Funding Resources

Graduate Assistantships (MSW) (on campus only, full time students)

The School of Social Work awards several GAs to MSW students each year. Awards are open to both new and returning full time graduate students. New students interested in this opportunity must first apply by the priority deadline, January 15, to be considered. After a student is accepted into the MSW program they are then invited to apply. This process is competitive and available to on campus MSW students only. GA positions cover tuition and include a small stipend in exchange for 10-20 hours of work per week, and typically begin at the start of the Fall semester and run though the end of Spring.

Students may also search for GA positions outside of the School of Social Work by contacting departments individually and using the Handshake search tool.

Training Programs (BSW & MSW)

Rural Integrative Behavioral Health Training Program-RIBHT (on-campus and online MSW students only)

The RIBHT program prepares MSW students for integrated behavioral health (mental health and substance abuse) practice across the lifespan. Trainees funded in this program engage in additional training and program activities and receive $10,000 in stipend support during completion of their advanced field placement.

Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program (on-campus and online BSW & MSW)

The Title IV-E program is for students interested in child welfare, adoption, and child protection areas. It is available to both part-time and full-time students, and provides in-state tuition and fee waivers and a monthly stipend. Students must be employed or be eligible to be employed at WV Department of Human Services (DoHS) and commit to completing their field education requirements with DoHS in child welfare (i.e. child protective services, youth services, foster care, and adoption). Online MSW students are eligible but must complete field placement and work obligations in WV.  After graduation, students that received Title IV-E assistance are obligated to work at WV DoHS for the same amount of time they received tuition and stipend assistance. 

The EER/L Program reimburses up to $1,400 for undergraduate courses and $1,800 for graduate courses up to four times a year. Full-time, permanent DH/DHF/DoHS employees can apply after their probationary period. This program also offers paid education leave for classes not available during work hours. To qualify for the EER/L program, you must be seeking a degree or courses which directly relate to maintaining or improving your existing position within the DoHS. 

Details on the application process are available by emailing Kayla Carter at   osaohrmretention@wv.gov or calling 304-352-6921.

WVU School of Social Work Scholarships (BSW & MSW)

Scholarships are available to juniors and seniors in the social work program, as well as incoming and returning master's students. For MSW's applying to the program you can find specific instructions  here. Although these awards are helpful, they will not cover full tuition costs (average award is between $1000 to $1500). Scholarships are open to full, part-time, and online students and applications are made available typically in February/March of each year. Note that not all scholarships are available each year.

Terry E. Armentrout Scholarship (BSW/MSW)
This scholarship is available to students who show financial need. A minimum GPA of 3.0 with recognized potential in the School of Social Work must be shown. Applicant must be a Native-born West Virginian. Both BSW and MSW students may apply with preference given to BSW students.

Barrett Community Development Scholarship (MSW)
For graduate students in the School of Social Work at WVU who are making acceptable progress toward their degree and have high academic performance. The recipient's graduate work must emphasize community development and community organization. Preference will be given to students from West Virginia who plan to remain in the state for their careers and/or students who need the support of this award to complete an internship or community placement as part of their education.

Dr. Eleanor Blakely “Pay It Forward” Scholarship (MSW)
Available to graduate (MSW) students in the School of Social Work. Recipients shall demonstrate academic promise and reflect some or all of the characteristics exhibited by Dr. Blakely; leadership abilities, enthusiasm for academic work, pride in the social work profession, potential for professional involvement, compassion, and generosity of spirit.

Kirby Lee Brawner Scholarship (BSW/MSW) This scholarship is for students who wish to work and remain in the State of West Virginia. Applicant must have attended a West Virginia high school, demonstrate financial need, and have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Department of Welfare Scholarship (BSW)
For BSW students who plan to pursue a career in public welfare. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be in good academic standing (3.0 GPA).

Helen Steele Ellison Scholarship (BSW/MSW)
For natives of West Virginia. Preference for this scholarship will be given to a female. Both BSW and MSW students may apply.

Patricia W. Johnson Social Work Scholarship (BSW)
This scholarship is for BSW students in good academic standing (3.0 GPA).

Connie Lynn Kade Graduate Social Work Scholarship (MSW)
This scholarship is available to MSW students who are in good academic standing (3.0 GPA) and demonstrate financial need. The recipient must be a native of (born in) West Virginia, but does not have to be a current permanent resident.

Caroline T. Mudd Alumni Endowed Scholarship (BSW/MSW)
This scholarship is for BSW or MSW students in the School of Social Work.

Lisa N. Rocco Social Work Scholarship (BSW)
For BSW students who demonstrate a 3.0 GPA and financial need.

Social Work General Scholarship Fund (BSW/MSW)
A general scholarship fund for undergraduate and graduate social work students.

