Scholarships to support your journey
An education is an investment. Apply for scholarships available through the Kent School.
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Your education is more than a dream
Advancing your education is an investment in your future. We understand cost can be an important factor in your decision-making process when selecting a university. The University of Louisville offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, loans, work-study opportunities and fellowships to assist students with financial barriers as they pursue their education.
We're committed to helping you make your dream a reality.
Scholarships designated for students majoring in social work and couple and family therapy are available. Most scholarships are awarded annually in the fall, however our MSSW program provides two awarding periods in both the fall and spring.
Explore, review and apply.
Scholarships offered through the Kent School are established for the advancement of the school’s mission as we prepare students for professional practice working with diverse, vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. While some scholarships are established by donors with specific award parameters, all students are eligible to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Application deadlines vary based on the degree program.
Review and apply for scholarships
The Kent School International Scholars is a scholarship available to Kent School BSW and MSSW students who intend to travel by participating in a Kent School study abroad opportunity. The scholarship provides financial support to lessen the burden of additional expenses associated with their travel. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need and who otherwise might not be able to take the international trip.
The application portal for the 2026 Vietnam study abroad opportunity has closed.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must be a student enrolled in the Kent School in either the BSW program or MSSW program, and in good academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students should submit a one-page essay indicating how the international trip will impact their overall educational experience and what they will achieve by taking the trip. Applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office. All students are eligible to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
The University of Louisville Scholarship U portal is open October 1 for spring semester awards.
Scholarships offered through the Kent School are established for the advancement of the school’s mission as we prepare students for professional practice working with diverse, vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. While some scholarships are established by donors with specific award parameters, all students are eligible to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Dreamers and Seekers Scholarship
This scholarship is open to incoming or current Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students. It is a one-time award that may be used for books, tuition or any other educational expenses directly related to the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. It is the donor's preference that the recipient of this award be a student who demonstrates financial need, is a first-generation student and demonstrates academic merit. Applicants must complete a 300-500 word essay answering the question ”What is guiding your educational journey and why is it important to you?” Essay responses will be reviewed by the scholarship selection committee during the awarding process.
MSSW program scholarship application portal is open:
• September 1 – October 15 for spring semester awards
• May 1 – June 1 for fall semester awards
Students currently enrolled in the MSSW program may apply for the following scholarships listed below. Scholarship and eligibility details are outlined. Award recipients will be notified an estimated two to three weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Scholarships offered through the Kent School are established for the advancement of the school’s mission as we prepare students for professional practice working with diverse, vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. While some scholarships are established by donors with specific award parameters, all students are eligible to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
MSSW scholarship application – 2026-2027
Applications are not accepted prior to the opening date or after the deadline. Submissions outside of the designated period will receive a message stating the portal is currently unavailable.
E. Camp Edwards Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Complete the FASFA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa, and request your information be shared with UofL’s Financial Aid Office.
Edward Wunsch Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must be committed to work in gerontology social work/practicum placement/concentration. Applicant must submit a one- to two-page essay describing/addressing plans for working in gerontology social work and why they are deserving of the award.
Joann Harrison Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is open to students seeking a Master's of Science in Social Work degree from the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. Once selected, a student may continue to receive the scholarship until graduation, so long as the student meets the renewal requirements as established by the University's director of financial aid.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must have or maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc “Scholars in Health Care Social Work” Scholarship
This scholarship supports Kent School advanced year students, including advanced standing MSSW program students who plan to work as a social worker in a health care setting after graduation, or a doctoral student admitted to the PhD program who commits to completing their coursework and dissertation on a topic related to social work in health care using the BPSSSC framework. It is preferred that this award support tuition cost, but it may also be applied to any university level related fees such as housing, meal plans etcetera which are directly associated with the recipient's educational pursuits.
Eligibility/Requirements: The applicant must be a current student in the MSSW program or admitted doctoral student in the PhD program. MSSW student applicants should submit a two-page essay explaining why they should receive this award, citing any relevant coursework and experiences as it relates to health care social work and address their future plans to provide social work service in a health care setting. The essay should be single spaced using Time New Roman 12-point font.
Maude Ainslie Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must submit a two-page essay addressing personal and educational goals and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Mildred Martin Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
NIA Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. The student must be in good academic standing and demonstrate a significant financial need. The award recipient will best represent the spirit of the NIA award which is a Swahili Word Meaning “Purpose.” Applicants will be reviewed by a Kent School of Social Work and Family Science selection panel.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must be enrolled in the MSSW program and in good academic standing. Applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office.
Options Unlimited Foundation Scholarship
The scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science who have an interest in working with people living with disabilities.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must be enrolled in the MSSW program and in good academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA; be a resident of Kentucky or Southern Indiana; Submit a 500 word essay addressing the following prompts – “Why do you want to work with people with living disabilities?” and “What do you hope to achieve in your career?” Applicant must complete a practicum with Options Unlimited or at a practicum site that serves individuals with disabilities should Options Unlimited not have an available practicum position in a given year. This scholarship is open to MSSW students at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Robert Silva Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, who matriculate in or undertake studies leading to a career in social work.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Russell Louden Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Ruth Malcolm Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Scott Fowler Bussell Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science who are pursuing a Master’s of Science in Social Work degree with a Mental Health Concentration.
