There’s no doubt about it: politics is an exciting field to be in. Whether you are right, left, or center, political science can be a great major to consider if you aspire to work in the political arena. Political science can open up many doors, whether you want to go to law school, run for office, work in media, or conduct research in a think tank. It’s no surprise that political science is a very popular major among students. 

If you are a current or prospective political science major, you are probably also thinking about how to pay for your degree! Luckily, there are a number of scholarships to help you fund your political science degree (and if you are a college student looking for law school scholarships, we’ve got them too!)

Jump ahead to:

• Top Political Science Scholarships
• Summary of Political Science Scholarships
• Expired Scholarships

Keep on reading to learn more about the top political science scholarships to apply for in 2021!

Top Political Science Scholarships

Anthem Essay Contest

• Eligibility: Students in 8th through 12th grade who write a 600 – 1,200 word essay
• Amount: Up to $2,000 (many prizes!)
• Deadline: April 29, 2021

Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

• Eligibility: Students in grades 11t and 12, undergraduate, and graduate students who write a 800 – 1,600 word essay
• Amount: Up to $10,000 (many prizes!)
• Deadline: September 27, 2021

Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship

• Eligibility: These scholarships are offered through the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). They are open to college juniors or seniors pursuing a major in political science, history, government, or economics
• Amount: $5,000
• Deadline: February 15, 2021

Fountainhead Essay Contest

• Eligibility: Students in 11th and 12th grade who write a 800 – 1,600 word essay
• Amount: Up to $5,000 (many prizes!)
• Deadline: April 27, 2021

 JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest

• Eligibility: High school students (9-12)
• Amount: $10,000
• Deadline: January 15

National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

• Eligibility: Open to all high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and planning careers of service to the United States in local, state, or federal government
• Amount: Up to a $5,000 scholarship. In addition, winners receive an all expenses paid weekend, including transportation and housing, to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to attend the Scholarship Awards Ceremony
• Deadline: January 15, 2021

Summary of Political Science Scholarships

1. Atlas Shrugged Essay Scholarship
2. Anthem Essay Contest
3. Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship
4. Fountainhead Essay Contest
5. JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
6. National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

Expired Scholarships

Patriot’s Pen Essay Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Deadline: October 31st

Proff Law Juvenile & Restorative Justice Scholarship

• Eligibility: Opens to students spending their summer working at a non-profit organization, doing juvenile justice or restorative justice work
• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline: April 30

WiseGeek Diversity in Law No-Essay Scholarship

• Eligibility: Females in high school who plan to pursue a degree in STEM
• Amount: $500
• Deadline: December 31