Find hundreds of opportunities
How to apply
Apply for scholarships through Boise State, the School of Public Service and your specific major.
Step 1: Complete the Boise State scholarship application.
Step 2: Filter by “School of Public Service” to find our college-level scholarships.
Step 3: Apply for major-specific scholarships. Search for your major on the general scholarship page.
Browse SPS Scholarship Opportunities
A complete list of opportunities is available on the financial aid website.
| Award | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Alan Creech Alumni Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Junior, Senior, or Graduate Pursuing a Criminal Justice major Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits, 9 graduate credits) To apply, please attach a short essay ( 250 word maximum) outlining your personal accomplishments, activities, and plans to make yourself a competitive candidate for a position in your desired career. |
| Up to $500 | Avery Peterson Scholarship in Political Science | Full-time enrollment (12 undergraduate credits) Minimum 3.0 GPA Senior class standing Pursuing a major in Political Science Interest in a career in U.S. Foreign Service or an emphasis in international relations |
| Varies | Bill Anderson Criminal Justice Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Pursing a Criminal Justice major Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits; 9 graduate credits) Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| Varies | Carl P. Burke Scholarship in Public Policy | Minimum 3.0 GPA Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits; 9 grad credits) |
| Up to $2,000 | Cathy R. Silak and Nicholas G. Miller School of Public Service Scholarship | Idaho resident Minimum 3.2 GPA Full-time enrollment (12 undergraduate credits) Pursuing a major in the School of Public Service Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Priority consideration given to students seeking their first bachelor’s degree |
| Varies | Class Scholarship Fund for the College of School of Public Service | Minimum 3.0 GPA Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate Declared major within the School of Public Service Plans to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits, 9 graduate credits) |
| Up to $500 | Criminal Justice Restricted Scholarship (FBI) | Minimum 3.25 GPA Senior class standing Involvement in outside activities Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits) 45 credit hours at BSU with a total of 90+ credits Pursuing a Criminal Justice major with a law enforcement emphasis Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| Varies | Dr. John Keiser Public Affairs Scholarship | Full-time enrollment (12 undergraduate credits) Minimum 3.0 GPA Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors Political Science major Demonstrate involvement in community service and or public affairs |
| Varies | Dr. Willard M. Overgaard Political Science Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Be a Junior or Senior 3.50 GPA for all Political Science courses At least part-time enrollment (6 undergraduate credits) Preference to members in XI chi chapter PI Sigma Alpha on basis of academic, but not required If you are pursuing a Political Science degree and want to be considered for Department of Political Science scholarships, you must complete the Department of Political Science Scholarships Application and attach an essay outlining: Your current education and career goals Work history Honors and activities Why you should be awarded a Political Science Scholarship. In your essay please also list the name of your current academic advisor Include your current Academic Advisement Report (AAR). If you are new or transfer student, please include your unofficial high school transcript or college transcript. Please upload all documents as a single word or PDF document (8 MB max file size). Make sure your full name and student ID number are on the header of each page. |
| Varies | First Generation Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Declared a major within the School of Public Service Enrolled at least part-time (6 undergraduate credits, 5 graduate credits) First Generation College Student – meaning that he or she is the first to attend college within their immediate family. Demonstrates financial need. We can determine financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
| Varies | Frank Church Public Service Scholarship | Degree-seeking Minimum 3.0 GPA Full-time (12 undergraduate credits) Priority will be given to School of Public Service students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and with a demonstrated potential for public service. Priority will be given to students seeking to participate in the semester in Washington D.C. program. Requirement for consideration: cover letter and unofficial transcript Please visit the following link for an example cover letter, https://wpwww-prod.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/358/2023/10/Draft-Cover-Letter-for-Frank-Church.pdf |
| Varies | Greg and Christine Raymond Political Science Scholarship | Full-time enrollment (12 undergraduate credits) Minimum 3.5 GPA Political Science major. Students must have an international emphasis |
| Varies | James B. and Dana L. Weatherby Scholarship | Graduate Minimum 3.0 GPA Plan to enroll either part-time (5 graduate credits) or full-time (9 graduate credits) Must be accepted into the Master of Public Administration program or the Ph.D. program |
