Brown School Scholarships
The Brown School offers a range of partial-tuition scholarships to support students in funding their graduate education. Brown School scholarships recognize the strengths, perspectives, and experiences students bring to our community and include more than 100 named awards established by generous donors committed to expanding access to a Brown School education and investing in future social workers, social impact leaders, and policy professionals.
Scholarship decisions are made through a holistic review that considers a variety of factors, including academic achievement, leadership and service, professional accomplishments, financial circumstances and socioeconomic background, contributions to family and community, and commitment to the mission and values of the Brown School.
Scholarship Consideration
To be considered for a Brown School scholarship, complete the Scholarship Consideration Form in the Application Materials section of your application for admission.
For priority scholarship consideration, we encourage you to apply by one of the following deadlines:
- Early Review Deadline: December 1
- Priority Review Deadline: March 1
Scholarship decisions are made as part of the admissions review process and included with your offer of admission.
Scholarship Opportunities
Brown School scholarships support students with a variety of interests, experiences, and professional goals. Awards may recognize interests in areas such as social policy, mental health, community development, and social service management, as well as academic preparation, leadership, and service.
Explore a selection of scholarship opportunities below. Most are considered through the admissions process; opportunities that require a separate application are noted.
Bettie Schroth Johnson Scholarship in Social Service Management
Awarded to applicants committed to advancing mission-driven organizations through strategic management, organizational leadership, social entrepreneurship, and thoughtful advocacy. Recipients receive individual and cohort-based mentorship from a faculty advisor.
Brown School BSW Scholars Award
Awarded to applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work degree who are prepared to build on their undergraduate foundation through Advanced Standing MSW study.
Brown School Dean’s Scholarships
Awarded to applicants who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to strengthening communities and advancing social change. Recipients bring a range of leadership, service, and community engagement experiences and show promise for making a meaningful impact through social work or policy practice.
Brown School Emerging Leaders Scholarships
Awarded to applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to advancing equity, well-being, and social change. These scholarships recognize areas of focus such as community development and advocacy, mental health advocacy, social policy, sexual health and education, interdisciplinary practice, and youth well-being.
Brown School Gephardt Scholarship
Awarded to the MSW applicant selected as the Gephardt Fellow for Engage Democracy through the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement. The fellowship supports Engage Democracy, a university-wide initiative that promotes civic education and participation. A separate application to the Gephardt Institute is required.
Brown School Global Social Work Scholars Award
Awarded to applicants committed to addressing social challenges and advancing equity through social work practice in a global context.
Brown School HBCU Scholars Award
Awarded to graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities who bring their perspectives and experiences to advance equity through social work practice.
Brown School Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Scholarship
Awarded to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who bring their service experience to graduate study and are committed to continued service and social change.
Brown School Service Corps Alumni Scholarships
Awarded to applicants whose service corps experience inspires them to pursue graduate study. Recipients may include alumni of AmeriCorps, City Year, Teach For America, and faith-based service programs.
Brown School St. Louis Community Impact Scholarship
Awarded to applicants who have a connection to the St. Louis region or demonstrate a commitment to working with local communities to advance social change and community well-being.
Kahn Leadership Program in Public Health and Social Work Scholarship
Awarded to MSW/MPH dual-degree applicants committed to addressing complex challenges at the intersection of social, environmental, and health factors. Recipients participate in a cohort-based leadership program.
Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies Scholarships
Awarded to applicants who will engage with the Brown School’s Buder Center to contribute to the health, wellness, and sustained future of Native communities.
Kathryn M. Buder Charitable Foundation Scholarships
The independent G.A. Jr. and Kathryn M. Buder Charitable Foundation offers full scholarships and financial assistance to Native applicants with documented tribal affiliation who intend to practice social work in Indian Country. A separate application to the Foundation is required.
Additional Program Support
In addition to scholarship support, the Brown School provides financial support for MSW practicum education and MSP summer internships.
MSW Practicum Support Award
The Practicum Support Award provides MSW students with tuition support for required practicum credits and a living support stipend. This support is provided in addition to other Brown School scholarship funding, in accordance with the terms of each award.
Learn more about the MSW Practicum Support Award
MSP Internship Award
Beginning with the Fall 2027 cohort, new MSP students will receive a one-time $1,500 stipend to help cover living expenses during their summer internship. Students will also continue to receive a tuition waiver for the three-credit summer internship.