Securing funding is the most significant step toward earning a Master’s degree in the USA, a goal shared by thousands of students each year. The cost of graduate education, including tuition, housing, and academic fees, often requires substantial financial planning. Fortunately, a diverse range of scholarships exists to help domestic and international students secure funding for their studies, making top American universities accessible. These awards come from universities, government programs, and private foundations, ensuring you have multiple paths to fund your education.
Graduate scholarships focus on attracting high-achieving individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic success, research potential, and strong leadership skills. Scholarship committees review application essays, academic documents, and recommendation letters to identify the most qualified candidates. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria established by the specific program, which often includes a minimum GPA, GRE scores, and relevant professional experience. Understanding these requirements is key to strengthening an application and successfully enrolling in a U.S. Master’s program.
This full guide highlights premium key scholarship opportunities in the USA, providing essential facts and an actionable structure for your application. We prioritize factual information, using triples to ensure clarity: Scholarships provide financial support. Each section below outlines the award’s scope, allowing you to directly determine your fit and begin the process to submit an application. You must investigate specific Master’s program requirements, if you are planning to apply for university-specific awards.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is a national organization that supports students at publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The scholarships provided by TMCF offer need-based and merit-based financial assistance for tuition and educational expenses. TMCF primarily focuses on supporting undergraduate students, but some of its specific programs fund graduate-level study at member schools. You must attend one of the 47 member schools, if you wish to receive this award.
- TMCF assists students at 47 public HBCUs.
- The fund offers corporate-sponsored opportunities.
- Awards often require a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Recipients must demonstrate financial need or high merit.
MTSU Scholarships
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers various scholarships to incoming and current graduate students across its six colleges. These awards help students fund their education in fields like Aviation, Media Arts, and Business. MTSU scholarships include Guaranteed Awards based on merit and departmental awards specific to a student’s program of study. International students also meet eligibility criteria, if they have strong academic records.
- MTSU awards are managed by the University College of Graduate Studies.
- Departmental scholarships require an additional application step.
- Guaranteed Awards are often automatically granted upon admission.
- The university provides both merit-based and service-based awards.
Apply for MTSU Scholarships (2026), and check the deadlines and guaranteed awards here.
American InterContinental University (AIU)
American InterContinental University (AIU) provides grants and scholarships to help students secure funding for their degrees, including Master’s programs. AIU scholarships often include institutional awards like the Alumni Grant or the Military Grant, reducing the overall cost of tuition. These grants directly reduce your tuition balance and do not require repayment, functioning as a vital component to fund your education. AIU offers programs in business, technology, and criminal justice.
- AIU provides specific grants for military personnel and veterans.
- The Alumni Grant is offered to students returning for a higher degree.
- Awards can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs.
- AIU offers Master’s programs in business and management.
Corporate & Foundation Scholarships for College Students
This category represents a broad range of scholarships provided by private companies and non-profit organizations. These awards allow graduate students to secure funding based on their chosen major, career goals, or specific demographic status. Corporate scholarships often seek to highlight achievements in fields relevant to the company’s mission, such as STEM, education, or business. Foundational awards may be more need-based, supporting students with financial hardship.
- Awards are sponsored by entities like Coca-Cola, Google, and The Gates Foundation.
- Eligibility often depends on your major, community service, or background.
- These funds supplement institutional aid and government loans.
- You must submit an application directly to the funding organization.
HEB Scholarship
The HEB Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Texas-based supermarket chain, provides financial assistance to students across Texas and Mexico. While primarily focused on high school and undergraduate students, the program often includes awards that can be applied to graduate-level tuition. These scholarships are highly competitive and are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership skills, and community involvement. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria that typically include residency in the HEB service area.
- The scholarship is sponsored by the HEB grocery company.
- It supports students from Texas and northern Mexico.
- Awards recognize academic merit, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
- Recipients must often be attending a Texas college or university.
Apply for the HEB Scholarship 2026-2027, and view the complete process here.
International Scholarships for College (Fully Funded)
These scholarships represent global opportunities that offer full financial coverage for educational expenses, including tuition, stipend, and travel. While not all are strictly based in the USA, many top-tier Master’s programs in the USA are funded through these fully-funded awards. Examples include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Chevening Scholarship, and the Commonwealth Scholarship. International students must secure a student visa, if they win one of these awards.
