Scholarships at Dominican

For more than a century, Dominican University has been committed to the highest quality education—and an intentional affordability that makes it accessible to all. That’s why U.S. News & World Report ranks us the No. 1 Best Value School in the Chicagoland area. Scholarships are one of the most important tools for making education affordable. Explore the many scholarships offered below.

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Jump to Graduate Scholarships; select school/program below:

Brennan School of Business
School of Education
School of Information Studies
School of Social Work
Master of Arts in Mediation and Conflict Resolution Program

Undergraduate Scholarships

Merit Scholarships (Fall 2023–2024)

Eligibility: Freshmen, transfer, and international students

Freshman merit scholarships for academic achievement range from $12,000–$22,000 annually and are renewable for a maximum of three years, provided you continue to make satisfactory academic progress. The Presidential and Dean's Scholarships are renewable after your first year at Dominican, provided you maintain a 3.0 grade point average or better. These scholarships are awarded regardless of financial need and are determined at the time of acceptance. Freshman merit scholarships are awarded to full-time students. Use our Freshman Merit Scholarship Calculator to determine your estimated amount.

  • Presidential Scholarship: $22,000
  • Dean’s Scholarship: $19,000
  • Founder’s Scholarship: $17,000
  • Achievement Scholarship: $15,000
  • Recognition Award: $12,000

Transfer merit scholarships are awarded to entering full-time transfer students based on their grade-point average from their previous institutions at the time of acceptance to Dominican University. These scholarships are awarded for academic achievement and range from $6,000-$16,000 annually. They are renewable for a maximum of two years, provided you continue to make satisfactory academic progress. The Presidential and Dean's Scholarships are renewable after your first year at Dominican, provided you maintain a 3.0 grade point average or better. These scholarships are awarded regardless of financial need and are determined at the time of acceptance. To be eligible for the transfer merit scholarship, a student must have completed at least 13 semester hours.

  • Transfer Presidential Scholarship: $16,000 (transfer GPA of 3.5 and above)
  • Transfer Dean's Scholarship: $15,000 (transfer GPA of 3.3 to 3.49)
  • Transfer Founder's Scholarship: $12,000 (transfer GPA of. 3.0 to 3.29)
  • Transfer Achievement Scholarship: $9,000 (transfer GPA of 2.75 to 2.99)
  • Transfer Recognition Award: $6,000 (transfer GPA of 2.74 or lower)

International students are eligible for Dominican Merit Scholarships.

Barbantini Family Scholarship

Eligibility: First-Year students interested in the study of Italian language and culture

For incoming students interested in the study of Italian language and culture and who meet the minimum criteria are invited to apply. Previous experience with Italian is not required. 

Scholarship awards up to $5,000 per year for a total of four years for first-year students. Yearly award based on a continuous program of study (one course in the Italian program per semester), these courses may be applied toward a major or minor in Italian studies.

Students are encouraged to consider Dominican University’s program in Italian as complementary to other offered fields of study such as international business, education, marketing, economics, fashion, graphic design, communications, and international relations and diplomacy.

Academic Requirements: Earned a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0/4.0.
Deadline: Annually on February 15

Apply to the Barbantini Family Scholarship

Ida Brechtel Scholarship

Eligibility: Students planning to major in chemistry or biology-chemistry and meet the minimum criteria are invited to apply. Scholarships are up to $10,000 a year for a total of four years for first-year students and two years for transfer students.

First-Year students: a cumulative 3.3/4.0 grade-point average

Transfer students: a cumulative 3.5/4.0 grade-point average

Deadline: Annually on February 15

Required application materials:

  • Ida Brechtel Scholarship Application

  • 200–300 word essay explaining your decision to major in chemistry or biology-chemistry, and how it applies to your future career plans

  • Recommendation letter from a science teacher or instructor

  • Up-to-date official high school transcript (first-year students)

  • Official final high school transcript (transfer students)

Apply to the Ida Brechtel Scholarship

Brennan Business Scholars

Eligibility: Admitted freshman students

Admitted freshmen with an intended business-related major and a specified academic criteria are invited to attend a special event during Accepted Student Day. During this event, accepted business students learn more about the Brennan School of Business curriculum and career development activities, participate in a mock class session, and interact with current students, faculty and alumni.  Participating students will be eligible to interview for additional scholarship funds.  The Brennan Business Scholars Scholarship is stackable and ranges from $500-$2,000 per year.

