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The Graduate School of Education and Human Development

 

Funding Your Graduate Education

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Tuition and Fees

You can find current tuition and fees for your program on GW’s Graduate Tuition Page. Make sure to select the Graduate School of Education and Human Development. Tuition is charged per credit. Your tuition rate per credit will be the amount listed on the first line unless otherwise noted.

If you have questions about our tuition and fees, please contact our admission office by email at education@gwu.edu or by phone at 202-994-9283.

New Student Scholarships

Merit Scholarships for New Students

GSEHD seeks to attract the best and brightest students, and we hope you’ll be able to make GSEHD your academic home. Merit is determined based on a holistic application review.

Awarding Process and Timeline

  • New students must have submitted and fully completed their application for admission in order to be considered for funding.
  • Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Am I Eligible for a Merit Scholarship?

  • Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate, and Education Specialist candidates are not eligible to receive GSEHD merit scholarships.
  • George Washington University employees receiving employee tuition benefits are ineligible for merit scholarships.
  • Awardees must not have outstanding financial obligations to the University.
  • Awardees must be registered for the minimum required number of on-campus credit hours per semester as outlined in the scholarship award letter they receive.
MSI Scholarship

Minority Serving Institution Scholarship

Students who graduated from a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) are eligible to be considered for GSEHD’s MSI Scholarship. A limited number of MSI Scholarships provide a tuition discount of 20%. It is possible to be awarded additional scholarship based on the strength of the application.

To be considered, indicate in your application for admission that you graduated from a MSI and that you are interested in receiving funding.

Master’s and Doctoral candidates are eligible for consideration. George Washington University employees receiving employee tuition benefits are ineligible for merit scholarships. Awardees must not have outstanding financial obligations to the University. Awardees must be registered for the minimum required number of on-campus credit hours per semester as outlined in the scholarship award letter they receive. Part-time study is considered at least 4.5 credits. Full-time study is considered at least 9 credits. All applicants from an approved MSI are eligible regardless of race, ethnicity, or national origin.

Ronald McNair Grad Fellowships

The Ronald E. McNair Graduate Fellowship is only available for students who were McNair Scholars as undergraduates at other universities, and are accepted for graduate study at GW in CCAS, ESIA, GSEHD, GWSB and SEAS. Students in GWSPH, SMHS, and Law are not eligible. Online degree programs and executive programs are also not eligible. Students should hold a minimum 3.0 GPA.
 
Candidates are prospective first time doctoral students. Current master’s students who were McNair Scholars and were not previous GW McNair Award recipients will also be considered. Master’s nominees should have demonstrated plans to continue in a doctoral program after completion of their master’s degree.

Expected Awards for the Academic Year

  • Doctoral awards: Inclusive of up to 18 credits in tuition and a $25,000 stipend for full-time study. Awards are renewable for up to two years (for a total of three years ). These awards do not cover summer sessions. Doctoral McNair Fellowships should be supplemented with School/College graduate assistantships (GA or GRA) for two additional years (beyond the three year McNair award).
  • Master’s awards: Inclusive of up to 20 credits in tuition for full-time study. These awards do not cover summer sessions and are non-renewable.

Application Process

Candidates must be nominated by the school/college via email to elavelle@gwu.edu with:

  • A ranked list of up to 3 applicants (doctoral and/or master’s)
  • Student’s Application for Admission
  • Nomination letter from the chair of department or director of the program (or designee) supporting applicants preparation for success in graduate study and specifies that
    doctoral nominees will receive two additional years of support (assistantship/fellowship)
  • master’s applicants plan of study and/or expressed intent demonstrates expectation to pursue a doctoral program
Continuing Student Scholarships

Fall and Spring Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships are awarded to a competitive pool of continuing students on the criteria of academic merit, contributions to the GSEHD community, and input from a committee of reviewers, including program faculty members. Whether or not you received an award in previous years has no bearing on your eligibility for future awards. GSEHD merit scholarships are limited and are typically one-year, nonrenewable, partial tuition scholarships.

Am I Eligible for a Merit Scholarship?