- These awards secure funding for the full cost of study.
- Programs include the Fulbright, Chevening, and Rhodes Scholarships.
- They often require a commitment to return to your home country.
- Applicants must craft a personal statement detailing their future plans.
George Mason University Scholarships
George Mason University (GMU) in Virginia offers a range of internal scholarships specifically for its graduate student population. These awards are managed by the Graduate Student Life office and individual academic departments. Scholarships help students fund their education through merit-based and research-based funding, often tied to Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) or Graduate Professional Assistantships (GPAs). You must be accepted into a GMU Master’s program, if you want to receive these funds.
- GMU provides departmental-specific funding for Master’s students.
- Awards help students secure funding for tuition and research.
- Assistantships often include a stipend and tuition waiver.
- Applicants must meet eligibility criteria set by their department.
Apply for George Mason University Scholarships, and check the deadlines and how to apply here.
Google Conference Scholarship
The Google Conference Scholarship provides financial support for students from diverse backgrounds to attend major computer science and technology conferences worldwide. The scholarship covers travel costs, lodging, and conference registration fees, helping students to highlight achievements and network with industry leaders. While the funds are used for a conference, this award strengthens an application for future Master’s and Ph.D. programs by building a professional network. Recipients must be currently enrolled in an academic program.
- The scholarship supports travel to industry-leading tech conferences.
- It covers the cost of registration, travel, and accommodation.
- The award focuses on increasing diversity in the tech industry.
- Recipients must be enrolled in a full-time degree program.
Apply for the Google Conference Scholarship, and view the complete process here.
Endowed Scholarships
Endowed scholarships are funds established by donors and benefactors and are typically permanent, continuing to award funds every year. These scholarships help Master’s students fund their education at nearly every major U.S. university. The specific criteria for endowed scholarships vary widely, often reflecting the donor’s interests, such as supporting students from a certain high school, a specific major, or those who demonstrate leadership. University financial aid offices manage the process for these permanent funds.
- These funds are permanent and self-sustaining through investments.
- Criteria reflect the donor’s specific interests and goals.
- They provide reliable, recurring financial aid for graduate students.
- Applicants must meet eligibility criteria established by the donor.
Apply for Endowed Scholarships 2026, and view the complete process here.
Cheerleading Scholarships
Cheerleading scholarships are a form of athletic award provided by U.S. colleges and universities to talented individuals who commit to participating in their school’s cheerleading or dance team. These awards help students secure funding for their Master’s degree, if the graduate student is eligible to compete on the team. Recipients must meet eligibility criteria set by the school’s athletic department and the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), including maintaining a minimum GPA. These scholarships are a great way to fund your education while continuing an athletic passion.
- Awards are provided for participation in a university athletic team.
- Recipients must maintain minimum academic standards.
- These are considered athletic financial aid packages.
- They are available at institutions with competitive cheer programs.
Apply for Cheerleading Scholarships 2026, and view the complete process here.
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is a state-funded program designed to help Arkansas residents fund their education at approved Arkansas colleges and universities. While primarily focused on undergraduate study, the program has specific provisions allowing the scholarship to be used for graduate-level coursework in certain shortage areas, such as education. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria including state residency and completing specific high school coursework. This is a state-level program.
- The program is funded by the Arkansas state lottery.
- It supports Arkansas residents attending in-state colleges.
- Funds can be used for graduate coursework in specific fields.
- Applicants must submit an application through the state’s online system.
Related Scholarships
How to find and apply
Find a good scholarship by following the 4 points like Check eligibility, Contact universities, Apply to local and national scholarships and Prepare strong applications.
- Check eligibility: Each scholarship has specific criteria, so it’s essential to verify that you meet the requirements before applying.
- Contact universities: Reach out to the financial aid office or department of the schools you are interested in to learn about specific, degree-specific scholarships.
- Apply to local and national scholarships: Don’t overlook local scholarships, which may be less competitive than national ones.
- Prepare strong applications: For programs like MBA scholarships, a strong GMAT score, clear post-MBA goals, and a well-aligned profile can increase your chances of success.
