Top 20 Criminal Justice Scholarships in September 2023

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Open to US-Based high school students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Discover the Leifert & Leifert Right to Privacy Scholarship! This $1,000 award is up for grabs to any postsecondary student who can tackle the question of whether those who have been arrested have a greater right to privacy than the public's right to know. High school graduates, GED holders, and college students across the US are eligible to apply. To win, submit a 750-1,000 word essay discussing the public's right to view information, such as mugshots, on defendants, and what protections defendants should have to keep their information private. Don't forget to include any solutions you come up with to address these issues. If you're a post-secondary student passionate about the accused's rights to privacy, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, or finance? If so, you might be interested in the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program! The scholarship is open to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, or grad students studying a fraud-related discipline. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world’s largest anti-fraud organization, offers the scholarship. It was named after Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie, two former ACFE members who were dedicated to "deterring fraud and other white-collar crime."  If you are also passionate about fighting fraud, we encourage you to apply for the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program! Recipients can earn up to $10,000 to go towards their postsecondary education costs. Additionally, recipients earn a full year of ACFE membership. 

Are you a Pi Gammu Mu member pursuing a graduate degree in a social science field? If so, consider applying for the Pi Gamma Mu Scholarships! The scholarships are open to Pi Gammu Mu members attending graduate school to study a social science, social work, or related interdisciplinary fields. The scholarship is funded by Pi Gamma Mu, the oldest and preeminent interdisciplinary social science honor society and a nonprofit organization. Since 1924, they have encouraged and promoted excellence in the social sciences field and uphold scholarship, leadership, and service. Thus, every year, they award scholarships worth up to $2,000 to help students attend graduate school. If you are a Pi Gammu Mu member looking for help funding your graduate degree, we encourage you to apply!

This DCCI Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for Canadian high school seniors with disabilities who are pursuing post-secondary education in health care, criminal justice, or community & social services. To apply, submit an original essay of 500-700 words on how your disability has shaped your decision to study your chosen program. Don't forget to include proof of your high school graduation, acceptance to an accredited institution, and Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. This scholarship is a chance to pursue your dreams and make a difference in your community. One winner will be chosen to receive $1,000 toward the costs of their post-secondary education in Canada. Keep on reading to learn more!

Are you a current postsecondary student studying the criminal justice field? Alternatively, are you a high school senior or graduate who will be soon enrolled in a postsecondary institution to study criminal justice? If either applies, you might consider applying for the Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship! Dedicated to fostering the education of students who are excellent representatives of the criminal justice field, the scholarship awards $500 to one hardworking student each year. In order to apply, you must submit the online application and a 1-2 page essay describing long-term goals in the criminal justice field and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. If you’re passionate about criminal justice and are looking for some help to pay off educational expenses, we encourage you to apply!

The Criminal Justice Scholarship Program was established by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association to assist students who are dependents of law enforcement officials or who are studying in the criminal justice field and express an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Applicants must be North Carolina residents enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours in an undergraduate degree granting criminal justice program at one of the institutions of The University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. To apply, students must receive a recommendation from their local sheriff and complete and submit an application. If you're a North Carolinian with a passion for keeping the public safe, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more!

The George E. Meares Memorial Scholarship is funded by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a historically African-American fraternity that leverages its power, influence, and more than 100 years of commitment to uplift their people and communities. Every year, their George E. Meares Memorial Scholarship awards up to $5,000 to multiple Omega Psi Phi fraternity members pursuing graduate studies in social work, the social sciences, or criminal justice. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Are you a LGBTQ+ individual with plans of pursuing a career in law enforcement? Look no further - the Out to Protect Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! The scholarship is offered by Out to Protect, an organization dedicated to bringing greater awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals working in law enforcement. In June and December of each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to an applicant currently attending a basic law enforcement training program. To apply, you must complete an application form and submit two letters of recommendation from academy staff or peers. If you fit the criteria and want to get some help paying for training costs, we encourage you to apply! Not only will you be helping yourself, but you’ll be helping others too.

Are you an enrolled tribal member with a passion for making a positive impact in your community? The Continental Society, Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship is your chance to turn your dreams into reality! This scholarship is designed specifically for enrolled tribal members who are dedicated to working with tribes or nations in the field of Education or Social Service. Whether your career goals involve teaching the next generation of Native American leaders or providing critical social services to underserved communities, this scholarship can help you achieve your dreams. If you're committed to making a real difference in the lives of Native Americans, we encourage you to apply for the Continental Society, Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship!

The Brian Terry Scholar Program is funded by the Brian Terry Foundation, an organization that provides support for families of fallen U.S. Border Patrol agents. Each year, their Brian Terry Scholarship Program awards scholarships of varying amounts to multiple current and incoming college students planning to study criminal justice and eventually seek a career in law enforcement. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

The Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund is a fantastic opportunity for students pursuing a career in the Maritime Industry and/or International Trade. This scholarship is awarded based on merit to students who are currently enrolled in a 4-year college/university, a 2-year institutional degree program, or a US Coast Guard-approved course. Graduate students are also eligible. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a declared major/minor related to the Maritime Industry and/or International Trade. To apply, students must complete a short online application, provide certified academic transcripts, and submit one letter of recommendation. The scholarship can be used towards tuition, fees, and books, and awards are dispersed to the recipient's institution of learning by September. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to further your education and advance your career!

The WIFLE Scholarship recognizes students who show academic potential, achievement, and dedication to serving communities in the field of law enforcement. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited four-year college or university or be enrolled in a fully accredited community college with plans to transfer to a four-year degree program. Applicants must have completed at least one year of college work and be majoring in Criminal Justice or a related discipline (see below for list). Graduate and postgraduate students are also eligible. Don't miss out on this opportunity to further your education and make a difference in your community!

Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student committed to a career in healthcare or first responder fields? If so, you might consider applying for the Pearl Mae Scholarship! This yearly renewable scholarship is funded by the Pearl Mae Foundation, an organization that honors the life of Pearl Mae Kreidler. Pearl established churches in the impoverished rural areas of South Florida, where she gave to people who needed life’s basic necessities. If you’re passionate about serving others and are looking for some help financing your education, this is the perfect scholarship! 

Are you a full-time undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in criminology? If so, consider applying for the Gene Carte Student Paper Competition! Each year, the competition awards between $200 and $500 to the top three applicants who submit criminology papers no longer than 8,000 words. Each winner will be invited to present their paper at the Annual Meeting, with the first-place winner receiving an additional $500 to pay for travel costs. The competition is hosted by the American Society of Criminology, “an international organization whose members pursue scientific and professional knowledge concerning the measurement, consequences, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and delinquency.”  If you’re passionate about criminology and everything it involves, it’s time to do some of your own research and apply to the Gene Carte Student Paper Competition!

The Capt. James J. Regan Scholarship is funded by Learning for Life Corporation, an organization that develops engaging, research-based, academic, character, leadership, and career-focused programs aligned to state and national standards to guide and enable all students to achieve their full potential. Each year, the corporation's Capt. James J. Regan Scholarship awards $2,500 to two (2) applicants who are actively participating in a law enforcement Explorer post. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship is for students who plan to pursue a career in police work, corrections or other criminal justice fields. This scholarship is designed to recognize students who demonstrate a similar passion for public service and who demonstrate academic potential, leadership, and financial need. To be eligible applicants must be current graduating seniors or graduates of a public or private high school in the greater San Francisco Bay Area (includes San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties) or planning to enroll or currently enrolled in a two- or four-year college, university or police academy as a full-time student.