School of Social Work

School of Social Work
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5354 USA
(269) 387-3180

Scholarships and Financial Aid

An Investment in your future

The School of Social Work understands that higher education is a significant investment. To help you determine the estimated total cost of your program, check out the WMU Tuition Calculator.

In addition to the tuition and fee estimates in the calculator, plan for a $185 fee each semester you are enrolled in a field education seminar (two semesters for BSW students and Advanced Standing students, four for all other MSW students). This fee helps to cover the administrative costs of arranging your field placement as well as your student practice insurance.

Please note that many MSW programs include at least one summer term, and many students use their full annual loan amount in fall and spring leaving limited or no loan funding for summer. Students can contact Bronco Express to discuss funding options such as reducing loan amounts in fall and spring to retain for future summer semesters, seeking additional loan amounts through other sources, or enrolling into a payment plan for balances owed. Please contact the Bronco Express Service Team to discuss summer funding options. 

Scholarships

In an attempt to assist students with some of their financial burdens, the School of Social Work at Western Michigan University offers the following scholarship opportunities.
If you are interested in partnering with us to support our students, donate today!

BSW Scholarships

Undergraduates applying for School of Social Work scholarships must be admitted and enrolled in the professional program. Pre-social work majors are not eligible for departmental scholarship funds.

Deadline: March 15
Awards announced by May 1

MSW Scholarships

Currently enrolled MSW students are eligible to apply. Incoming MSW applicants are advised to apply for scholarships upon receipt of the admission notification. 

Deadline: March 15
Awards announced by May 1

Log in to ScholarshipUniverse to apply for the scholarships listed below.

                                 ScholarshipUniverse

Questions?

ScholarshipUniverse Instructions

For School of Social Work Scholarship Information, please contact Dr. Melinda McCormick at melinda.m.mccormick@wmich.edu

ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARD RECIPIENTS

The School of Social Work congratulates the 2023 awardees, and we wish them continued success in their academic pursuits. 

Rebecca Binkowski Memorial Scholarship

  • Must be second-year, full-time MSW student
  • At least a 3.75 GPA
  • Applicants must submit two letters of reference from a supervisor or director with whom they have work experience in the field of human services
  • Financial need
  • Award amount: $1,000 to $4,000 depending on availability. Award may only be used for books, tuition, fees.

Charlene Cove Russell Endowed Scholarship

  • Must be a MSW student
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Priority given to a working parent(s) pursuing a career in school social work
  • Prior experience in field, or active in community service
  • Award amount: no less than $500 depending on availability

Steven Crumm Scholarship  

  • Must be a full-time MSW student
  • Active in community service
  • Priority given to working parents
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Award amount: no less than $500 depending on availability
  • Awarded to one student annually, split between fall and spring semester

Nathaniel McCaslin Scholarship

  • Must be a BSW student or second-year MSW student. Awarded to one BSW and one second year MSW in the spring semester.
  • Must be in good academic standing
  • Member of a disenfranchised group
  • Priority given to those who meet one or more of the following criteria: first generation family member pursuing a college degree; commitment to working with adolescents; single parent status; history of, or interest in, working in a community service area
  • Award amount: no less than $250 depending on availability. Award may be used for education-related expenses

Robert Barstow Scholarship

  • Must be a full-time or part-time BSW student or first year MSW student. Awarded to one BSW and one first year MSW in the fall semester.
  • Priority given to those who meet one or more of the following criteria:
    • The past or present TANF/AFDC recipient
    • Current or past employee of Department of Human Services
    • Express an interest in child welfare
  • Financial need
  • Award amount: no less than $500 depending on availability.

Deloris Jordan Phillips Scholarship:

  • Must be BSW or MSW student
  • Academic merit—awarded to the applicant with the best academic record 
  • Award amount: no less than $1,000 depending on availability. The scholarship is a two-year award which provides half the award during the fall semester of each year.

Mary ellen Sartoris memorial scholarship

  • Must be a BSW or MSW student
  • Minimum GPA:  3.00 (at the time of applying)
  • Must write an essay (2-3 pages in length, double spaced) demonstrating how the student has contributed to or advanced ethical social work practice. 
  • Award amount: $1,500 each to one BSW and one MSW student

 Diana Sieger Scholarship

  • Awarded to one BSW and one MSW student annually
  • Award amount: $2500

Elena Thomas Honorary Endowed Scholarship:

  • Must be a BSW or MSW student
  • Must be a non-traditional aged student
  • Financial need
  • Award amount: no less than $500 depending on availability

Victoria and willie h. pickard Endowed Scholarship:

  • Must be a full-time junior or senior BSW student
  • Financial need
  • At least a 3.0 GPA
  • Award amount: no less than $500 depending on availability. Award is for tuition, fees, and room and board.

John P. Mellein Endowed Scholarship:

  • Preference shall be given to enrolled, full-time BSW students
  • Demonstrated an interest in areas of study including but not limited to mental health, social justice, community planning and development, or social policy
  • At least a 3.3 GPA
  • Award: Award is for tuition, fees, and room and board.

Gayle Strutz Memorial Endowed Scholarship

  • Determined at discretion of Scholarship Committee
  • Award amount: at least $500

 Other resources

Student Travel Scholarships

Limited funds are available to assist students in attending conferences or study abroad trips. Please contact the Study Abroad Office at (269) 387-5890 for more information.

WMU Graduate Student Employment

Western Michigan University provides fellowships and assistantships for students planning to pursue graduate study. 

WMU Financial Aid

WMU's Office of Financial Aid facilitates application to various financial assistance programs. For all loan information, contact the Office of Financial Aid early in the application process. Early loan applications have priority. It is best to apply between Jan. 1 and March 1.