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
• Resources for Political Science Students
• Upcoming Scholarships

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

Top political science scholarships

Advocates and Allies in Law Scholarship

• Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in pre-law, political science, or related major
• Amount: $500
• Deadline: July 1, 2021

Media Fellows Scholarship

• Eligibility: College undergraduates with high financial need who are majoring in Advertising, Marketing, Communications, Business, Political Science, Strategic Media, or other related fields
• Amount: $1,000 to $5,000
• Deadline: July 16, 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

American Political Science Association Grants and Scholarships

• Eligibility: Students majoring in Political Science
• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: Varies

Resources for political science students

American Political Science Association

This website offers political science majors a wealth of resources, including internships, career advice, publications, and opportunities to connect with other students. Bookmark this one!

Summary of political science scholarships

1. Advocates and Allies in Law Scholarship
2. Media Fellows Scholarship
3. Atlas Shrugged Essay Scholarship
4. American Political Science Association Grants and Scholarships

Upcoming political science scholarships

$500 WiseGeek Diversity in Law No-Essay Scholarship

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

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!)

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
•  

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!)
•  

Islamic Society of North America Scholarships 

• Eligibility: Students must be Muslims (some of the specific scholarships are for women)
• Amount: Range from $250 to $60,000

 JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest

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

Patriot’s Pen Essay Scholarship

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

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

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