan R. Meisinger Graduate Fellowship
1800 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 535-6020
elissa.soares@shrm.org
Scholarship Link
19. Walter Vaughn Human Resources Scholarship
Deadline: March 14th
The Walter Vaughn Human Resources Scholarship is administered by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. It distributes $2,500 to African American undergrad or graduate students working full-time towards a degree in:
- human resources
- public administration
- similar degree
Eligible recipients must:
- have at least one semester remaining
- attend a regionally accredited U.S. university
- maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
- display excellent leadership abilities
- be actively involved in extra-curricular services.
Contact
Walter Vaughn Human Resources Scholarship
777 N. Capitol Street NE, Suite 550
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-9300 ext. 114
mconner@nfbpa.org
Scholarship Link
20. Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
The American Indian Graduate Centers offers a few scholarships for human resources degrees, such as the $2,500 Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship. Eligible are enrolled members of U.S. federally recognized tribes. They must be a pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in:
- banking
- finance
- accounting
- human resources
- information technology.
Applicants must:
- have at least one-quarter Indian blood
- attend an accredited college full-time
- demonstrate significant financial need
- carry a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Contact
Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship
3701 San Mateo NE #200
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 881-4584
web@aigcs.org
Scholarship Link
Investing in a college degree doesn’t guarantee gainful employment or a steady paycheck. But those who select a human resources degree can rest assured that the field is ripe with job opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resource management will keep growing faster-than-average by 9 percent through 2024. That’s approximately 10,800 new jobs to be filled with skilled personnel administrators for managing corporate human capital. Winning some of these great scholarships for human resources degrees can go a long way towards affording your advancement into this business specialty.
Recommended Resource: 10 Best Deals on Online MBA and Online Master’s in Human Resources Management Degrees