Brennan Business Star Scholarships

Eligibility: Transfer students

Brennan Business Star Scholarships are available to transfer students majoring in finance, management or marketing within the Evening Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program. Scholarships are $2,000 per year, renewable for an additional year.

Scholarship Requirements
  • Transfer students from Harold Washington College, Morton College or Triton College will receive a $2,000 scholarship upon admission to the Evening BBA program
  • A minimum grade-point average of 2.75/4.0
  • An associate’s degree and the General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) from one of the aforementioned colleges
For questions, please contact:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
domadmis@dom.edu
(708) 524-6800

Catholic High School Scholarship

Eligibility: Freshman students

Graduates of Catholic high schools receive a $2,500 renewable scholarship.

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship

Eligibility: Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made.

On March 23, 2018, the President signed Public Law 115-141, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, which included an amendment to Section 473(b) of the Higher Education Act, authorizing the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship. Under this scholarship, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. To qualify for this scholarship, a student must be Pell-eligible and have a Pell-eligible EFC and be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death. In subsequent award years, the student continues to be eligible for the scholarship, as long as the student has a Pell-eligible EFC and continues to be an eligible student.

Criteria

For purposes of the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship, a public safety officer is:

  • As defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); or
  • A fire police officer, defined as an individual who is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency and provides scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency, or at a planned special event.
Application

The Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship requires the institution’s financial aid administrator (FAA) to determine and document, in collaboration with the student, that the student was less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent or guardian’s death. A single, national data source of individuals who died in the line of duty while serving as a public safety officer does not exist.

Here are some examples of documents that you will need to submit to serve as proof of eligibility:

  • A determination letter acknowledging eligibility for certain federal benefits under the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) program administered by the Department of Justice;
  • A written letter of attestation or determination made by a state or local government official with supervisory or other relevant oversight authority of an individual who died in the line of duty while serving as a public safety officer as defined above;
  • Documentation of the student qualifying for a state tuition or other state benefit accorded to the children or other family members of a public safety officer consistent with the definition in 42 U.S.C. 3796b, or as a fire police officer as noted above; or
  • Other documentation the school determines to be from a credible source that describes or reports the circumstances of the death and the occupation of the parent or guardian.

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Application (pdf)

Award

The student will be eligible for the maximum Pell Grant for his or her enrollment status and cost of attendance.

Please send the application and all documentation to:

Office of Financial Aid
Dominican University
7900 W. Division Street
River Forest, IL 60305

Dominican Star Scholarships

Dominican Star Scholarships are available to members of the Star Scholars Program of the City Colleges of Chicago as well as selected private, two-year institutions. This $2,000 scholarship may be awarded in addition to transfer merit scholarships for a total of two years. Recipients must be full-time students.

ExcEL Scholar Awards

Eligibility: All undergraduate students

The Excellence in Experiential Learning (ExcEL) Scholar Award program is a pilot effort designed to provide gap funding support to undergraduates who want to build hands-on educational experiences into their Dominican University careers.

Students who wish to pursue or design an internship, community-based learning, independent research, study away, study abroad, or entrepreneurial project that will accelerate their professional growth, deepen their scholarly knowledge, and/or actively engage as citizens of the world may apply for awards of up to $2000. Learn more about the ExcEL Scholar Awards.

Family Allowances

Eligibility: All undergraduate students

Family allowances of $1,000 per student are available when a full-time Dominican University student has a sibling who is also attending full time or has a sibling who graduated from Dominican University’s undergraduate program.

Legacy Scholarship

Eligibility: All undergraduate students

Renewable awards of $2,000 are available to children and grandchildren of Dominican University graduates. Awards are for full-time undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor's degree.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships

Eligibility: Transfer students

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships are available to members of this international honor society at two-year colleges, and may be awarded in addition to the transfer merit scholarships.

  • $2,500
The Pillars Scholarship

Eligibility: Admitted Freshmen with a cumulative 3.25 grade-point average (priority given to African American/Black first-year students)

Scholarship Amounts: Varies

The Pillars Scholarship is designed for admitted  first-year students who are interested in becoming urban leaders committed to social justice. This leadership is accomplished through contemplation, service, the creation of community, and the cultivation of one’s relationship to learning. The path of social justice requires a commitment to truth seeking, sparked by a curiosity.