Student should demonstrate a motivation for hard work, value education and demonstrate character, reliability, good citizenship and academic standing. Regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, students may apply. The scholarship is renewable if eligibility requirements are maintained and funds are available.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must be enrolled full-time in the MSSW program and remain in good standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must demonstrate financial need and have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form on file. Applicant must submit a résumé and a 500-word essay explaining why the student deserves the award by describing how they value education and demonstrate character, reliability and good citizenship.
Terry and Nancy Singer Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in the MSSW and PhD programs in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science that have an interested in the Cancer and Health Social Work Specialization.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicant must be in the Cancer and Health Social Work (Psychosocial Oncology) Specialization.
The MSCFT program scholarship application portal is open:
• September 1 – October 15 for spring semester awards
• January 1 – March 15 for summer scholarships awards
Students currently enrolled in the MSCFT program may apply for the scholarship listed below. Scholarship and eligibility details are outlined.
Scholarships offered through the Kent School are established for the advancement of the school’s mission as we prepare students for professional practice working with diverse, vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. While some scholarships are established by donors with specific award parameters, all students are eligible to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
MSCFT scholarship application – 2026-2027
Applications are not accepted prior to the opening date or after the deadline. Submissions outside of the designated period will receive a message stating the portal is currently unavailable.
CFT Program Summer Scholarship
This scholarship is open to students enrolled in the CFT program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must demonstrate a financial need, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicant must submit a two- to three-page essay regarding plans for practicing marriage/couple family therapy after graduation.
Hannah Cooper Family Empowerment Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students applying and admitted to the CFT program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. Scholarship recipients agree to volunteer three (3) hours per week each semester at their practicum placement or in a West Louisville family agency.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must submit a two- to three-page essay demonstrating experience or commitment to working with underserved or disadvantaged populations as evidenced by prior or current work, volunteer experience, leadership skills and professional association membership; agree to complete the requirement volunteer service and have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Joe and Carolyn Brown Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for the advancement of students enrolled in the Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy Program in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. All students are eligible regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. The scholarship may be renewed for each year the student is enrolled in the MSCFT program in accordance with the scholarship renewal policy then in effect, provided the student maintains status as a student in good academic standing.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must demonstrate a financial need, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) Applicant must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and submit a two- to three-page essay describing a commitment to working with low-income families within the community, as evidenced by prior or current work/volunteer experience, leadership skills and/or professional association memberships.
The PhD program scholarship application portal is open:
• September 1 – October 15 for spring semester awards
• Additional scholarships have a rolling, open application portal
Students currently enrolled in the PhD program may apply for the following scholarships listed below. Scholarship and eligibility details are outlined.
Scholarships offered through the Kent School are established for the advancement of the school’s mission as we prepare students for professional practice working with diverse, vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. While some scholarships are established by donors with specific award parameters, all students are eligible to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
PhD scholarship application – 2026-2027
Applications are not accepted prior to the opening date or after the deadline. Submissions outside of the designated period will receive a message stating the portal is currently unavailable.
Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc “Scholars in Health Care Social Work” Scholarship
This scholarship supports a Kent School doctoral student admitted to the PhD program who commits to completing their coursework and dissertation on a topic related to social work in health care using the BPSSSC framework, or an advanced year student, including an advanced standing MSSW program student who plans to work as a social worker in a health care setting after graduation.
It is preferred that this award support tuition cost, but it may also be applied to any university level related fees such as housing, meal plans etcetera which are directly associated with the recipient's educational pursuits.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must be an admitted doctoral student in the PhD program or current student in the MSSW program. PhD student applicants should submit a three-page essay explaining why they should receive this award, citing professional experiences as it relates to health care social work and their plans for focusing on a health care topic using the BPSSSC framework in their doctoral studies and dissertation. The essay should be single spaced using Time New Roman 12-point font.
Terry and Nancy Singer Scholarship
This scholarship provides support for students in the PhD and MSSW programs related to cancer and health (oncology) social work in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, University of Louisville.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The PHD program has a rolling, open application portal for the scholarships listed below. Award recipients will be notified two to four weeks after the submission.
Applicants will need to provide the following:
- Statement of Justification and Progress: Please submit a 500 word statement that demonstrates why the funds are necessary to complete your dissertation, or will accelerate your progress to degree. Include itemized list of request(s) within justification.
- Detailed dissertation timeline: Include a timeline for completing the remaining components of your dissertation that notes your anticipated defense month and year, anticipated graduation semester/year.
- Budget and explanation: A budget, and budget justification
Jenkins-Carter Scholarship
This scholarship is in support of one (1) student that has been accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: The recipient will be selected by the Kent School PhD program director and doctoral program manager. This scholarship is open to all eligible social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Kayser Endowed Doctoral Training Grant
This two-year scholarship is awarded to one (1) student accepted into the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science PhD program as a psychosocial oncology student.
Eligibility/Requirements: This is not a need-based scholarship. Academic and/or professional merit must be demonstrated.
Kent School of Social Work & Family Science PhD Scholars
This scholarship is awarded to Kent School of Social Work and Family Science PhD students.
Eligibility/Requirements: The recipient will be selected by the Kent School PhD program director and doctoral program manager. This scholarship is open to all eligible social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Kent School of Social Work & Family Science PhD Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to Kent School of Social Work and Family Science doctoral (PhD) students.
Eligibility/Requirements: The recipient will be selected by the Kent School PhD program director and doctoral program manager. This scholarship is open to all eligible social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
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