Enid Utal Rosenblatt Memorial Scholarship (BSW)
For woman+ BSW student enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program centered on public service.

Other Scholarships (BSW & MSW)

American Associate of University Women (MSW)
The American Association of University Women provides funding for women (international and national), pursuing graduate study.

Association of Latina/Latino Social Work Educators (BSW & MSW)
The Association of Latina/Latino Social Work Educators provides scholarships to Latina/Latino social work students who demonstrate leadership in the social work context and aspire to a career of excellence.

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) – Minority Fellowship Program for Master’s Students in Mental Health Services (MSW)
Support the mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to reduce the effects of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities by increasing the number of individuals trained to work with underrepresented and underserved racial/ethnic minority persons with or at risk for mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.

The Darrin Lester Scholarship will be awarded to a person who has been released from a West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) state prison or a federal prison (Bureau of Prisons; BOP) in West Virginia and who will be beginning or continuing their undergraduate or graduate education at a college or university in West Virginia. Two $3,000 scholarships will be available for the 2024–2025 academic year. Eligibility extends to people who have served at least one year post-conviction in WV under custody of the WVDCR, whether that time was served in prison or jail, or the BOP. The applicant must have been released within three years of the application deadline.

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund (BSW & MSW)   
Funding for students actively working for peace and participation in struggles for civil rights, economic justice, international solidarity or other progressive issues.

Gamma Mu Scholarship (BSW & MSW)
The Gamma Mu Scholarship provides support to gay men who want to further their education.

Health Professions Scholarship - Indian Health Service (MSW)
The Health Professions Scholarship is awarded to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native graduate level students.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (BSW & MSW)
The Hispanic Scholarship is designed to assist students of Hispanic heritage obtain a college degree.

Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (BSW & MSW)
The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship is available to an undergraduate or graduate student who is a member of the NAACP.

Melanie Foundation (MSW)
The Melanie Foundation Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship to be awarded to a candidate pursuing a doctoral or master’s degree in the mental health field.

National Association of Black Social Workers (BSW & MSW)
The National Association of Black Social Workers offers various scholarships to NABSW members.

NASW Foundation (MSW)
The NASW Foundation offers two master’s level scholarships to students who show a commitment to working with underserved populations.

Philanthropic Educational Organization International Peace Scholarship (MSW)
The International Peace Scholarship Fund, established in 1949, is a program which provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada.

Point Foundation (BSW & MSW)
The Point Foundation awards scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students.

Recovery Village Health Care Scholarship (MSW)
The Recovery Village awards a $1,000 scholarship to a student pursuing a health-related degree program with a focus on substance abuse and mental health.

The Roothbert Fund, Inc. (BSW & MSW)
The Roothbert Fund, Inc. provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarships may only be applied to study at an accredited institution based in the United States. The Fund seeks candidates who are "motivated by spiritual values," and works to foster fellowship among them.

Leopold Schepp Foundation (BSW & MSW)     
The Leopold Schepp Foundation awards educational scholarships to full-time students who demonstrate a combination of fine character, academic excellence, financial need, compassion, a commitment to volunteerism and whose goal will benefit mankind.

Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund-Council on Social Work Education (BSW & MSW)
The Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund provides a scholarship targeted to but not limited to minority ethnic/racial individuals.

SeniorCare.com Aging Matters Scholarship (BSW & MSW)
This scholarship is for students who currently care for an aging loved one, work within the senior community, or intend to pursue a career that will have an impact on the elder population.

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans (MSW)
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans offers fellowship to support New Americans, immigrants or the children of immigrants, who are pursuing graduate school in the United States.

Tillman Scholars (BSW & MSW)
This scholarship is open to military veterans (active duty or separated, including National Guard & reserve) and spouses pursuing a full-time degree at a US-based accredited institution. Each award is based on the applicant’s unique financial need.

WVU Center for Women's and Gender Studies (BSW & MSW)
Scholarships and a Teaching Assistant position (TA position MSW only).

VA’s Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) (MSW only)
Covers 100% of tuition once awarded and provides a monthly living stipend (Currently $1,200) while attending classes. In return, upon completion of their education the recipient comes to work for the VA (service obligation of 6 years) taking care of the mental health needs of our Nation’s Heroes. 

"Innovation in Education" (BSW & MSW)
LA Tutor's $500 "Innovation in Education" scholarship is available to students who demonstrate creativity and positive impact. This ongoing monthly scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have created an innovative project and can provide supporting documentation (letter of recommendation, news article/photo featuring their project, etc.). The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm PST on the 20th of each month. 

Financial Aid (BSW & MSW)

Tuition Rates: 

• Undergraduate tuition fees for on-campus BSW students
• Graduate tuition fees for the on-campus MSW program 
• Graduate tuition fees  for the online MSW program 
• WVU Tuition Calculator