Requirements
  • A cumulative 3.25/4.0 grade-point average
  • Must live on campus the first two years (four semesters)

Application deadline: March 15

Apply to the Pillars Scholarship

PSI Scholarship (Positive Science Identity)

Eligibility: Admitted first-year students who identify as future biologists, chemists, MDs, veterinarians, dentists, Physician Assistants, and other science-related professions who show academic-talent and are from lower-income families. Students are required to major in biology, biology-chemistry, or chemistry. Students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or recognized refugees for funding (unfortunately, undocumented, DACA, and DREAMer students are not eligible). Students must have financial need, as determined by Pell grant eligibility. For Pell grant eligibility to be determined, students must complete the FAFSA.

Scholarships are $4,000–$10,000 per year for four years, with value depending on unmet financial need. PSI scholars will not only receive scholarship funds but will also receive a stipend to support research projects, internships, study away programs, etc. This scholarship is a last dollar scholarship, that will cover attendance costs after other scholarships have been applied. 

PSI scholars will be part of a community of practitioners through cohort courses, academic support, and STEM faculty mentorship. Scholars will be strongly recommended to live on campus and scholarship funds can support on campus living costs. 

This is a partial list of the qualities we are searching for in PSI scholars: 

  • Should be curious
  • Love learning
  • Might not have everything figured out yet, but have problem-solving skills
  • Don’t need to be perfect academically, but show promise
  • Can try and fail and keep trying
  • A ‘you can do it’ attitude
Academic Requirements
  • Cumulative 3.0/4.0 high school grade-point average
  • We are particularly interested in your high school math and science coursework
Required application materials
  • Completed application statement
  • 2 recommendation letters, with at least one from a high school science or math teacher
Submission deadline

Annually on February 15, with rolling deadline

After the deadline, eligible students will be interviewed by professors and awards will be made based on all application materials.

Send required scholarship application materials or questions to: psi_scholars@dom.edu

PSI Application (pdf)

Residence Life Award

Eligibility: First-year and transfer students

Freshmen and transfer students living on campus will be awarded $3,000.

Sinsinawa Legacy Scholarship

Eligibility: First-year students from the four Sinsinawa Dominican-sponsored high schools: Bethlehem Academy (MN), Dominican (WI), Edgewood (WI), Trinity (IL) and Fenwick (IL).

Dominican University and Edgewood College, two Sinsinawa Dominican-sponsored institutions, are offering two full tuition scholarships, valued at over $143,000 over four years, to two students from the four Sinsinawa Dominican-sponsored high schools: Bethlehem Academy (MN), Dominican (WI), Edgewood (WI), Trinity (IL) as well as Fenwick (IL) High School. Students can choose to use the award to pursue study at either Dominican University or Edgewood College.

Award Criteria

To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a 3.25 GPA
  • Submit a Sinsinawa Legacy Scholarship Application and letter of recommendation
  • Must be admitted to either Dominican University or Edgewood College
  • Be willing and able to participate in annual mission integration experiences sponsored by their respective matriculating institution

Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee comprised of Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters and key stakeholders from both institutions.

SUCCESS Scholarship (Students from Under-represented Communities College Enrichment Scholarship)

Eligibility: Freshman students

Membership in a college enrichment group/organization with recommendation may receive a $2,500 renewable scholarship.

Scholarship for Study Abroad

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards for undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Learn more about the Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship.

Who Should Apply?

The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are planning to study abroad. The program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go by supporting undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints. Learn more about eligibility requirements.

When and How To Apply

The Gilman Scholarship Program accepts applications two times per year. Ideally, students should begin their application one full semester before their study abroad program is scheduled to begin. Learn more and access the online application.

About the Sponsor

The Gilman Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations.

Nursing Scholarships

Hearst Scholarship

Eligibility: Students Accepted into the Direct Entry Nursing Program

Students accepted to the Direct Entry Nursing qualify for consideration for the Hearst Scholarship. This scholarship provides $7,800 per year in additional support to students over the four years required to complete their degree. Two scholarships will be awarded, with priority given to students who demonstrate financial need and are from underrepresented backgrounds.