  • Students who received a multi-year award upon admission that includes the upcoming academic year are not eligible to receive additional GSEHD merit scholarships.
  • Students enrolled in online and off-campus programs are not eligible to receive GSEHD merit scholarships.
  • Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate, and Education Specialist candidates are not eligible to receive GSEHD merit scholarships.
  • Awardees must not have outstanding financial obligations to the University.
  • George Washington University employees receiving employee tuition benefits are ineligible for merit scholarships.

Awarding Process and Timeline

  • Merit scholarship applications will become available mid-December for the upcoming year. Please note that these applications require Fall grades.

  • The deadline for merit scholarship applications is March 1.

  • Awards decisions will be announced beginning in May.

  • Please note that the application for endowment awards is separate from this process. More information is available under the GSEHD Endowment Awards tab.

Conditions of Merit Scholarships

  • Awardees must be registered for the minimum required number of on-campus credit hours per semester as outlined in the award letter they receive. Part-time study is considered at least 6 credits. Full-time study is considered at least 9 credits.
  • Awards are given for the Fall and Spring semesters. That cannot be used in one semester only or extend into any additional semesters. Continuing students should only apply if they plan to be enrolled in at least 6 credits for both semesters of the following academic year.
  • Awardees must maintain a good academic standing.
  • Merit scholarships cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
  • Once an applicant accepts an award, they must meet and maintain the conditions specified in the award letter. If any of these conditions are not met, the award will not be posted to the Student Account or may be revoked.

Summer Scholarships

Am I eligible for Summer Scholarships?

  • Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate, and Education Specialist candidates are not eligible to receive GSEHD merit scholarships.
  • Awardees must not have outstanding financial obligations to the University.
  • George Washington University employees receiving employee tuition benefits are not eligible for merit scholarships.

Awarding Process and Timeline

  • The Deadline for Summer Applications is February 15.
  • Awards decisions will be announced beginning in mid-March.

Conditions of Summer Merit Scholarships

  • Awardees must maintain good academic standing.
  • Merit scholarships cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
  • Once an applicant accepts an award, they must meet and maintain the conditions specified in the award letter. If any of these conditions are not met, the award will not be posted to the Student Account or may be revoked.
GSEHD Endowment Awards

Endowment awards allow the best students to attend GW regardless of financial situation and bring students the freedom to pursue the career of their choice after graduation. Though GSEHD endowments are competitive, students from all backgrounds and from around the globe may receive scholarships. Many return the favor, building a legacy of support that spans generations. Awardees are encouraged to meet or write a letter to their donor. New and continuing students may apply for up to three (3) endowment funds each academic year. A list of available endowments is below. Some endowments are available to all GSEHD students, while others are awarded to students in specific fields of study. DEADLINE: The deadline for students applying for Fall/Spring endowment awards is February 1. Students must submit a separate application for each endowment they wish to apply for (up to three). Late applications will not be considered. Please review all qualifications and conditions below to determine whether or not you are eligible to apply for GSEHD endowment awards in the future.

  • Endowments relevance to student's experience;
  • Articulation of need, which can describe any hardships faced;
  • Student's professional commitments and interests reflecting maturity and self-awareness; and
  • Potential contributions to the chosen field of study.

Am I Eligible for an Endowment?

  • Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate, and Education Specialist candidates are not eligible to receive GSEHD endowment awards.
  • George Washington University employees receiving employee tuition benefits are ineligible for endowments awards.

Conditions of the Award

  • Once an applicant accepts an award, s/he must meet and maintain the conditions specified in the award letter. If any of these conditions are not met, the award will not be posted to the Student Account or may be revoked.
  • Awards are given for the Fall and Spring semesters. That cannot be used in one semester only or extend into any additional semesters. Continuing students should only apply if they plan to be enrolled in at least 6 credits for both semesters of the following academic year.
  • Awardees must be registered for the minimum required number of on-campus credit hours per semester as outlined in the award letter they receive.
  • Awardees must maintain a good academic standing.
  • Endowment awards cannot exceed the cost of tuition.

