Graduate Program Scholarships
Scholarships for Your Early Childhood Graduate Degree
MASTER’S PROGRAM Scholarships Overview
Your Graduate Degree in Early Childhood Education is Within Your Reach
Access to premier education shouldn’t depend on your financial situation.
At Erikson, we help build pathways for aid and degree completion for all students using Erikson scholarships, external scholarships, and access to state and federal programs. Erikson awards over $2 million in scholarship and aid each year.
Our vision is to provide easy access to our distinctive and high-quality education to diverse populations so that you can reach your academic and professional goals.
You may be eligible for multiple graduate student scholarships offered by Erikson, in addition to other sources of aid. You are as unique as each financial award at Erikson. We know your life changes and we will work to support you throughout your journey with us.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Earn a Leadership Scholarship Valued at Up to 20% Of Your Degree Tuition
These scholarships are merit-based and awarded to admitted students in master’s or certificate programs who have demonstrated academic and professional achievement, as well as strong potential for leadership in their chosen fields. Leadership Scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis.
Leadership Scholarships are available for both U.S. and international entering students. Other requirements and criteria may apply.
Eligibility for Graduate Student Scholarships
Must be a fully-admitted master’s degree or graduate certificate student and enrolled at least half-time (3 credit hours). Additional criteria may apply based on any named scholarships with other requirements.
To Apply
Complete the graduate student scholarship application while you are applying to Erikson. The Leadership essay is one of the two essays completed as part of your application into Erikson.
Review Process
The review may include but is not limited to: prior academic performance; recommendations submitted within the application; additional biographical information regarding an applicant’s career, academic and other relevant experiences; and conclusions which the Committee may draw as to the applicant’s motivation, character, ability, or potential. Criteria may also include applicant’s place of residence, past or future attendance at a particular school or past or proposed course of study.
Requirements for Graduate Student Scholarships
Recipients may be required to complete a Recipient Biography form at the beginning of the award year, which is used to compile stewardship reports for the respective donors and/or organizations.
Learn More About Our Signature Leadership Scholarships
Awards may vary based on additional scholarship requirements, such as but not limited to, degree program, program modality, chosen field and/or service commitment.
Barbara Bowman Fellowship in Early Education and Social Justice
Established to honor Barbara Bowman, Erikson’s cofounder, former president, and current faculty member, this award recognizes Barbara’s deep commitment to social justice and her unparalleled impact on the field of early childhood. Recipients are selected for their record of academic success and their demonstrated commitment to social justice.
John and Kathleen Schreiber Foundation Social Justice
Established by the John and Kathleen Schreiber Foundation, this master’s program scholarship is designed to support educators and activists who are seeking to complete a master’s degree. Ideal candidates will have had a demonstrable impact with respect to social justice movements in their communities through past and present volunteer, professional, and educational experiences. Ten students will be awarded this $10,000 scholarship.
Barbara T. Bowman
Established in honor of Erikson Institute’s cofounder, former president, and current faculty member Barbara T. Bowman, these master’s program scholarships are awarded annually to two entering on-campus master’s degree students who have demonstrated a commitment to creating a more equitable world for children.
Cari B. Sacks
Established in honor of Cari Sacks, an Erikson alumna and longtime member of our Board of Trustees, this scholarship is intended to encourage and support students who have made a commitment to the fields of early childhood and family services and who are likely to have a significant impact on the profession. In the Fall 2024, 20-$1,500 scholarships will be awarded to students admitted and enrolling in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
Harris
Named in honor of businessman and philanthropist Irving B. Harris, one of Erikson’s founders and a longtime advocate for young children, Harris scholarships are intended to encourage and support students in both master’s and certificate programs.
Need-Based Scholarships
Qualify for An Affordability Scholarship Worth Up To 25% of Your Program Tuition
Demonstrated need is determined by Student Aid Index (SAI) obtained from a completed FAFSA. SAI takes into consideration several indices including household size, debt, investments, and income to name a few.
Affordability scholarships are open to U.S. citizens and legal residents.
Eligibility for Master’s Program Scholarship
Must be a U.S. citizen, a fully admitted master’s degree or graduate certificate student, and enrolled at least half-time (3 credit hours).
To Apply for Master’s Program Scholarships
Complete the federal financial aid application (FAFSA) in addition to the admissions application to the master’s degree or certificate program of your choice.
Review Process
The review may include, but are not limited to, the following: FAFSA data which contains Adjusted Gross Income, Household Size, NSLDS Student Loan Debt, financial need and conclusions which the Committee may draw as to the applicant’s motivation, character, ability, or potential.
Requirements
Recipients may be required to complete a Recipient Biography form at the beginning of the award year, which is used to compile stewardship reports for the respective donors and/or organizations.
ERIKSON SCHOLARSHIp
Scholarships for Infant Mental Health Students
Earn an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate
As a student in the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate Program, you could qualify for the Vital Beginnings or Harris Scholarship valued at 50-75% of tuition.
Leadership Scholarship Recipient
If you are seeking licensure with Erikson’s Master of Early Childhood Education — Triple Endorsement program, you may qualify for a grant that covers full tuition and fees. These grants are limited to students committed to serve underinvested communities in Illinois or Chicago for four years and participation in a professional learning community for two years post-graduation.
If you are an Illinois resident seeking initial teacher licensure you may qualify for this scholarship through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Both programs require a commitment to teach in Illinois and a promissory note. Scholarship application deadline is March 1.
If you are enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Master’s program leading to initial teacher licensure and bilingual/ESL endorsements, you may be eligible for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program. You must agree to complete a teaching service obligation within designated schools.
The DFSS CSBG Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible individuals in Chicago pursuing their higher education goals. Students enrolled full-time for the 2025 Fall semester in any Illinois college, university, or vocational training program are eligible to apply.
Find the Graduate Student Scholarships that Suit You Best
Learn more about available graduate student scholarships, grants, and aid by speaking with our Financial Aid Office today.