Criminal justice scholarships

About criminal justice scholarships

A criminal justice degree program gives students the foundation to use social science methodologies to examine crime in different settings. Criminal justice majors will learn the intricacies of topics like political science, psychology, and law in relation to criminal justice, and can choose to specialize in law enforcement, case management, or forensic science. 

Students who study criminal justice can apply to internships or gain field experience with the FBI or law enforcement to put their degree into practice. Criminal justice students do have the option to study abroad like students in other majors and could learn about how law enforcement, forensics, and other criminal justice fields operate in different countries.

Career options in law enforcement and law-related professions are common for criminal justice majors to pursue after completing their degree. A degree gives graduates a strong foundation in crime and law-related professions and they can work as police officers, certified fraud examiners, court reporters, or agents in federal law enforcement. Outside of public service, students who study criminal justice could find a career in counseling, psychology, or social work equally as fulfilling.

But after earning an undergraduate degree, most criminal justice majors will have an inclination to pursue a few more years of higher education to specialize in their desired field. Law school is a possible option for criminal justice majors who are interested in the legal studies aspect of criminology.

Fortunately, Bold.org has exclusive scholarships for students attending university, helping take some of that financial burden off their shoulders. New scholarships are added every day, supplying various scholarship opportunities for future lawyers and students passionate about a career in criminal justice. Whether you are a current law student or an undergraduate pursuing a criminal justice degree, Bold.org has plenty to choose from.

What is a criminal justice scholarship?

A criminal justice scholarship will vary by school or scholarship program and is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Students studying criminal justice, social sciences, or attending law school are qualified for these scholarships, which do not need to be paid back. Full-time students who demonstrate academic excellence are eligible for financial aid and must maintain any academic requirements if the scholarship requires it.

Oftentimes, national and collegiate associations and organizations will offer scholarships that are exclusive to student members. The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) offers awards and scholarships for criminal justice students and individuals who exemplify high standards of achievement in community service and criminal justice. In order to boost and grow the next generation of criminal justice professionals, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives has several scholarships that are one-time awards to graduating high school seniors.

Scholarships for criminal justice students are meant to encourage students to achieve their career and academic goals, eliminating the financial barrier that would prevent them from doing so otherwise. Not only is the cost of attending college increasing, but so is the amount of student loan debt that college students graduate with, which could possibly hinder them from pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree. Graduating seniors who want to further pursue their education in other criminal justice fields might want to seek out financial aid that they now need for another degree.

Law school is a viable career trajectory for social justice students, however, prospective students have a lot of costs even before applying and being accepted. The test fee required for the LSAT is $215, and the registration fee is $215. Having your law school report generated through the LSAC service costs another $195, which are all costs that students will have to pay prior to even attending law school. Law students are then hit with the cost of taking the BAR exam after they graduate. Registration costs vary by state, but the BAR generally costs hundreds of dollars each time you take the exam.

Criminal justice scholarships help ameliorate any student debt and extra costs that students may have accumulated throughout their academic careers. Federal student loan payments will begin after students graduate, but scholarships may help even if it's a small portion of the student loan. Scholarships do not have to be paid back and can be used for tuition, books, or application fees. With the rising cost of tuition for both undergraduate and graduate students, scholarships and grant money are available to help a student reach their goals and career aspirations.

Can you get a scholarship for criminal justice?

Yes! Receiving a scholarship for criminal justice is feasible at any education level. Finding scholarships that are specific to the field you're interested in is one of the best ways to reduce your competition and improve your chances of winning scholarship funding. 

How to apply for criminal justice scholarships

Once you've found a scholarship for criminal justice students that you'd like to apply for, you can create a free account on Bold.org and get started! Scholarships may be categorized by education level, major, and/or location, so be sure to adjust the filters as needed. In addition to your Bold.org profile, some scholarships will require an essay prompt or other submission as part of the application.

How to get a criminal justice scholarship

The scholarship application process will differ based on the scholarship program, with some scholarship programs requiring transcripts or test scores to see that the applicant is in good academic standing, or perhaps provide a written sample. Some scholarships might want students to demonstrate their knowledge of criminal justice education in practice with an essay prompt.

As with any other scholarship program, it is important to get started on the scholarship application process early on so that you can gather any necessary materials, like transcripts or letters of recommendation, and get started on any writing required for the application.

Best criminal justice scholarships

To combat rising college costs, Bold.org offers an extensive list of scholarships available to criminal justice students. In addition to broad scholarships open to all students, there are plenty of scholarships for students interested in particular fields, such as STEM, education, or healthcare.

