Anthropology Scholarships

Financial Aid for the Sciences

Anthropology is the study of humanity and its social and cultural development. Anthropologist’s explore the history of mankind, from its origins as tribes of hunter-gatherers through to the beginnings of modern civilization as we know it. By studying man’s cultural and biological history, anthropologist’s hope to better understand our present, and our possible futures.

Anthropology encompasses four major sub-disciplines: cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology. Students majoring in anthropology will be required to complete coursework in all four of these sub-disciplines. They will also need to take classes in world history, literature and the natural sciences.

A degree in anthropology takes time, and where college is concerned that means money. Fortunately, there are a wide range of lucrative scholarships available to help anthropology majors supplement their college fund.

Anthropology Scholarships from Colleges and Universities

The majority of scholarships for students majoring in anthropology are campus-based. Whether funded by the school itself, or by outside endowments, these scholarships will only be available to students who have been accepted into the anthropology department at the college or university in question. Campus-based scholarships for anthropology majors tend to be merit-based, though some schools will take financial need into consideration when making their final award decisions. Students pursuing degrees in anthropology should speak with their college advisers, department heads, and financial aid officers for information on scholarships programs which may be available to them.

The following campus-based anthropology scholarships should give students an idea of the financial aid opportunities that may be available through their college or university.

• Colorado State University offers two scholarships for students enrolled in its anthropology department. The Anthropology Graduate Scholarship is open to graduate level students who are enrolled in CSU’s College of Liberal Arts and are majoring in a field of study within the anthropology department. The Esther Pressel Undergraduate Cultural Scholarship is available to undergraduates majoring in cultural anthropology at CSU’s College of Liberal Arts. Students applying for either of these scholarships must be enrolled full-time, and must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Award amounts vary.
• Northern Arizona University sponsors a number of scholarships for students enrolled in its anthropology department. The Miranda Warburton Anthropology Scholarship is open to undergraduate anthropology majors with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The William Griffen Native American Anthropology Scholarship is offered to Native American undergraduates majoring in anthropology. The Robert Euler Anthropology Student Scholarship is available to graduate students entering their second year of studies. Awards are based on past academic performance. The Kenny Acord Memorial Award is offered to exceptional graduate students enrolled in the university’s anthropology department who are working on an archaeological research project. Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal and an itemized budget.
• The University of West Georgia administers the Antonio J. Waring Research Scholarship for graduate students conducting anthropological research. Applicants must submit a comprehensive research proposal, a detailed budget, and a cover letter signed by their department head. The award is $1000 to be spread over two semesters. Scholarship recipients will also be reimbursed for up to $600 of research expenses following the completion of their project.
• The University of Texas at San Antonio offers the Dona Agripina De Urdaneta Endowed Scholarship in Anthropology. Applicants must be an undergraduate student majoring in anthropology who has completed a minimum of 60 credit hours at the university, and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. To be eligible, students must also demonstrate the requisite level of financial need. Preference is given to students studying cultural anthropology, and to applicants who are the first in their family to attend college. Award amounts vary according to the number of applicants each year, and the availability of funds.

Anthropology Scholarships from Professional Organizations

While the majority of scholarships for anthropology majors are available through colleges and universities, there are a number of programs supported by independent professional associations and science foundations. These programs are generally open to all anthropology majors, regardless of their school of attendance. In some instances, these scholarships will include internships that offer anthropology majors hands on experience in the field.

• The Intercollegiate Studies Institute administers the Western Civilization Fellowship for graduate students conducting anthropological research into the social and cultural history of the west. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, and must be student members of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. Three fellowships are awarded each year, and each fellow will receive $20,000 to be used a the college or university of their choice.
• The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program offers financial support to exceptional graduate students in NSF supported fields of science. Applicants must be pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees at an accredited U.S. college or university. Fellowship recipients will receive up to $30,000 in research funds, plus $10,500 to cover tuition and fees.
• The Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archive sponsors the annual George Watt Memorial essay contest for undergraduate and graduate students. Students must submit an essay on any aspect of the Spanish Civil War, or the global political or cultural struggles against fascism in the 1930′s. Two prizes of $250 will be awarded, one in the undergraduate division and one in the graduate division.
• The Smithsonian Minority Internship Program is designed to provide minority students with experience in research and museum related projects. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate course of studies at an accredited U.S. college or university, and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Participants in the program will intern at the Smithsonian full time (40 hours per week) for ten weeks, and will receive a $550 weekly stipend plus expenses.

Anthropology is a fascinating subject, and its sub-disciplines help us to understand ourselves by exploring our sociocultural history. Students pursuing degrees in anthropology will find the coursework as challenging as it is rewarding. With the right scholarships, anthropology majors can take their place alongside their scientific peers.