MPA Scholarships and Grants

Earning a master of public administration can help you earn a much higher salary, but it does require you to spend more time in school. Scholarships and grants are great for students who need to pay for this extra schooling. Both of these forms of financial aid can help you earn your degree.

Scholarships versus Grants: Which is Better?

Which form of financial aid is better? Actually, they are nearly the same thing! Scholarships and grants are both available to students at all educational levels, and when you graduate, you don’t have to repay that money. In some cases, you can also reapply for the money every semester as long as you maintain qualifications, like a high GPA. The one way scholarships and grants do differ from one another is how you become eligible. Scholarships are typically given to students who show merit of some sort, like a high GPA or professional achievements. Grants, on the other hand, are typically available to students who show financial need and would otherwise perhaps not be able to attend school. Of course, individual scholarships and grants both usually have other requirements as well.

Specific Scholarships and Grants for MPA Students

Ready to start looking for financial aid? Here are some organizations that offer these scholarships and grants for students in MPA programs:

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
Government Finance Officers Association
Society of Public Administration
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
Public Policy & International Affairs

In addition, most colleges offer scholarships and grants directly to their students – all you have to do is apply. You can also talk to your school’s financial aid director or the head of the public administration department to learn about local community scholarships that you might be eligible to for.

Earning a Scholarships or Grant

Here are a few tips to help you earn a scholarship or grant:

Make sure you double-check the details. Spelling counts!
Have someone else read over any essays or statements you need to provide.
Adhere to deadlines. Even being one day late will disqualify you.
Address the application to the right place. If it goes to the wrong mailbox, it could never end up in the right hands.
Make sure to attach any financial documents or transcripts they need as part of your application.

Most Popular Masters of Public Administration Degrees

These days a Master's degree is essential to get ahead. A Master's in Public Administration or MPA can be just what you needed for advanced or placement in a public sector job. Browse our selection of MPA and related degrees below.

Master of Public Admin MPA Law & Public Policy MPA Nonprofit Mgmt. More MPA Degrees	Walden University — Walden offers several Master of Public Administration degree programs, including the MPA in law & public policy, MPA in nonprofit management, MPA in health policy, MPA in homeland security policy, MPA in policy analysis, MPA in interdisciplinary policy studies, and more. Each of these programs is geared towards public sector professionals looking to improve their skills in translating public policies into effective programs and projects.
Masters in Public Admin	University of Southern California — The University of Southern California offers an accredited, online Masters of Public Administration for students seeking high level positions within that field. The degree can be completed at a relatively fast pace or on a timeline that is comfortable to you, allowing greater control over your education and when you can begin or advance your career.
Master of Public Admin	Capella University — Capella University's MPA program focuses on building public value through collaborative networks, promoting ethical performance standards; enhancing professional communication skills, and formulating and achieving innovative solutions to the challenges of public protection, policy, and governance. Graduates will gain an in-depth understanding of your own field, and will gain insights through collaborative efforts with working professionals in other fields.
MPA Govt. & Policy MPA Healthcare Mgmt	Grand Canyon University — The Grand Canyon University Master of Public Administration offers two specialized course programs: Government & Policy and Healthcare Management. The programs are designed for those looking to further their career in the public sector while continuing to work. Graduates will enhance their options for employment in all levels of government, health care administration, and other quasi- and/or non-governmental organizations.
Master of Public Admin MBA Public Admin MA Edu & Public Policy MA/OM Public Admin	Ashford University — Ashford University offers a variety of degree options for completing the Master in Public Administration: Students can get receive a general MPA, MBA in Public Administration, MA in Organizational Management in Public Administration, or an MA in Education & Public Policy. All programs provide students with an understanding of theoretical and practical principles involved with public administration, Education, and public policy.
Master of Public Admin	Post University — Post University has an accredited Masters of Public Administration program. This program is versatile as it can be applied to private, public, and even military careers. Post University strives to follow current standards and best practices to develop curriculum that is industry-driven and has practical applications outside the classroom. Classes are focused on helping student's develop managerial, organizational, financial-planning, and communication skills.
Master of Public Admin MBA Public Admin	Strayer University — Strayer University offers course programs in the forms of both a Master of Public Administration and an MBA in Public Administration. The MPA program teaches students about fiscal governance, including income and debt management, financial reporting, budget planning, and taxation. The MBA program covers foundational topics in marketing, fiscal management, economics, and professional principles.
Master of Public Admin	Kaplan University — The Master of Public Administration program at Kaplan University is designed to help practicing and would public policy planners develop the techniques and skills necessary to take on leadership roles in a wide variety of public service fields. The program also offers the flexibility for general or more specialized understanding of public policy making.
Master of Public Admin MPA Nonprofit Org. MPA Public Personnel	Upper Iowa University — Upper Iowa University provides several specialized course programs including Master of Public Administration, an MPA in Nonprofit Organizations, and an MPA in Public Personnel Management. All programs provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and tackle administrative and managerial roles in government and non-profit organizations. The program is available remotely and online for busy working professionals.
MA Policy & Admin	Northwestern University — Northwestern University MA in Public Policy and Administration is geared towards those early and midcareer managers and executives working in federal, state and local government agencies. The program is also for those wanting to address the challenges that arise from working with foundations and associations and for those whose work otherwise involve public policy and administrative duties.
Click here to learn about more MPA Programs and colleges.