Urban Planning Scholarship Guide
2022-23
- Criteria Used to Qualify for an Urban Planning Scholarship
- Best Bets for Urban Planning Scholarships
- Urban Planning Scholarships by State
Urban planning is an exciting field to enter into for anyone who likes to be involved with the building and development of society from the ground up. Urban, regional and community planners are responsible for planning all of the spaces in which we live.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for urban planners in the United States as of May 2019 is $77,750. States in which urban planners work and make salaries higher than the national average include the District of Columbia, New York, California, Oregon and Washington.
In order to work in the field of urban planning, a minimum of a bachelor’s urban planning degree is usually necessary. Many planning jobs, however, require a graduate degree. Whatever school(s) you ultimately attend should hold accreditation through the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) of the American Planning Association (APA).
We all know that the cost of a college education, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, is skyrocketing. Luckily, there are some urban planning-specific scholarships that can help you to achieve your goal of becoming an urban and/or regional planner.
Criteria Used to Qualify for an Urban Planning Scholarship
When you are applying for an urban planning scholarship, each sponsorship fund will have its own criteria that you must meet. Some scholarships are school-based and require that you are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate planning-related program at that school.
Most urban planning scholarships will require, at a minimum, that you are studying urban planning or a closely related field. A GPA of 3.0 or above is the typical academic requirement that you must meet and keep during the course of the scholarship.
Other scholarships might be tailored to a certain sex, race, ethnicity or location. Another major requirement for many of these urban planning scholarships is that you demonstrate financial need. This will be done by documenting it using your (or your parents’) tax returns.
Don’t be surprised if a scholarship application also asks for your transcripts, resume and an essay. You will often need to show that you have a passion for urban, regional and community planning through answering essay questions. A well-crafted, well-thought-out answer can place you ahead of other applicants and help you to win the award!
Best Bets for Urban Planning Scholarships
Scholarship hunting starts with the financial aid office at the college or university you plan to attend or at which you are enrolled. Many schools offer urban planning scholarships tailored to your individual needs. Others might offer university-wide scholarships for all students for which you are eligible.
Planning Organizations Offering Scholarships
As you will see below, many of the leading urban planning organizations sponsor scholarships for students. These include, but are not limited to, the American Planning Association (APA), state chapters of the APA, and the American Institute of Architecture (AIA).
Urban Planning Scholarships by State
The following listing offers urban planning scholarships that are either specific to a certain state or to students attending schools within that state. Some of these are for undergraduate students, some are targeted to graduate students, and some are offered to both. Not all states offer urban planning-related scholarships at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. If your chosen state does not offer the scholarship you desire for your educational level, consult the Non-State-Related Urban Planning Scholarships listed after this section.
Alabama
1890 Agricultural Scholarship – Alabama A&M University
Benefit: varies, from full to partial scholarships
Eligibility:
- Must be an incoming freshman or transfer student in the undergraduate programs of Urban & Regional Planning, Environmental Science, and other related majors enrolled full-time
- Must maintain a 2.8 GPA
Alaska
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Alaska Chapter Scholarships
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be an Alaska resident
- Must be currently enrolled in an accredited School of Architecture at the undergraduate or graduate level
- Must have completed six or more credits towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Must submit letter of recommendation from faculty member
Other details:
- Application deadline: Dec 13
Arizona
Brian & Leah Swanton Urban Planning Scholarship – Arizona State University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate urban planning student at Arizona State University
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 13
Arkansas
Charles C. Hill, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in Architecture and Design – University of Arkansas
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate in the Fay Jones School of Architecture & Design at University of Arkansas
- Preference given to those who graduated from a Missouri or Arkansas high school
- Must be entering your third, fourth or fifth year of undergraduate program
- Must have a 2.75 GPA
California
AIA San Diego Graduate Architecture Scholarship – New School of Architecture and Design
Benefit: up to $20,000
Eligibility:
- Must be planning to pursue a graduate degree at New School of Architecture and Design
- Must support mission of the Center for Healthy Environments at New School
- Must maintain a 3.0 GPA
Association for Women in Architecture Scholarship
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a female student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate college degree program studying architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, land planning, interior design, or environmental design
- Must be a resident of California or attending a California college or university
- Must have completed at least 18 credits in your major