| Varies | Jeffrey and Jo-Anne Smith International and Leadership Scholarship | The Jeffrey and Jo-Anne Smith International and Leadership Scholarship is for students who are pursuing an international-themed degree, Boise State’s Model United Nations team, and NEW Leadership Idaho. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Global Studies program. In order to be eligible for this scholarship students must meet the following criteria: Undergraduate Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits ) Priority given to students enrolled in the Global Studies program First-in-family undergraduate students (neither parent having obtained a four-year degree) Demonstrate financial need. We can determine financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
| Varies | Jessica Gearino Harrison Memorial Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Pursuing a major in the School of Public Service Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits; 9 graduate credits) Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Preference will be given to students who serve the public by contributing to the success of women through a personal commitment to education, civic engagement, and or/mentoring. |
| Varies | June (Kyles) Peterson Sociology Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits, 9 graduate credits) Plans to work in the area of community or public service to women and has demonstrated leadership skills through participation in sociological experiences. Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| Varies | Kerry Ellen Elliott Endowed Scholarship | Graduate Minimum 3.5 GPA Plan to enroll full-time (9 graduate credits) Intend to pursue a career in the field of public service Pursing either a Masters of Public Administration, PhD in Public Policy and Administration, or Maters of Political Science Idaho residents are given first preference, second preference to out of state students and third preference to international students |
| Varies | Margie Hoops Criminal Justice Scholarship | Undergraduate Minimum 2.5 GPA Pursing a major in Criminal Justice Plan to enroll part-time (6 undergraduate credits) or full-time (12 undergraduate credits) First consideration will be given to students enrolled in the BSU Criminal Justice Program in Twin Falls Show strong leadership, potential in academics and by their pursuits outside the classroom, e.g. athletics, community involvement, etc. To apply, attach a resume and cover letter describing your leadership potential in academics and participation in activities outside the classroom (e.g. athletics and community involvement). |
| Varies | Micaela Scholarship | The Micaela Scholarship is for students who plan to enrolled full-time (12 UGRD, 9 GRAD credits) with a Political Science major, that are serving the community through volunteer efforts and service, and demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
| Varies | Michael and Emily Baker Scholarship | Maximum 3.6 GPA. Pursuing a Political Science major. Idaho students with Idaho residency. Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits; 9 graduate credits). Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Must be first generation college attendee, meaning that the student is first to attend college within their immediate family, not including siblings. |
| Varies | Michael Blankenship Social Justice Scholarship | Junior or Senior Pursuing a Criminal Justice major Students must have applied for and received criminal justice upper division standing Plan to enroll part-time (6 undergraduate credits) or full-time (12 undergraduate credits) Student must be able to demonstrate involvement in a significant way (volunteer or paid work) in furthering social and environmental justice (religious service is not sufficient). To apply, students must submit an essay and letter of recommendation. |
| Varies | Michael Schumacher Criminal Justice Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Pursing a criminal justice major Plan to enroll either part-time (5 graduate credits; 6 undergraduate credits) or full-time (9 graduate credits; 12 undergraduate credits) Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| Varies | Ralston-Blair Family Scholarship | Minimum 3.2 GPA Preference is given to parents U.S. Citizen or permanent resident Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits, 9 graduate credits) Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Pursuing a degree within one of the following areas: arts, humanities, social sciences, communications, public service, history, languages, general studies or education To apply, submit a brief essay as to why they are returning to school and how scholarship will help. |
| Up to full-time in-state tuition | Robert and Brenda Atkinson Honors Scholarship Fund | Idaho resident Minimum 3.75 GPA Be in the Honors Program Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits, 9 graduate credits) Have a declared major within College of Arts and Sciences and/or the School of Public Service Preference given to students studying music, theatre arts, English, political science, history, philosophy, anthropology, and communication |