General Endowments

The Griffith Family Scholarship Fund was created in August 2000 by a gift from the estate of Lera Evelyn Griffith, A.B.1952, M.A. 1955, elementary teacher and school principal, and by gifts from Griffith family descendants and their families to honor the family members who were GW alumni. Interest from the Griffith Family Endowment will provide need-based support for students planning a career in education. Eligible Programs of Study: Any

The Mary-Margaret Cashell Kellogg Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by Mrs. Kellogg to provide tuition assistance for a Graduate School of Education and Human Development degree candidate with financial need. Her father and nephew both received GW medical science degrees, and she earned an M.A. in education in 1955. A private school teacher and dean of students at Dickinson College, she serves on Simon's Rock College (MS) Board of Overseers. Eligible Programs of Study: Any 

The Mildred Green Scholarship Fund was created in 1959 by a gift from the GW Chapter of Pi Lambda Theta, a professional education sorority, to honor Ms. Green, the Chapter's founder and first president. She created the national school-crossing guard program which is credited with saving the lives of countless school children. This fund is used to recognize an educator with great potential. Eligible Programs of Study: Any

The National Council for Education and Human Development Endowed Scholarship Fund: available to any Graduate School of Education and Human Development student. Eligible Programs of Study: Any 

The Ruth Ann Parker Wells Scholarship (Wells 1) was established by a gift from Mrs. Wells in 1996. She and her mother both graduated from The Graduate School of Education and Human Development. Her mother taught business courses at Hine Junior High School and she worked for the Electric Institute of Washington, demonstrating the use of electric equipment, which helped revolutionize the way housework was done. Eligible Programs of Study: Any

The Ruth Anne Parker and David Leonard Wells Scholarship (Wells 2) available to any Graduate School of Education and Human Development student. Eligible Programs of Study: Any

The Vincent De Angelis Scholarship Fund was created in 1983 by a gift from Eleanor V. De Angelis in memory of her husband, Vincent J. De Angelis, an outstanding athlete, GW administrator and faculty member, mentor of students and Department Chair in Physical Education. Eleanor De Angelis has taken many leadership roles in Columbian Women and at the University. Through lifetime contributions to GW, the De Angelis's typify those special members of the GW community whose lives continue to benefit students and enhance the School and the University. This fund is used for GSEHD full-time or part-time master's or doctoral students. Preference is given to those students who have earned an undergraduate degree in Physical Education. Eligible Programs of Study: Any - with special consideration for applicants with previous study or experience in the Physical Education field.

Program-Specific Endowments

The Angeline E. Anderson Scholarship Fund was established in 1990 by a gift from Angeline E. Anderson, B.A.1941, M.A.1944, to assist outstanding future classroom teachers. Ms. Anderson, the recipient of a scholarship to attend GW, enjoyed a career that included university and secondary school teaching and counseling. The scholarship in her name perpetuates her devotion to assisting students who can improve the quality of classroom teaching. The Fund is used to support full-time or part-time students in financial need who plan teaching careers in U.S. schools. Eligible Programs of Study: School Counseling, Secondary Education or Special Education

The Corey Hansen Scholarship Endowment was established in 2000 by Walter Hansen and Marilyn Jackson. The Fund is a memorial to Mr. Hansen's son, Dr. Corey James Hansen, a School alumnus and GW secondary education faculty member and program director. This fund is used to support secondary education students who exemplify Dr. Hansen's values and dedication to the field of teaching and administration. Eligible Programs of Study: Secondary Education

The Dr. Dorothy A. Moore Graduate Scholarship Endowment for International Education was established in 2002. The income from this fund awards scholarships to GSEHD students pursuing degrees in international education. The award is merit based. Eligible Programs of Study: International Education

The Eaves-Carden Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 with gifts from the estate of Ruth Anderson Eaves and from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wendell Eaves, Jr. The Fund honors the memory of family members who attended GW: Robert Wendell Eaves, M.A.1933, Ed.D.1940, Ruth Anderson Eaves, Samuel Poe Carden, B.A.1918, M.A.1929, and Mary Stuart Anderson Carden, B.A.E.1935, M.A.E.1945. This distinguished family of educators leaves a lasting legacy by supporting outstanding students entering elementary school administration. The Fund helps support a student pursuing a graduate degree with an elementary school administration emphasis. Eligible Programs of Study: Elementary Education

The James Harold Fox Scholarship Fund was created in 1984 by a gift from Angeline E. Anderson in honor of James Harold Fox, Dean of the School of Education from 1938 to 1963. Ms. Anderson and Dr. Fox were dedicated to improving the quality of the classroom experience. The Fund is to be used for scholarships for full or part-time educators planning careers in public or private school teaching. Students with disabilities and financial need are given preference. Eligible Programs of Study: Elementary Education, Secondary Education or Special Education