Eric Hall Scholarship – Coastal Community Foundation
Benefit: $500 to $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be a student from the Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Dieguito, San Marcos or Vista High School District
- Must be pursuing a degree (level unspecified) in urban and city planning, public administration, architecture, civil engineering, structural management or related areas
- Must show financial need
- Must demonstrate community service
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
Other details:
- Application deadline: April 1
Colorado
University of Colorado Denver Master of Urban & Regional Planning Scholarship Fund
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an enrolled or incoming graduate student in the Master of Urban & Regional Planning Program at the University of Colorado Denver
University of Colorado Denver Master of Urban & Regional Planning Diversity Scholarship
Benefit: varies, up to $5000
Eligibility:
- Must be an incoming graduate student in the Master of Urban & Regional Planning Program at the University of Colorado Denver
- Must be of a diverse racial or ethnic background
Connecticut
Connecticut Architects Foundation Scholarship
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a current or long-time Connecticut resident
- Must either be employed at a Connecticut architectural firm or be planning to attend a Connecticut accredited college for architecture
- Must be a full-time college student at the undergraduate or graduate level
- Must have either completed two years towards a NAAB-accredited architectural program leading to a B-ARCH degree, be currently enrolled in an unaccredited undergrad program and accepted to a NAAB-accredited master’s program, or be a student in an NAAB accredited master’s program
Other details:
- Application deadline: May 20
Connecticut Building Congress Scholarships
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be graduating from a Connecticut high school
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in planning, architecture or related field
- Must demonstrate academic merit
- Must demonstrate financial need
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 6
NEBHE Tuition Break- Springfield Technical Community College
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in the undergraduate Urban Studies AA program at Springfield Technical Community College
- Must be a resident of Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont
Westchester Municipal Planning Federation Scholarship – University of Connecticut
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in a PAB-accredited undergraduate or graduate planning program
- Preference given to those who have lived, worked or studied in Westchester County, New York
Other details:
- Application deadline: April 24
Delaware
Biden School of Public Policy & Administration Graduate Scholarships– University of Delaware
Benefit: 10 to 50 percent tuition scholarship
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student in the University of Delaware’s Biden School of Public Policy & Administration
Florida
Judith Mucci Scholarship Fund – University of Florida College of Design, Construction & Planning
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an incoming student (level unspecified) at the University of Florida College of Design, Construction & Planning
- Must be from the East Central Florida area
- Must show outstanding professional promise
Georgia
University of Georgia College of Environment & Design Scholarships
Benefit: varies, from $1000 to $4000
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate or undergraduate student in the University of Georgia College of Environment & Design
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
- Must be nominated by a faculty member
Other details:
- Application deadline: Sept. 1
Hawaii
Benefit: up to two years’ graduate tuition
Eligibility:
- Must be an incoming full-time graduate student in urban and regional planning at University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Must show academic promise
Idaho
Ronald D. Bevans Architecture Award
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a senior graduate student in architecture at the University of Idaho
- Must be a member of the American Institute of Architects
Illinois
Benefit: $30,000 per year for two years, plus full tuition and fees, and funding for international research experiences and domestic travel
Eligibility:
- Must be a U.S. citizen/permanent resident
- Must apply to a participating doctoral program at University of Illinois at Chicago (Urban Planning and Policy) AND to the Integrative Graduate Research Education and Traineeship (IGERT) program
Other details:
- Deadline for applying to PhD. Program at College of Urban Planning and Policy is January 1; IGERT program accepts applications on a rolling basis
Indiana
Richard H. Crosser Memorial Scholarship – Johnson County Community Foundation
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduating senior from Franklin Community High School or Whiteland Community High School
- Must have a 2.5 GPA
- Must be a Franklin, Indiana or Whiteland, Indiana resident
- Must plan to enroll full-time as an undergraduate at a two- or four-year accredited college/university in Indiana
- Must plan to pursue a career in Urban Planning or a related field
- Must display a strong work ethic
Other details:
- Application deadline: February 28
Iowa
Kovert Hawkins Scholarship – Ball State University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an incoming undergraduate freshman/transfer student in the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning
- Must have a 3.0 GPA and minimum 1500 SAT score
Glenn Sabados Memorial Scholarship – Ball State University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student in the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning
- Must have displayed concern for fellow students and the community
- Must have a strong work ethic
