Scholarships and Assistantships

Merit-based scholarships

The McCourt School offers merit-based funding in the form of tuition scholarship. Scholarship awards are based on a candidate’s grades, test scores, professional and lived experience, community service/volunteerism and overall strength of application. All admitted students (including part-time students) are eligible to be considered for merit-based assistance as long as their application is submitted by the Early Action (December 1) or Priority (January 15) deadlines. Those who apply by the Final (March 1) deadline will be considered for any scholarship funding that is still available.

As merit-based scholarships are not guaranteed and funding amounts vary, applicants must be proactive in seeking out external funding sources to cover the difference between cost of attendance and any scholarship award provided by the program. Scholarship awards are guaranteed for the first year of study and are renewable at the same rate for the second year of study (and third year for part-time MPP students) contingent on satisfactory academic progress. Students in dual-degree programs will get a maximum of two years of merit funding from McCourt for coursework that pertains to the MPP degree.

If you wish to be considered for merit-based scholarships, indicate so by checking the appropriate box on the application.

McCourt Scholars

The McCourt Scholars are a select group of promising future policymakers and scholars whose background, experience and academic excellence qualify them for this prestigious award. Each year, up to six incoming students are selected as McCourt Scholars based on the strength of their applications to the McCourt School.

All full-time applicants to MPP, MPM, MIDP, MS-DSPP and EMPL programs who apply by January 15 will be considered for the McCourt Scholars program. Candidates in consideration for the McCourt Scholarship will be contacted and interviewed. No additional application is required.

The McCourt Scholar award includes full tuition remission, mandatory fee, a stipend and health insurance coverage.

Howard Scholars

This scholarship, open to degree-seeking students and alumni from Howard University, began in Fall 2021. Each year, one qualified candidate will receive a full tuition scholarship to attend one of the following McCourt School degree programs: MIDP, MPM, MPP (full time or Evening Program), MS-DSPP or EMPL. Applicants need to apply through the regular application process by the January 15 priority deadline in order to ensure consideration for this award. Although no additional application is required, eligible candidates for the Howard Scholarship may be contacted and interviewed by a selection committee.

Colin McCollester Mission Fund

This scholarship, open to returning or graduating McCourt School students, honors the life and generous spirit of Colin McCollester. The Colin McCollester Mission Fund helps to provide students with the opportunity to explore the world and see public policy’s value across global and domestic arenas. These global experiences are critical to the professional development of future public policy leaders. The fund provides a $5,000 stipend annually for one student participating in an international internship or short term study abroad program, either in Summer or Fall semester.

George E. Richmond Foundation Fellowship

The George E. Richmond Foundation Fellowship provides selected students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of oral health’s role in comprehensive health care, and to facilitate change through policy improvements. Fellows receive a partial-tuition scholarship (up to $35,000) and a paid research assistantship to work with select McCourt School faculty and affiliated research centers, on projects related to health care and access, and are expected to participate in special briefings, discussions and mentorship from oral health experts, totaling approximately 10 hours over the course of the school year.

Craig Newmark Veterans Scholarship Fund

With generous support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the McCourt School of Public Policy is proud to increase access to public policy education for active-duty servicemen and women, veterans and military-connected students. Craig Newmark Scholars are enrolled in our full-time or part-time graduate programs and receive scholarships of $20,000 and access to networking and community building opportunities. The application process for this Fellowship will be shared with applicants during the admissions cycle.

Tech & Public Policy Scholars Program

The Tech & Public Policy Scholars Program is a select group of emerging leaders at the McCourt School, committed to helping shape the future of technology policy. All current students and applicants to the MPP, MPM, MIDP, and MS-DSPP programs are eligible for consideration for scholarship and research opportunities. The application process for this program will be shared with applicants during the admissions cycle.

Fogel Scholarship

Open to all incoming McCourt School students, the Fogel Scholarship will be awarded to one McCourt student, who will receive an annual tuition scholarship of up to $25,000 and a semester-long research internship with stipend to work with scholars, economists, political scientists and foreign policy specialists at the American Enterprise Institute. The application process for this Fellowship will be shared with applicants during the admissions cycle.

Bradley Fellowship

The Bradley Fellowship is the United States Army’s premier company-grade officer broadening program. The Bradley Fellowship is designed to bring together cohorts of the highest-performing mid-career officers and give them the skills, tools and experiences necessary to innovate and lead at every level.

Fellows earn a Master of Policy Management degree. As McCourt graduate students, Fellows participate in applied innovation and problem-solving seminars through the Defense Innovation Unit and the National Security Innovation Network that culminates with a capstone report addressing national security issues.

CPNL Leadership Fellowship

The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL) Graduate Leadership Fellowship was established in 2024 to honor the work of Dr. Kathy Kretman for her lifelong commitment to advancing leadership through teaching and mentoring current and future leaders. For more than two decades, Dr. Kretman served in several significant roles, including the Executive Director of the Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership, Waldemar A. Nielsen Chair in Philanthropy, and Research Professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy. CPNL Graduate Leadership Fellows will work at CPNL on a leadership-based research project and build their leadership skills through customized seminars and workshops. This fellowship award includes a $10,000 stipend to cover the 8-month, 15-hour per week fellowship.

Waldemar A. Nielsen Philanthropy Fellowship

The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL) Waldemar A. Nielsen Philanthropy Fellowship awards an $8,000 to $10,000 Fellowship to a student who has a keen interest in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations focused on justice and systemic change. The Fellow will support the Center Director in the development of philanthropy teaching case studies, running the 2025 Executive Certificate in Philanthropic Leadership, and other philanthropy-related events.

Dr. Scholl Foundation Scholarship Fund

With generous support from the Dr. Scholl Foundation, the McCourt School of Public Policy is proud to increase access to public policy education for active-duty servicemen and women, veterans and military-connected students. Scholars are enrolled in our full-time or part-time graduate programs and receive scholarships of $20,000 and access to networking and community building opportunities. The application process for this Fellowship will be shared with applicants during the admissions cycle.

Pablo Eisenberg Public Interest Fellowship

The endowed Pablo Eisenberg Public Interest Fellowship was created in 2006 to honor the work of McCourt School of Public Policy Senior Fellow Pablo Eisenberg. The fellowships (up to two each year) are awarded to McCourt School of Public Policy students who, through academic pursuits as well as volunteer and work experience, demonstrate a strong commitment to social and economic justice, and the potential to play a leadership role in the public interest arena. The award is designed to offer each Fellow a unique research experience working for and being mentored by a current leader in the field. The application process for this Fellowship will be shared with applicants during the admissions cycle.