The Best Political Science Scholarships in 2024

About political science scholarships

Political science is a social science, and political science students will usually spend their college years studying government. Most programs focus on political theory, international relations, and comparative politics, among other topics.

By majoring in political science, college students have the potential to enter the workforce in a variety of different positions. Students interested in government can work at the local, state, and federal levels. However, students aren't limited to working in government and can go on to become diplomats, consultants, reporters, public relations managers, market researchers, and more. Once done with a bachelor's degree, students can also go on to become graduate students.

In the 2019-2020 school year, political science programs nationwide awarded 4.1% more degrees than they had the year before. Between 2016 and 2026 the field is projected to have 8% growth.

The number of women obtaining a political science degree gradually rose starting in 2015 and has recently seen a significant increase following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of female professors of political science is still small, with women making up only around one-third of the faculty. This proportion, though still low, is up from 2010 when only 26% of full-time faculty were women.

Compared to other social science programs, political science tends to be a more diverse major. In 2009, among minority students majoring in social science programs, 44.8% of Latino students, 39.9% of African American students, and 32.3% of Asian/Pacific Islanders students were in a political science major program.

Political science programs exist around the country at both public and private institutions. The cost of different programs can vary greatly, from an average of $10,560 for public in-state tuition to an average of $37,650 for private schools. To help students studying political science pay for college, we've listed several scholarships that provide excellent opportunities to reduce college costs. These scholarships are exclusive to Bold.org, and cannot be found anywhere else. Begin applying by clicking on any of our featured scholarships!

What is a political science scholarship?

Political science scholarships are scholarships intended for college students studying political science. Some scholarships are exclusively for political science majors, while others are open to all students involved in social science programs. There are also scholarships that are open to all students, including political science majors.

Further, there are opportunities that are open to undergraduate students, graduate students, or even high school students interested in the political science field.

Some scholarships are easy, no-essay scholarships, while others require an essay. Essays are not always about political science, and sometimes ask students to relay information about hobbies and other life experiences.

Can you get a scholarship for political science?

Anyone can make an account with Bold.org and begin applying for scholarships if they meet the eligibility requirements. To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, make sure to apply early and to apply for multiple scholarships. Additionally, make sure each essay answers the prompt given, and follow Bold.org's tips for writing a great essay, which you can find here!

How to apply for political science scholarships

With a Bold.org profile, you can browse and apply to the many scholarships you are eligible for. Search scholarships and use the filters to find political science scholarships, and use any other categories that you fit in, to find scholarships to apply to. Be sure to check all the eligibility requirements and the description of the scholarship to make sure you qualify.

How to get a political science scholarship

In order to be the best candidate possible, there are several ways you can craft your applications. When you put time and effort in, the people reviewing your applications can tell and will appreciate your passion.

Be in a political science program

The first and most important requirement for many political science scholarships is to be a political science major or be planning on majoring in political science in college.

Check scholarship requirements

Some scholarships have many eligibility requirements, such as GPA, gender, education level, extracurriculars, etc. Applying to scholarships that have several requirements makes your chances of winning greater because fewer people can apply.

When to apply

It is never too early to start applying for scholarships! There are even scholarships available to high school seniors. The earlier you start planning for the cost of college the better prepared you will be. It's also never too late, there are scholarships available to current students and even graduate students.

Tips for winning political science scholarships

Make the most of your profile

Your profile on Bold.org is a great way to supplement your application. Make sure your profile is polished, free of errors, and shows off all the great things about you! Also, make sure to start collecting bold points so your profile stands out.

Apply early and often

The more scholarships you apply for the more chances you will have to win! Donors also often note the first few applicants, so applying early is a great way to catch some attention.

Put time and effort into your applications

You can make your application stand out from others by following Bold.org's writing tips.

First, grab your readers from the first sentence and make your essay a personal story so it's memorable.

Second, stay focused on the prompt. Even a great essay won't be a winner if it doesn't answer the question(s) the donors asked.