Westlake Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship

Eligibility: For Freshmen & Transfer Students Planning to Major in Nursing

Students who are planning to major in nursing and live in the western suburbs of Chicago are invited to apply. Eligible suburbs include:

Bedford Park, Bellwood, Bensenville, Berkley, Berwyn, Bridgeview, Broadview, Brookfield, Burbank, Burr Ridge, Cicero, Countryside, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Forest View, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights, Hillside, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Justice, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Lyons, Maywood, McCook, Melrose Park, Norridge, North Riverside, Northlake, Oak Brook, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Rosemont, Schiller Park, Stickney, Stone Park, Summit, Westchester, Western Springs, Willow Springs

Scholarship award amounts vary based on the number of eligible applicants. 

Scholarship Initial Requirements
  • Provide proof of residence in the near west suburbs of Chicago for current and past three years.
  • Complete the Westlake Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship Application by March 1.
  • Earn a minimum high school/college cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on 4 point scale.
  • Matriculate into Dominican University and declare a pre-nursing or nursing major.
  • Commit to full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 credit hours/semester).
  • Allow Dominican University to provide scholarship recipient information to the Westlake Health Foundation
For eligibility to reapply, a student must meet the following renewal requirements:
  • Provide proof of continued residency in the near western suburbs of Chicago.
  • Progression in pre-nursing and nursing studies in good academic standing and no repeated nursing courses.
  • Continued full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 credit hours/semester).
  • Maintenance of a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on 4 point scale.

Apply for the Westlake Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship

Undergraduate External Scholarships

These are a few external scholarships available. Contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss available scholarships

External Scholarship Resources for Undocumented Students
Minority and LGBT Student Scholarships

The Office of Research and Creativity offers information about the following external scholarships and fellowships:

External Scholarship Websites

There are several search databases on the web which can assist you in locating scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans available through the private sector. Start by exploring:

Tips

Get advice from the College Board on developing your scholarship strategy and scholarship application tips and learn how to spot scholarship scams.

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Graduate Scholarships

Posgrado Scholarship

Dominican University’s Posgrado Scholarship is part of the university’s commitment to Hispanic and low-income students seeking post-baccalaureate education. Funds for this scholarship are made available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Title V, Part B grant, Promoting Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA).

Posgrado Scholarship awardees who fulfill eligibility requirements will receive $2,500 per academic term in the fall and spring semesters, for a maximum of three academic terms (maximum of $7,500 per awardee).

This scholarship is available to prospective graduate students in our degree and certificate programs* who are Latino or Hispanic and for prospective graduate students who are low-income. In order to receive the scholarship, applicants must complete the FAFSA form to verify citizenship and low-income requirements. Preference will be given to Latino or Hispanic students.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • Enroll in a minimum of six credit hours per term
  • Maintain continuous enrollment throughout the academic year
  • Complete a self-paced bilingual Financial Literacy workshop available through Canvas during the first year that the scholarship is received (estimated completion time: 2 hours total)

*Please note this scholarship is not available for social work and PhD programs.

Apply for the Posgrado Scholarship

Brennan School of Business Scholarships

A limited number of Brennan School of Business scholarships are awarded to graduate students with outstanding academic achievements and test scores. Graduate assistantships are also available on a limited basis for students who wish to work with the faculty or staff while pursuing their program of study.

If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Professor Dave Aron or Associate Dean Kathleen Odell.

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School of Education Scholarships

The School of Education has small departmental scholarships that may be awarded to students who meet certain criteria:

  • Helen Brach Foundation Scholarship: MAT or early childhood students in minority Catholic schools
  • Hall Scholarship: Early childhood students with demonstrated financial need
  • Katherine Inglis Sutter Scholarship: Special education students with demonstrated need; can be given to one student or divided among several

Other scholarships are awarded on a term-by-term basis. Students must be accepted to the program to be eligible. Students with incomplete application files may apply if they meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants submit a new application for each term: Fall, Spring, Summer I and Summer II.

Download the SOE Scholarship Application here.

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School of Information Studies Scholarships

Departmental scholarships (free tuition for your first and last courses) are available to new incoming degree-seeking School of Information Studies (SOIS) students. These scholarships are based on both need and merit. Need is measured by the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Merit is measured by the student's incoming GPA. A standardized test score is not required. A completed FAFSA must be on file with Dominican University’s Office of Financial Aid by the deadline. Dominican’s school code is 001750.