- Must have a personal philosophy of striving for excellence
- Preference given to students with financial need
- Preference given to out-of-state students
- Faculty must nominate students
Other details:
- Nomination deadline: April 9
Kansas
Alan Black Scholarship – Urban Planning Program at University of Kansas
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a first-year undergraduate student in the University of Kansas Urban Planning program
- Must demonstrate academic excellence
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb. 15
UBPL Alumni and Friends Scholarship – Urban Planning Program at University of Kansas
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a first-year undergraduate student in the University of Kansas Urban Planning program
- Must demonstrate academic excellence
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb. 15
Jim Mayo Scholarship – Urban Planning Program at University of Kansas
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a first-year undergraduate student in the University of Kansas Urban Planning program
- Must demonstrate academic excellence
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb. 15
University of Kansas Graduate School Fellowship
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student at University of Kansas Urban Planning Program
- Must demonstrate excellence in undergraduate academic performance
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb. 15
Kentucky
Christian County Master Gardener Educational Scholarship
Benefit: $1000
Eligibility:
- Must be from Christian County, Kentucky
- Must be a junior or senior undergraduate student at a Kentucky college or university
- Must major in urban planning or a related field
Other details:
- Contact Christian County Master Gardeners at (270) 886-6328 for more information
Louisiana
University of New Orleans Master of Urban & Regional Planning Graduate School Award
Benefit: varies, from $1500 to $7234
Eligibility:
- Must be a full- or half-time graduate student in the Master of Urban & Regional Planning program at the University of New Orleans
- For some awards, must have a 3.5 GPA
- Must be nominated by a faculty member
Maine
NEBHE Tuition Break- Springfield Technical Community College
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate in the Urban Studies AA program at Springfield Technical Community College
- Must be a resident of Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont
Maryland
Allegany Soil Conservation District Scholarship – Frostburg State University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate in the Frostburg University Department of Geography with major of Environmental Analysis and Planning or concentration in Environmental Science
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
- Preference given to residents of Allegany County, MD
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 1
Walter and Annette Brock Environmental Studies Scholarship – Frostburg State University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled full- or part-time as an undergraduate in the Frostburg University Department of Geography with major of Environmental Analysis and Planning
- Must have a 3.0 PGA
- Preference given to residents of Allegany, Garrett counties in MD; Hampshire, Mineral counties in WV; Bedford, Somerset counties in PA
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 1
Massachusetts
Charles Abrams Scholarship– American Planning Association
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student enrolled in/accepted into one of the following schools:
- Columbia University Division of Urban Planning
- Harvard University Urban Planning Program (Master in Urban Planning)
- Harvard University Graduate School of Design
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Dept. of Urban Studies & Planning
- New School University Urban Policy Analysis & Management Program, Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management & Urban Policy
- University of Pennsylvania Dept. of City & Regional Planning
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must submit letter of nomination by department chair
Clark University’s Department of International Development, Community and Environment
Benefit: four graduate programs/fellowships up to $48,900 in:
- Community Development and Planning
- International Development and Social Change
- Environmental Science and Policy
- Geographic Information Sciences for Development and Environment
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student at Clark University’s Dept. of International Development, Community & Environment in one of above-listed programs
Other details:
- For more information call (508) 793-7201 or email idce@clarku.edu
Benefit: $30,000 plus medical benefits
Eligibility:
- Must be a postdoctoral candidate visiting scholar at Harvard University School of Design
- Must have received your doctorate or have submitted your dissertation for final awarding of the degree
- Must be enrolled in real estate, urban planning and development, economic development, political economy, urban economics, and other areas in urban planning related to real estate and urban development
- Must agree to produce at least one publishable paper in a journal, and participate in research workshops during the year
Other details:
- Deadline for applications is January 15
Mellon Fellowships in Urban Landscape Studies – Dumbarton Oaks Research Library & Collection
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a currently enrolled graduate student or undergraduate junior or senior at Harvard University in urban landscape studies
- Must submit three letters of recommendation
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb 1
Michigan
Taubman College Merit-Based Graduate Scholarships- University of Michigan
Benefit: varies, $5000 to full tuition
Eligibility:
- Must be an incoming graduate student in the Master of Urban & Regional Planning program at Taubman College, University of Michigan
- Must have excellent academic performance