The Mary H. Futrell Scholarship Fund, honors Dr. Futrell, M.A.1968, Ed.D.1992, for her service in a precedent-setting six-year term as President of the National Education Association (NEA). The Fund recognizes her many contributions to human rights and public service. Colleagues and NEA chapters across the nation contributed to the Fund. This scholarship is for full- or part-time students with modest resources pursuing or continuing careers as classroom teachers or counselors. Eligible Programs of Study: Classroom instructors and counselors

The Vest Family Fellowship Fund, created in 1996 by a gift from Edward N. Vest, B.A.1959, M.A.1965, and Ed.D.1972, distinguished educator and school administrator, to honor his parents, Edward Harrison and Mildred Grimes Vest, and his wife Lucia Johnson Vest and himself, provides tuition scholarships for educators preparing for, or engaged in, a career in administration, teaching, or counseling in public schools. Eligible Programs of Study: Higher Education Administration, Education Policy Studies, Curriculum & Instruction, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or School Counseling

Graduate/Research Assistantships

The George Washington University has two graduate assistantship (GA) options, which are: graduate assistantships (GAs) and graduate research assistantships.

GA and GRA positions vary in terms of payment and duties. Academic departments within the schools and colleges make appointments for these positions. These positions are limited, highly competitive and not available in all departments. Interested candidates will want to indicate their interest in a GA position on their admissions application, if applicable. Students can also contact the department’s graduate advisor, whose e-mail is normally easily available on your program’s website, for further detail regarding if teaching assistantships are available for that department. New GSEHD doctoral candidates are automatically considered for available GSEHD Graduate Assistantships and will be contacted directly if the faculty see alignment of research interests and skills.

GW Awards

Alexandria Partnership Fellowship- Intended for students taking courses at the Alexandria Graduate Education Center who are citizens of or working or interning full- or part-time in the City of Alexandria. Click here for more for information.

AmeriCorps Matching Award- For incoming students who are recipients of an Americorp Award. Click here to download the form. Forms must be emailed to gradfell@gwu.edu with a copy of the incoming student's Americorp award.

Global Leaders Fellowship- For incoming graduate students (master's and doctoral) who will return to their countries of origin to apply skills learned through their formal education at The George Washington University. Click here for more for information.

Grad2Grad- For talented graduating GW seniors who want to continue their studies at GW by providing a 10% reduction in tuition. Click here for more for information, including a list of eligible programs.

Marsh U.S. Consumer Liberty Mutual Group Graduate Scholarship- This scholarship will support one high achieving incoming GW Master's student. Not available every year. Click here for more for information.

McNair Fellowship- McNair applicants receive special consideration for merit-based fellowships from their academic departments.

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships- Provides "New Americans" (either naturalized citizens, children of naturalized citizens, or green card holders) with a maintenance grant of $20,000 and a half-tuition award for graduate study in the United States. Candidates should possess creativity, originality, and initiative; commitment to and capacity for accomplishment; and commitment to the values expressed in the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Click here for more for information.

Scottish Rite Fellowships- For graduate students affiliated with the Scottish Rite except law and M.D. students. Click here for more for information.

Walter Green Fellowships- For graduate students who intend a career in public service or government and will be working in a job or internship, paid or unpaid. Click here for more for information.

Grad2Grad

Current undergraduate students at the George Washington University (GW) may be eligible to participate in the Grad2Grad program to continue graduate study (master's and graduate certificate programs) at GW. Students eligible for Grad2Grad who are admitted to GSEHD will receive a 10% reduction in the cost of your tuition.  It is possible to receive additional funding from a GSEHD’s Merit Scholarship based on the strength of the application.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships at gradfell@gwu.edu or 202-994-6822.

GW Office of Student Financial Assistance

In order to apply for financial aid from GW, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is available at on the FAFSA website each year starting on October 1. Once a student has completed their online application, the data is transferred electronically to schools, based on the school code included on the application. Student’s planning on applying for financial assistance at GW should follow the steps outlined on How To Apply

GWU’s Office of Student Financial Assistance administers financial aid to our graduate students and should be your main point of contact for all questions related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and loan process.