The scholarship eligibility and admission priority deadlines are the same:

  • Fall Semester: June 15 (for master's degree students); July 15 (for doctoral students)
  • Spring Semester: November 15
  • Summer Semester: March 15

SOIS departmental scholarships are awarded in an amount equivalent to tuition for the first and last courses in any SOIS degree program at the times the courses are taken.

Scholarships are awarded upon receipt of this acknowledgment form by the deadline, applied upon registration for the first and last courses, and disbursed at the end of the appropriate semester's add-drop period.

Students eligible to receive SOIS departmental scholarships will be contacted by SOIS. There is no application to fill out; however, eligible students wishing to accept the offer will need to formally do so by signing and returning a scholarship Acknowledgement Form by the deadline.

Deadlines for returning the Acknowledgement Form:

  • Fall Semester: August 1
  • Spring semester: December 6
  • Summer semester: April 5

SOIS departmental scholarships are generously supported by:

  • The Cromien Endowment
  • The Dean's Endowment (support future students by donating!)
  • The Denton Endowment
  • H. W. Wilson Co.
  • The Jencius Endowment
  • The McCusker Endowment
  • The PhD Scholars Endowment
Butler Youth Services Scholarship

The Butler Youth Services Scholarship program seeks MLIS candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in library science with a planned focus on service to children and young adults. Butler Scholars will contribute to the library and information science profession, specifically in the area of literature and library services to young people, by increasing diversity in the workforce and through excellence in professional preparation.

Library Technical Assistant Scholarships

Students who have been admitted to the school and have completed a library technical assistant program will be granted a 50 percent tuition scholarship for the first four courses you take from the required courses in the MLIS degree program (LIS 701, LIS 702, LIS 703, LIS 707, LIS 708, or LIS 709). Note: Students may take courses other than LIS 709 to count for their technology requirement, but only LIS 709 is included in this discounted tuition offer. Applicants for the LTA Scholarship do not need to fill out the scholarship application, nor file a FAFSA nor submit GRE or MAT scores; instead, submit a copy of your official LTA transcript as part of your application file, and make sure to inform the Office of Graduate Admission that you wish to qualify for this scholarship.

Ellin Greene Research Scholarship

Doctoral students who plan to conduct research about folklore, children's literature and storytelling (youth or adult) through the use of the Ellin Greene Storytelling Collection in the Butler Children's Literature Center are eligible to receive scholarship funds.

Marion O’Brien Jencius Scholarship, Spring 2023

The Marion O’Brien Jencius Scholarship is available to MLIS degree-seeking commuter students with demonstrated financial need. See scholarship guidelines (pdf).

Mary Wajer Scholarship

The Mary Wajer Scholarship is available to MLIS degree-seeking students with demonstrated financial need.

Rebecca Crown Library Teaching Internship

Calls for applications go out in late fall each year for the following academic year for two to three students interested in working in an academic library developing their teaching and presenting abilities. Interns will be mentored and supported by Rebecca Crown Library instruction librarians as they develop the ability to create new instructional content, gain confidence in teaching, and learn best practices of teaching in a library setting in order to gain the necessary skills and experience to successfully provide information literacy instruction. This is a paid, hourly position and includes a tuition waiver/scholarship for two SOIS courses. Interns must have completed LIS 702 to apply and preference is given to applicants who complete LIS 764 Advanced Instruction Strategies or LIS 734, Learning Theories and Instructional Design.

Skokie Public Library Internship Program

Calls for applications go out in late spring each year for the following academic year for three students interested in a public library internship at the award-winning Skokie Public Library. This designed learning experience will give your library career a jump-start! The group of interns will go through this experience together between September and May (10-15 hours per week). Interns receive a tuition waiver/scholarship for two SOIS courses: Fall (LIS 799-Practicum) and Spring (LIS 801-Independent Study). Students must have completed 18 credit hours of course work by the time the internship begins in the fall semester.

Collaborative Scholarships

SOIS collaborates with external partner organizations to offer additional scholarship support. Recently, we worked with the Polish American Library Association to offer the Zubrzycki Scholarship for students intending to pursue a career in youth services with a focus on multicultural programs and services, particularly with regard to the Polish American community. This list changes periodically as we forge new partnerships.