Minnesota
Benefit: up to $5000
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student in Urban Management or Urban Planning at Minnesota State University Mankato
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb 28
Mississippi
Method Studio Undergraduate Research Fellowship Award – Mississippi State University
Benefit: $3000
Eligibility:
- Must be a third- or fourth year undergraduate student in architecture and design at Mississippi State University
- Must submit portfolio
Other details:
- Application deadline: Jan 17
Missouri
Bill and Maret Cheek Scholarship – Missouri State University
Benefit: $500 to $1000
Eligibility:
- Must be a full-time undergraduate student majoring in Geography or Planning at Missouri State University
- Must have an overall GPA of 3.0 and departmental GPA of 3.25
- Preference given to students in professional organizations
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 1
Montana
Dean Harold C. Rose Scholarship – Montana State University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be in the first year of an undergraduate Environmental Design program at Montana State University
- Selected by faculty, no need to apply
Nebraska
Urban League of Nebraska Scholarships
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a resident of the state of Nebraska
- Must have a 2.5 GPA
- Must have completed 10 hours of documented community involvement
- Must be attending a Nebraska institution (level unspecified)
Nevada
Nevada Garden Clubs, Inc. Scholarship Program
Benefit: $1500
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate or graduate at a Nevada college/university
- Must be a U.S. citizen/permanent legal resident
- Must major in city (urban & rural) planning or a related field
- Must have a 3.25 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb 1
New Hampshire
NEBHE Tuition Break- Springfield Technical Community College
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate in Urban Studies AA program at Springfield Technical Community College
- Must be a resident of Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont
Plan NH Scholarship and Fellowship Program – New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a resident of New Hampshire
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate student in architecture or planning
- Must show financial need
New Jersey
Edward J. Bloustein School Student Hardship Fund – Rutgers University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate student of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University
- Must display hardship due to specific, unexpected and extraordinary problems
- Must agree to a work assignment, internship or targeted project to give back
Other details:
- Application deadline: May 8
- Contact Steve Weston at sdweston@rutgers.edu for more information
Rutgers University Excellence Fellowship
Benefit: up to $25,000 plus tuition remission
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University
New Mexico
School of Architecture & Planning Annual Scholarship – University of New Mexico
Benefit: starts at $2500
Eligibility:
- Must be a student (level unspecified) at the School of Architecture & Planning at University of New Mexico
New York
Charles Abrams Scholarship– American Planning Association
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student enrolled in/accepted into one of the following schools:
- Columbia University Division of Urban Planning
- Harvard University Urban Planning Program (Master in Urban Planning)
- Harvard University Graduate School of Design
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Dept. of Urban Studies & Planning
- New School University Urban Policy Analysis & Management Program, Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management & Urban Policy
- University of Pennsylvania Dept. of City & Regional Planning
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must submit letter of nomination by department chair
Master of Public Administration Fellowship – Baruch College – National Urban Fellows
Benefit: $25,000 for 14 months
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student in the Master of Public Administration Program at Baruch College
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be a woman or person of color
- Must have 5-7 years of managerial or administrative employment experience
Westchester Municipal Planning Federation Scholarship – University of Connecticut
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate planning program
- Preference given to those who have lived, worked or studied in Westchester County, New York
Other details:
- Application deadline: April 24
North Carolina
Carolina Planning Merit-Based Scholarships – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student in the Department of Planning at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Hawkins Scholarship – Eastern Carolina University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate pursuing a BS in Community & Regional Planning at Eastern Carolina University
- Must have completed 60 hours of college coursework
- Must have a 3.0 GPA (planning) and 3.25 cumulative GPA
- Must be involved in extracurricular and community activities
Urban Planning Alumni Scholarship – Eastern Carolina University
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be a junior or senior undergraduate in the BS program in Community and Regional Planning at Eastern Carolina University
- Must demonstrate community involvement
North Dakota
Benefit: $1000
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in the School of Civil Engineering at North Dakota State University or University of North Dakota (level unspecified)
- Must have a 3.5 GPA
- Must submit essay on how engineering has impacted your life (may include city planning)
Other details:
- Application deadline: April 1
Ohio
Ladislas and Vilma Segoe Scholarships – University of Cincinnati
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate student in the School of Planning at University of Cincinnati