Third, write your essay in separate paragraphs. Readers will be able to more easily focus if your writing is broken up into bite-sized chunks rather than a wall of text.

Finally, be sure to use correct grammar! Proofread your application before submitting it in order to put your best foot forward.

Best scholarships for political science majors

Feltus Impact Fund Scholarship

Amount: $7,000, 7 winners, $1,000 each

For: Undergraduate or graduate students who are women from Texas and are studying political science, social science, or STEM.

This scholarship awards 7 women who have a passion to help the world using their passion, education, and experience.

Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

Amount: $1,000, 2 winners, $500 each

For: High school seniors or undergraduate students who are low-income and interested in healthcare, social work, government, education, or a related field

This scholarship exists to support two students who are passionate about helping the world by supporting those in need with their future careers.

WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: Everyone

This easy application no-essay scholarship will award one student who participates in community service.

Political science undergraduate scholarships

Jacob Daniel Dumas Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $3,000, 2 winners, $1,500 each

For: High school seniors or undergraduates living in North Carolina who are pursuing STEM

In order to apply to this scholarship, write about why you were inspired to pursue your desired STEM field.

DejSlays SlayBabe Scholarship

Amount: $1,500, 2 winners, $750 each

For: High school seniors or undergraduate students who are women, living in Louisiana or Texas, and have experience with non-profits, volunteering, or community service.

This scholarship will award two students who want to make a difference in the world through their careers.

Political science graduate scholarships

Earl Pascua Filipino-American Heritage Scholarship

Amount: $1,500, 3 winners, $500 each

For: Graduate students who are Filipino-American and studying STEM

This scholarship will award three students who are pursuing a STEM degree and hope to pay it forward to more Filipino-Americans in the future.

HRCap Next-Gen Leadership Scholarship

Amount: $5,000, 6 winners, $833 each

For: Undergraduate or graduate students who are AAPI and/or pursuing Asian American studies or language courses

This scholarship aims to support someone who is AAPI and/or interested in Asian American studies, and also demonstrates the qualities of a strong leader within their communities.

Scholarships for women in political science

Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $5,425, 5 winners, $1,085 each

For: High school senior or undergraduate students who are BIPOC and/or female students who are first-generation low-income and interested in STEM

This scholarship is for students who have overcome challenges while pursuing their education and hope to benefit the world through their education and career.

Rho Brooks Women in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

For: High school senior or undergraduate student who is a woman, pursuing STEM, and attending college in Fall 2022

This scholarship seeks to support a woman in STEM who shares the biggest influence in her life and how it has shaped her career aspirations.

Empowering Women Through Education Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: High school or undergraduate student who is a woman and low income

To apply for this scholarship, share why your education is so important to you.

Frequently asked questions about Political science scholarships

How to find political science scholarships

With a Bold.org profile, you can browse and apply to the many scholarships you are eligible for. Search scholarships and use the filters to find political science scholarships, and use any other categories that you fit in, to find scholarships to apply to. Be sure to check all the eligibility requirements and the description of the scholarship to make sure you qualify.

When can I start applying?

It is never too early to start applying for scholarships! There are many scholarships available to high school seniors and there are even scholarships available to high school freshmen. The earlier you start planning for the cost of college, the better prepared you will be. However, it's also never too late to begin. There are scholarships available to current students and even graduate students. Apply early and apply often to increase your chances of winning.

How do I know if I'm eligible for a scholarship?

Bold.org lists eligibility requirements on the scholarship page. Check for education level requirements, as well as any other requirements such as gender, desired major or career field, and background or hobby experience that the donor has listed in the description of the scholarship.

What do I have to do to apply?

Create an account on Bold.org, click on any of the links to the featured scholarships in this article to find the prompts, and start writing! Once your essay is done and polished, just copy and paste it into the application and click submit. It's that easy!

Are scholarships counted as income?

Generally, scholarships are not considered income. Scholarship money is generally not taxable unless you use it to pay for room and board or other unqualified expenses. As long as the amount received is less than or equal to your costs and is used for tuition, books, and/or course fees, it likely won't be taxable.