External Scholarships

University scholarships are a great starting point, but they are far from the only scholarships available to you. Thousands of organizations outside of The Chicago School offer funding to students every year, through foundations, professional associations, employers, community organizations, and more. This page is your starting point for finding them. The opportunities listed here represent a fraction of what is out there. We encourage you to search broadly, apply early, and treat external scholarships as a real and meaningful part of your funding strategy.

A Few Things to Know Before You Start

External scholarships are awarded by organizations not affiliated with The Chicago School. As such, we do not endorse any specific opportunities listed here. It is your responsibility to review and verify all details directly with each organization before applying. A few important reminders:

You should never pay to apply for a scholarship. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for. If an organization asks for a fee to submit your application or access a scholarship database, it is a scam—walk away.
Report any outside funding you receive. Federal regulations require you to report external scholarships and awards to our financial aid office, as they may affect your overall aid package. This is a quick step and something we can help you navigate. Do not let it discourage you from applying.
Apply early and apply often. External scholarship deadlines vary widely. Building a habit of searching and applying throughout the year, not just before the fall term, significantly increases your chances of receiving awards.
Keep records of what you have applied for. A simple spreadsheet tracking scholarship names, amounts, deadlines, requirements, and application status can save you a lot of time and help you avoid missing opportunities.

Complete the FAFSA

Scholarship Search Engines

These tools let you search for scholarships based on your field of study, degree level, background, and other eligibility criteria. They are a great place to start if you are not sure where to look:

FastWeb — one of the largest free scholarship search databases, with millions of awards across all fields and student types
Scholarshi p America — connects students with scholarships and educational support programs
College Board Scholarship Search — searchable database of scholarships, internships, and financial aid programs
Scholarships.com — broad search tool with filters for major, state, background, and more. Field-specific search resources:
Student veterans scholarships

Tips for a Stronger Scholarship Search

External scholarships reward students who are intentional and persistent. Here are a few strategies that can meaningfully increase your success:

Think beyond your field of study. Many scholarships are awarded based on background, identity, community involvement, financial need, or essay quality, not just academic majors. Cast a wide net.
Start local. Community foundations, local businesses, civic organizations, and state associations often offer scholarships with less competition than national programs. Search for opportunities in your hometown, your state, and your professional community.
Check with your employer. Many employers offer tuition assistance or scholarship programs for employees pursuing graduate education. If you are currently working, ask your HR department. This is one of the most overlooked sources of funding.
Check professional associations. Most health sciences and clinical fields have professional associations that offer scholarships to students, sometimes multiple per year. If you are a student member of any professional organization, check their website regularly for scholarship announcements.
Revisit this page and your search tools regularly. New scholarships open throughout the year. Setting a recurring reminder to search every few months keeps you from missing deadlines.

Featured External Scholarships

The following scholarships are currently available and may be relevant to students at The Chicago School. This list is updated periodically. Check back regularly and verify all details and deadlines directly with each organization.

Health Sciences & Clinical Fields

Banyan Next Generation Healers Scholarship — $1,000 Supports students pursuing careers in healthcare, including medical, mental health, addiction treatment, clinical, and social care professions.
Therapy.com Mental Health Scholarship — Up to $2,250 total (three awards) For U.S. students passionate about expanding access to mental health care. Essay-based, free to apply; no transcript required.
Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship — $1,000 For master’s-level students enrolled in a school-based health education program at an accredited U.S. institution. Apply Now

Military & Veterans

Behan Law Group Military Veteran Scholarship — $1,000 Supports military veterans and their children pursuing higher education.

LGBTQ+ Students

Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship — Supports LGBTQ+ and ally students attending accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Awards available for community college, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

Behavioral Health & Addiction Studies

Addictions.com College Scholarship Contest — $2,250 total (three awards) For full-time U.S. college students. Essay-based, focused on raising awareness about substance abuse and addiction.
Addicted.org DRS Scholarship — $1,000 For full-time college students. Essay focused on personal experiences with substance use and perspectives on addressing the drug epidemic.

General Graduate Scholarships

Ben Selling Scholarship — A scholarship program supporting deserving students, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration.
Nicolet Law Scholarship — $5,000 (two awards annually) Awarded to students who submit an outstanding video essay. International students are welcome. Applications accepted year-round.
Global Perspectives Scholarship — $1,000 For high school or college students attending an accredited institution.
AdvertiseMint Scholarship — $1,000 For U.S. college students at accredited institutions. One-page essay required; winners selected based on writing quality, originality, and presentation.
Blankstyle Scholarship Fund — $1,000 (two awards annually) Merit-based scholarship for high school seniors and current college students. Funds paid directly to the institution.
We Will Transport It Scholarship Fund — $1,500 (one award annually) Randomly selected from applicants enrolled at an accredited college or university.
Schwartz Injury Law Perseverance Scholarship — $1,000 Supports a student who has overcome a severe injury or medical challenge.

Don’t Stop Here

This list is a starting point, not a ceiling. The students who benefit most from external scholarships are the ones who search consistently, apply to multiple opportunities, and don’t give up after a rejection. Every scholarship you receive is money you won’t need to borrow. Over the course of your program, that adds up significantly. If you have questions about how an external scholarship affects your financial aid package, our team is here to help.

Contact Financial Aid

View University Scholarships at The Chicago School

Looking for International Scholarship Opportunities?

If you are an international student, additional scholarship resources organized by country are available on our International Student Aid page.

View International Scholarship Resources

Support When You Need It

The Office of Financial Aid is here to help you explore your options, to answer questions, and to create a plan that works for you.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid