Scholarships and Grants

The College of Social Science administers several scholarships for undergraduate students through the generous support of alumni and friends of the College. Below is a list of scholarships offered through the College. Be sure to check with your major for additional scholarship opportunities.

College of Social Science Distinguished Scholarships (up to 7 at $1,000 each)
Recognizes distinguished, well-rounded undergraduate achievement in academic work and career preparation. Must be junior majors in the College of Social Science. Application (.pdf document, opens in new window)

Ernest G. and Phyllis C. Green MSU Black Alumni Scholarships (up to 2 at $1,000 each)
Benefits talented students who will enhance program diversity and reinforce the record of commitment by the College of Social Science for educating students who are representative of our larger society. Must be freshmen, sophomore, or junior with a primary major in the College of Social Science. Application (.pdf document, opens in new window)

Charles Hayden Kelly Scholarships (up to 2 at $1,000 each)
Benefits worthy and capable students in the College of Social Science who have unusual financial need but may not normally be qualified for financial aid. Preference is given to students from single parent households who, without this award, would have difficulty attending MSU. Must be freshmen, sophomore, or junior majors in the College of Social Science. Application (.pdf document, opens in new window)

Social Science Alumni Study Abroad Scholarships (number and amount awarded varies)
Benefits students participating in study abroad programs. Recipients shall be selected based upon academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and financial need. Preference will be given to students wishing to study in Africa, China, India, or other Southeast Asian regions. Application (.doc document, opens in new window).

College of Social Science Study Abroad Grants (number and amount awarded varies)
Benefits students who will be participating in a study abroad experience for the first time.  Recipients must be a College of Social Science major and/or participating in a study abroad program sponsored or co-sponsored by the College of Social Science. Application (.doc document, opens in new window).

M. Peter McPherson Study Abroad Fund (number and amount awarded varies)
Benefits economically-disadvantaged students with legitimate financial needs, to include students who may not otherwise qualify for financial aid but nevertheless need assistance to afford participation in Study Abroad fieldwork. Encourages recipients to participate in a more challenging Study Abroad experience they might not otherwise be able to afford. Application (.doc document, opens in new window).

Richard B. Gerisch Scholarship
Benefits benefit worthy and capable students in the College of Social Science majoring in either Public Administration in the Department of Political Science or in Public Policy Studies of Interdisciplinary Studies. Must be preparing for careers in public policy or public administration in government, non-profit sector, public interest association, or private sector organizations that deal with the interrelationship between private enterprise and public policy. Must show evidence of intellectual maturity and a well-rounded undergraduate education. Application (.pdf document, opens in new window).

Peary and Linda Pearson Scholarship for Working Students (one award for $4,000)
This award is intended to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals the motivation to achieve these goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.  This award will provide financial assistance to deserving students who are employed and working to put themselves through Michigan State University in the College of Social Science. The student must meet ALL of the criteria listed below to be eligible for this scholarship. Must be a College of Social Science junior in the spring semester of award year who will be seniors in the college the following fall semester. Must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Must hold a paying job on MSU’s campus and be working throughout the year to support their educational goals. Must submit a recent pay stub to validate their employment status.   Preference will be given to students working 20+ hours per week. Application (.pdf document, opens in new window).

National/International Fellowships and Scholarships
Competitive scholarships from outside national and international organizations for students seeking funding for graduate and undergraduate studies in the U.S. and abroad.