Scholarships for Astronomy
Stay on Top of Sky High Tuition
Students who choose to study astronomy at the post-secondary level are drawn to the mystery and wonder of all of the objects in the sky at night. They may have a particular interest in research or technology or perhaps the thought of discovering something new has sparked their interest in this field.
For those who wish to major in this subject area, financial assistance, both need- and merit-based, is available. Here are some examples:
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program awards 300 scholarships annually to outstanding students (US citizens, US nationals, or resident aliens) pursuing studies in the areas of science (including astronomy, mathematics, or engineering). Students currently in their sophomore or junior year can be nominated by their school for consideration.
The Scholarship provides up to $7,500.00 in funding per year (for up to two years) to cover eligible expenses. Expenses that are covered are those for tuition, fees, books, and accommodation (room and board). All Scholarship recipients are selected based on merit; financial need is not taken into consideration when choosing recipients.
Harvey Washington Banks Scholarship in Astronomy
The Harvey Washington Banks Scholarship in Astronomy is offered by the National Society of Black Physicists to African-American undergraduate students. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable payment of $1,000.00. Application forms are available online. Each applicant is asked to include an official transcript and three letters of recommendation.
San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA)
The SDAA offers the Lucas Scholarships to students attending either the University of Arizona or San Diego State University. Up to $6,000.00 in funding will be awarded to an undergraduate student who has maintained a GPA of at least 2.70. Each applicant for the Lucas Scholarship is asked to submit an original essay (no more than 750 words in length) discussing their career plans and interest in the subject of astronomy.
The University of Iowa, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Freshman students who reside in the state of Iowa majoring in either physics or astronomy are invited to apply for the Strayer-Rairden Scholarship in Physics. $1,000 in renewable funding (up to four years in total) is awarded based on a academic performance, not financial need.
Award recipients are required to maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher in order to continue to receive funding.
Minnesota State University (Mankato), Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Leo V. Standeford Astronomy Scholarship provides a minimum of $300.00 in funding to a student majoring or minoring in Astronomy. The minimum academic standing to be considered for the scholarship is a GPA of 3.3 (cumulative) and a GPA of at least 3.4 in astronomy courses.
Northern Arizona University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department offers several different scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students. The amount of funding varies, but funding starts at $100.00. Academic achievement and/or financial need are taken into consideration when choosing recipients.
University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy
Graduate students studying astronomy are invited to apply for the award offered by Achievement Awards for College Scientists (ARCS). The Helen Jones Farrar ARCS Scholarship is available to US citizens who have distinguished themselves academically. A GPA of 3.5 or higher is required to be considered for the $5,000.00 award.