ALA Spectrum Scholarship Match

See American Library Association below.

Additional Resources

A variety of financial aid from outside the university is available for students who are pursuing the MLIS or PhD. Information about available aid appears in Financial Assistance for Library and Information Studies, published annually by the American Library Association. Many Internet resources are also available to help students locate sources of scholarships.

American Library Association

Each year the American Library Association awards a number of scholarships to students who are seeking master's degrees in library and information science. Scholarship winners must already be enrolled in an ALA-accredited master's degree program or must enter one. Factors considered include academic excellence, leadership qualities and evidence of a commitment to a career in librarianship. Several divisions and roundtables of the ALA also offer scholarships. Learn more about ALA scholarships.

  • ALA Spectrum Scholarships for MLIS: In its ongoing support of diversity and inclusion in the LIS field SOIS provides matching tuition scholarships to recipients of the American Library Association Spectrum Scholarship diversity recruitment program.
Beta Phi Mu

Beta Phi Mu, the international honor society of library and information science, offers a number of scholarships and fellowships for master's and doctoral students. Five scholarships and up to six Eugene Garfield Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships are awarded annually. The Beta Phi Mu Scholarship Review Committee meets during May and recipients are announced at the Beta Phi Mu General Assembly G-ALA in conjunction with the ALA Annual Meeting in June. Learn more about Beta Phi Mu scholarships.

PhD Scholarship

The PhD Scholarship is available to students in the PhD program with demonstrated financial need who are taking courses other than LIS 999 (Dissertation).

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School of Social Work Scholarships
Director's Scholarship and Graduate Assistantship

Director's Scholarship up to $5,000 for the academic year. Award recipients will receive one award that will be distributed over the entire academic year. For example, a $2,000 award will be distributed as follows: $1,000 in the fall semester and $1,000 in the spring semester. In order to keep the scholarship for the following semester, recipients must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA. If the student falls below the cumulative 3.5 GPA, the award will be rescinded. All newly accepted students will be automatically considered for this scholarship and do not need to apply. Awardees will be notified via their Dominican email.

  • Current/returning students who have been previously awarded and new incoming students do not need to apply as they are considered automatically.
  • Current/returning students who were never awarded this scholarship must apply below by May 15 if they wish to be considered.

Apply

Graduate Assistantship: Recipients will be required to work 7 or 14 hours with a faculty member and/or an administrator. Tuition remission for one to two classes per semester will be offered for compensation. For example, a student working seven hours per week will receive tuition remission for one course in the fall semester and one course in the spring semester. Assistantships are on an as needed basis and openings will be communicated to students via their Dominican email.

The Horizons Project (HRSA Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students)

The Horizons Project: Recruiting, Retaining and Training Social Workers for Primary Care,” will focus on increasing the number of individuals with master’s degrees in social work employed in primary care settings in medically underserved communities in Chicago’s Austin, North and South Lawndale, Pilsen, and East and West Garfield Park neighborhoods as well as in Lake County, Illinois. The grant will provide scholarships up to $30,000 per academic year for Dominican MSW students who are committed to working in medically underserved communities for a minimum of two years post-MSW.

Please apply by July 15.

Apply

Scholarship in Gerontology

The number of older adults is increasing with the number of baby boomers reaching 65 years of age daily. This scholarship supports students who are developing their training in working with older adults and their families. Students who are completing their internships with older adults and their families are available to apply. This scholarship is available for students completing their first or second year internship. Scholarships range from $2,000–$5,000 and are for Spring semester.

Carole Matusak Scholarship

The Carole Matusak Scholarship was established in 2019 to provide scholarship support for a student enrolled in Dominican University’s School of Social Work with financial need. This scholarship is open to all students in SSW, and provides an annual award of approximately $1,200 for education purposes.

SSW students who are undocumented are encouraged to apply. Dominican University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age marital status or sexual orientation.

To apply, please use the link below. The scholarship requires an updated resume upload and 1-2 page statement regarding your qualification for this scholarship and how this scholarship would be used. All information is confidential.

Deadline: April 1

Apply

Mental Health Workforce Development: Dominican and Josselyn Partnership

Dominican University has partnered with leading mental health provider, Josselyn, to support it's commitment to developing the mental health workforce. Incoming Master of Social Work students who are accepted into Josselyn's student loan repayment program will receive a 20% discount on tuition.