| Varies | School of Public Service Legislative Intern Scholarship | Part-time (6 undergraduate credits, 5 graduate credits) or full-time students (12 undergraduate credits, 9 graduate credits) Participate in an internship at the Idaho State Legislature Enroll in at least 3 internship credits through the Political Science Department If you are pursuing a Political Science degree and want to be considered for Department of Political Science scholarships, you must complete the Department of Political Science Scholarships Application and attach an essay outlining: Your current education and career goals Work history Honors and activities Why you should be awarded a Political Science Scholarship. In your essay please also list the name of your current academic advisor Include your current Academic Advisement Report (AAR). If you are new or transfer student, please include your unofficial high school transcript or college transcript. Please upload all documents as a single word or PDF document (8 MB max file size). Make sure your full name and student ID number are on the header of each page. |
| Varies | School of Public Service Scholarship | Declared major that is within the School of Public Service Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits, 9 graduate credits) |
| Varies | School of Public Service Scholarship Fund | Minimum 3.0 GPA Declared major within the School of Public Service Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits; 9 graduate credits) |
| Varies | Second Chance Scholarship | At least a 2.25 GPA Sophomore, Junior or Senior Permanent resident or U.S. citizen Plan to enroll part-time (6 undergraduate credits) or full-time (12 undergraduate credits) Submit essay on why they want to resume their education and the impact this will have on their lives and families life. Re-admitted or accepted as a transfer student to Boise State; experienced a cumulative gap in education of at least five (5) years Demonstrate financial need. Financial need can be determined per the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Interest in the study of the arts, humanities, social sciences, communications, public service, history, languages, general studies or education |
| Varies | Stacy M. and Mark J. Pearson Endowed Scholarship Fund | Pursuing a major within the School of Public Service Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits; 9 graduate credits) Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
| Varies | Stephanie Witt Political Science Scholarship | Have a minimum 3.0 GPA Be a declared Political Science major Plan to enroll full-time (12 credits UGRD; 9 credits GRD) If you are pursuing a Political Science degree and want to be considered for Department of Political Science scholarships, you must complete the Department of Political Science Scholarships Application and attach an essay outlining: Your current education and career goals Work history Honors and activities Why you should be awarded a Political Science Scholarship. In your essay please also list the name of your current academic advisor Include your current Academic Advisement Report (AAR). If you are new or transfer student, please include your unofficial high school transcript or college transcript. Please upload all documents as a single word or PDF document (8 MB max file size). Make sure your full name and student ID number are on the header of each page. |
| Varies | Suzanne McCorkle Peace Builder Scholarship Fund | Undergraduate Plan to enroll either part-time (6 undergraduate credits) or full-time (12 undergraduate credits) Open only to students in the Dispute Resolution Certificate Program. As of 2020, Dispute Resolution is Conflict Management. Demonstrate financial need. We can determine your financial need by the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
| Varies | Ted Hopfenbeck Criminal Justice Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Pursing a criminal justice major Junior, Senior, or Graduate (preference) Plan to enroll full-time (12 undergraduate credits; 9 graduate credits) Students must be involved in extracurricular activities: criminal justice organizations, student government, and/or significant volunteer work To apply, attach an essay (1-2 pages, double spaced with one inch margins) addressing your career plans and preparation. |
| Varies | Todd Compton Memorial Scholarship | Have a minimum 3.0 GPA Be a junior or senior student Be a declared Political Science major Plan to enrolled part-time (6 undergraduate credits) or full-time If you are pursuing a Political Science degree and want to be considered for Department of Political Science scholarships, you must complete the Department of Political Science Scholarships Application and attach an essay outlining: Your current education and career goals Work history Honors and activities Why you should be awarded a Political Science Scholarship. In your essay please also list the name of your current academic advisor Include your current Academic Advisement Report (AAR). If you are new or transfer student, please include your unofficial high school transcript or college transcript. Please upload all documents as a single word or PDF document (8 MB max file size). Make sure your full name and student ID number are on the header of each page. |
| Varies | Verizon Wireless UHopeline Scholarship | Minimum 3.0 GPA Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student Plan to full-time (12 undergraduate credits, 9 graduate credits) Declared a major that is within the School of Social Work or the Departments of Criminal Justice or Psychology Must show an active interest in working within the area of Domestic Violence as shown through active enrollment in a minimum of two academic credits in a domestic-violence related course(s) and three internship credits in a domestic-violence related field. To apply, submit 500 words explaining your interest in working within the area of domestic violence prevention and intervention. |
More Opportunities
We want to help support you financially on your academic journey. There are a number of opportunities available for students in any program within the School of Public Service.