Criminal justice scholarships for high school seniors

HPF-RYW Orange Heart Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in the social work field and/or drug counseling. The first-place winner will receive $1,000 and second place will receive $500. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply by June 15, 2022.

"A Bold Mind" Psychology No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support a student of any education level who is pursuing a degree in psychology. The $1,000 scholarship will assist a student in need of financial aid to pay for college and achieve their academic goals. Eligible applicants may apply by June 30, 2022.

JoLynn Blanton Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support a low-income high school senior or undergraduate student with a portion of financial aid for their college costs. The percentage of low-income students enrolling in college fell by 29% during the pandemic, and the cost of college continues to rise and leaves a group of students unable to afford higher education or with student loan debt. Eligible students may apply for the $700 scholarship by July 1, 2022.

Leon M. Braswell III Book Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support a high school senior who will be a first-generation student upon entering college. Honoring Leon M. Braswell III, a leading professional in college admissions, the scholarship will allow a student who belongs to an underrepresented minority group the opportunity to buy books for their upcoming school year. Applicants may apply by July 20, 2022, and must reside in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania.

Spirit of West Virginia Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support a high school senior who will pursue an undergraduate degree. The $500 scholarship will assist a student who lives in West Virginia — a state which has the lowest rate of college-educated people in the United States. Eligible applicants may apply by March 4, 2023.

Marcarelli Community Spirit Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support two high school seniors who are passionate about community service and giving back to their school. Reports have found that applicants with volunteering experience are 82% more likely to receive a job offer than their counterparts and this $1,000 scholarship hopes to assist high school seniors in Maryland with their future career plans. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply by March 30, 2023.

Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

This scholarship aims to support a low-income high school senior or undergraduate student interested in healthcare, social work, government, or education. Honoring veteran Robert F. Lawson, the scholarship will help a low-income student in financial need and continue Lawson's mission of helping those in need. Eligible students are encouraged to apply by May 16, 2023.

Criminal justice scholarships for undergraduates

William M. DeSantis Sr. Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support undergraduate or graduate students in their pursuit of higher education. In the words of Nelson Mandela, " education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," and this $1,000 scholarship hopes to financially assist a student with a passion for learning. Eligible applicants may apply by June 17, 2022.

Chantel S. Husted Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support two undergraduate or graduate students with a $3,025 scholarship to assist with paying for a degree program. Honoring the life and career of Chantel S. Husted, who worked in social work, the scholarship hopes to assist a student with a GPA of 3.2 or higher who is interested in a career in mental health or social services. Eligible applicants must live in Florida and are encouraged to apply by July 19, 2022.

James E. Simonetti Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship aims to support two undergraduate college students who are pursuing a criminal justice degree at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Honoring James Edward Simonetti, who worked as a police officer with the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department, the $2,250 scholarship will assist a student with their goals of working in the criminal justice field or law enforcement. Eligible applicants may apply by July 31, 2022.

WiseGreek Law No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support a student pursuing a degree, JD, or any law degree. The costs of applying to law school can add up quickly — the test fee for the LSAT alone is $200. — and aspiring lawyers could use as much financial assistance as possible. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply by September 16, 2022.

Catrina Celestine Aquilino Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support first-generation undergraduate or graduate students by funding their criminal justice degree. Honoring Catrina Celestine Aquilino, a lawyer who died from triple-negative breast cancer, the $500 scholarship hopes to uplift a student who is interested in a career in law and/or healthcare. Eligible applicants may apply by October 12, 2022.

Jimmy Cardenas Community Leader Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support a student enrolled in a four-year degree program or trade school by awarding financial aid used to pay for school. Honoring Jimmy Cardenas, a strong voice and leader in his community, this $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student with the same passion for serving their community. Students currently enrolled in a criminal justice program are encouraged to apply by November 30, 2022.

Scholarships for women in criminal justice

Taylor Coleman's "More than a Conqueror" Scholarship Award

This scholarship hopes to support a full-time undergraduate or graduate student who is at least a sophomore with financial assistance to finish their degree program. The $500 scholarship hopes to uplift female students diagnosed with a systematic autoimmune disease and provide them financial support to achieve their collegiate goals. Students with GPAs of 3.0 or higher who are majoring in science, health science, or creative arts may apply by June 15, 2022.

Surya Education Assistance Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support a female high school senior or undergraduate student with financing their undergraduate degree. Honoring Surya Rayaprolu, a beloved father and supporter of women's advancement, this $500 scholarship will uplift a woman pursuing her college degree, emphasizing the importance of attaining an education despite the challenges women face. Eligible applicants may apply for this opportunity by June 28, 2022.