Josselyn is a nonprofit community mental health provider offering a full range of therapeutic care, including therapy, psychiatry, case management, art therapy, and employment support. Josselyn has offices in Waukegan, Northbrook and Northfield. The loan repayment program offers support in exchange for employment service. Read more about Josselyn.

Interested applicants can learn more about Josselyn's loan repayment program and apply directly on Josselyn's website.

For questions, contact:
Aracelis Sanchez
Manager of Collaborative Organizational Partnerships

S.W.E.E.T. Grant

The primary aim of the SWEET grant is to develop and expand experiential training opportunities through field placements to improve the distribution and supply of the behavioral health workforce. The SWEET Program emphasizes relationships with community-based partners such as hospitals, community health centers and state and local health departments. Interested individuals from diverse backgrounds who are interested in serving high need and high demand areas are encouraged to apply. If selected, students will receive a monthly stipend of $1,250 for eight months (totaling $10,000).

Students must be a U.S. Citizen, be in their second year (or advanced standing status), and be in a high need/ high demand area focusing on children, adolescents, transitional aged youth and their families experiencing challenges with either mental health or substance abuse.

SWEET recipients CANNOT be a Horizon scholar. Please apply by July 1.

For questions, contact:
Amy de la Fuente
(708) 524-6398

Apply

The Andris Wofford 40-Hour DV Training Legacy Scholarship

This legacy scholarship will provide MSW students an opportunity to receive 40-hour Domestic Violence (DV) training certification, using a trauma informed approach, address how to appropriately and safely respond to domestic violence, and also to raise awareness to prevent further violence throughout the community in a culturally responsive manner.   

In order to be considered for this scholarship, students must be entering their Advanced Generalist year in the MSW program, not be currently placed or planning to be placed at a DV shelter or agency or placement in which 40-hour DV training will be provided and submit a two page reaction to the following prompts:  

  • Identify why you would like to be 40 hour DV trained and how you intend to use that certification to further your professional career as a social worker.
  • How does your culture view DV? What is your commitment to addressing issues of DV in your community and/or diverse communities?

Learn more about Andris Wofford

Deadline: November 15

Apply

Title V, Part B PPOHA Stipends

Dominican’s University Title V, Part B – Promoting Post Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) project seeks to increase Hispanic and low-income graduate student success at Dominican University. The goal is to provide support for graduate students to increase their social capital by networking and volunteering. The grant will provide five (5) $3,000 stipends ($1,500 per term) to Master of Social Work (MSW) candidates assigned to field placements. Field work placements are required to integrate academic knowledge, social work values, ethics, and the skills needed to become globally focused, relationship-centered social workers.

In order to receive the stipend, applicants must complete the FAFSA form to verify citizenship and low-income requirements. Preference will be given to Latino or Hispanic students.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum of 3.0 GPA
  • Low-income

Deadline: August 1

Apply

The Willenborg Social Work Leadership for the Common Good Grant Program

Willenborg Social Work Leadership for the Common Good stipends provide stipends for students whose field placements will build their experience and skills engaging in justice advocacy, leadership development, community organizing, and policy practice.  The goal is to provide support for graduate students in field placements that offer substantial experience in advancing human rights and social, economic and environmental justice (Social Work Education Core Competency 3) and / or engage in policy practice (Core Competency 5).  The grant will provide three (3) $3,000 stipends ($1500 per term) to Master of Social Work (MSW) candidates assigned to field placements.

In order to receive the stipend, applicants must describe what components of the program will allow them to develop Core Competencies 3 and / or 5 and discuss how they wish to engage as a leader in community organizing, policy advocacy, and policy practice after completing their MSW program.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum of 3.0 GPA

Deadline: September 15

Apply

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Master of Arts in Mediation and Conflict Resolution Program
Change Seekers Scholarship

New applicants who have been fully or conditionally admitted to the full Master of Arts in Mediation and Conflict Resolution degree program are eligible to apply for the Change Seekers Scholarship. The $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to two applicants in in each academic year for either fall, spring, and/or summer semester. Applications are due 15 days prior to the start of the semester for which the student is applying. You will be notified via email if you have been selected.

Eligibility Requirements

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