GW Employment

The GW Jobs site, maintained by GW Human Resource Management and Development, provides information about full-time and regular part-time positions. The University offers faculty, staff, and research personnel in a benefit-eligible position (both full- and part-time) an outstanding benefit that covers a portion of tuition expenses. The tuition benefit is available to employees enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, as well as non-degree-seeking employees. Under the benefit, up to 90 percent of tuition and expenses are paid, with no repayment obligation, for eligible employees. Furthermore, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children also receive substantial remission coverage, which increases with tenure.

Graduate students employed full- or part-time on a research grant may use their tuition benefits immediately if they begin their employment before the first day of classes.
For additional information, please contact the GW Benefits Call Center.

Veterans Benefits

The George Washington University is committed to providing our student veterans, dependents, and military personnel with both student support services and student administrative services. The Office of Military and Veteran Student Services can assist and answer questions related to both Post 9/11 and Yellow Ribbon awards. GW will match Yellow Ribbon awards that are made.

Active duty military personnel may also use the Department of Defense (DOD) Tuition Assistance (TA) Program at GW. Students should confer with the education office of their service branch for information on TA procedures.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded work program that allows students who qualify to earn money while working at a pre-approved organization: GW departments, local nonprofits, government agencies, and community service employers. The university does not place students in specific jobs but assistance is available from the Center for Career Services. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for questions about Work-Study.

Loans and Loan Forgiveness

Loans

For information on the following loans, please contact GWU’s Office of Student Financial Assistance

Loan Forgiveness

External Scholarships


The list of external scholarships below is not a comprehensive list of all available scholarships, but it does include opportunities that have been vetted by our GSEHD staff and are available for graduate students. 
 

Open to All Students

Scholarships that do not require enrollment in a specific program or are exclusive to a specific demographic

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund
Program: Any Humanities or Social Sciences

Roothbert Fund
Program: Any, but Education Programs are Prioritized

Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship
Program: Any
 

Specific to Area of Study

Scholarships that indicate they are specific to a program/area of study (i.e., just for students in counseling)

National Association of Junior Auxilaries (NAJA) Scholarship Program
Program: SPED, CNSL

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors (Master's)
Program: CNSL (Master's)

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Minority Fellowship Program for Addictions Counselors
Program: CNSL (Master's)

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors (Doctoral)
Program: CNSL (PhD)

American Psychological Association Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program
Program: CNSL (Master's, PhD)

American Psychological Association Grants, Awards and Funding
Programs: CNSL

The Melanie Foundation Scholarship
Programs: Doctoral or Master’s in the Mental Health Field

BHD Endowed Scholarships for Teachers
Programs: EDUC, SPED

The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
Programs: Curriculum, SPED, Ed Leadership

James Madison Graduate Fellowships
Programs: Ed Leadership

 

Demographic or Identity-Specific

Scholarships that indicate they are specific to a particular demographic (women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA, first gen student, etc.) 

Margaret McNamara US-Canada Scholarship Program
Program: Any
Student Identities: Women

American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
Program: Any
Student Identities: Women who are Non-U.S. Citizens

American Association of University Women (AAUW) American Dissertation Fellowships
Program: Any
Student Identities: Women

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants
Program: Any Education
Student Identities: Women

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Scholar Award
Programs: Doctoral Level
Student Identities: Women

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Program for Continuing Education
Programs: Any
Student Identities: Women

American Psychological Foundation (APF) Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship
Programs: Any
Student Identities: Minority Graduate Student

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Program: Any
Student Identities: New American Status (see website for details), Under 30 years of age

Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship
Program: Any
Student Identities: LGBTQIA

Point Foundation LGBTQIA BIPOC Scholarship
Program: Any
Student Identities: Must be LGBTQIA and BIPOC

 

Research and Dissertation Grants and Scholarships

Scholarships that support graduate student research or conference involvement, especially dissertation research

Mellon/American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Dissertation Innovation Fellowships
Program: Any Doctoral

Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship
Program: Any PhD interested in teaching at a university level

American Educational Research Association (AERA) Dissertation Grant
Program: Any

American Educational Research Association (AERA) Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research
Program: Any
Student Identities: Historically Underrepresented in Higher Education

National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship Program
Program: Any 

GW Equity Institute - Learn more about grants for equity related research/projects.

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