- Must show exceptional academic and/or professional excellence or promise
- Award is selected by faculty
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture Scholarship
Benefit: $1000
Eligibility:
- Must be a student in a NAAB-accredited undergraduate or graduate program at University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University
- Must be in at least the third year of an undergraduate program
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb. 27
Oregon
Diane M. McKeel Scholarship in Public Affairs – University of Oregon
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management
- Must demonstrate academic merit
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must show community involvement
Pennsylvania
Charles Abrams Scholarship– American Planning Association
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student enrolled in/accepted into one of the following schools:
- Columbia University Division of Urban Planning
- Harvard University Urban Planning Program (Master in Urban Planning)
- Harvard University Graduate School of Design
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Dept. of Urban Studies & Planning
- New School University Urban Policy Analysis & Management Program, Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management & Urban Policy
- University of Pennsylvania Dept. of City & Regional Planning
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must submit letter of nomination by department chair
Walter and Annette Brock Environmental Studies Scholarship – Frostburg State University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled full- or part-time as an undergraduate in the Frostburg University Department of Geography with major of Environmental Analysis and Planning
- Must have a 3.0 PGA
- Preference given to residents of Allegany, Garrett counties in MD; Hampshire, Mineral counties in WV; Bedford, Somerset counties in PA
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 1
Rhode Island
NEBHE Tuition Break- Springfield Technical Community College
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate in Urban Studies AA program at Springfield Technical Community College
- Must be a resident of Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont
South Carolina
Truman Scholarship – University of South Carolina
Benefit: varies, including funding up to $30,000 and a leadership week in Liberty, MO
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student at University of South Carolina
- Must be committed to a career in public service
- Must be nominated by the school’s committee
- Must have a 3.7 GPA
- Must be a U.S. citizen
Other details:
- Must apply in junior undergraduate year
- Deadline for applications: Oct 20
South Dakota
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a South Dakota resident
- Must be attending an accredited South Dakota undergraduate or graduate architecture program
Other details:
- Application deadline: Mid-March
Tennessee
Benefit: $1000
Eligibility:
- Must be a Tennessee graduate student in urban and regional planning, community planning, urban studies or related program
- Must show community service involvement
- Must show scholastic achievement
- Must have a 3.5 GPA high school
Other details:
- Application deadline: last Friday in July
Texas
The Reagan Family Scholarship Endowment – Foundation for Outdoor Advertising Research and Education
Benefit: $5000
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student in urban planning or design at the University of Texas or University of Utah
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 1
Utah
The Reagan Family Scholarship Endowment – Foundation for Outdoor Advertising Research and Education
Benefit: $5000
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student in urban planning or design at the University of Texas or University of Utah
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 1
Vermont
NEBHE Tuition Break- Springfield Technical Community College
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate in Urban Studies AA program at Springfield Technical Community College
- Must be a resident of Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont
Virginia
Galsworthy Endowed Scholarship – University of Virginia
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be an international undergraduate student in the School of Architecture at University of Virginia in second, third or fourth year of program
Paul S. Dulaney Memorial Scholarship
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a second-year graduate student in University of Virginia School of Architecture’s
Master of Urban & Environmental Planning program
- Must demonstrate commitment to and interest in conservation
Washington
Benefit: $1000
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate student (at least junior) in urban and regional planning at Eastern Washington University
- Must have a 2.5 GPA
- Must show financial need
Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association Scholarship
Benefit: $3000
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate student in the Master of Urban & Regional Planning Program at Eastern Washington University
- Must be a member of the APA
- Must show academic excellence
- Must show financial need
West Virginia
Walter and Annette Brock Environmental Studies Scholarship – Frostburg State University
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate full- or part-time in the Frostburg University Department of Geography with major of Environmental Analysis and Planning
- Must have a 3.0 PGA
- Preference given to residents of Allegany, Garrett counties in MD; Hampshire, Mineral counties in WV; Bedford, Somerset counties in PA
Other details:
- Application deadline: March 1
Wisconsin
Carolyn A. Craig Scholarship – Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc.
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be a Wisconsin resident
- Must be attending a Wisconsin college/university
- Must be an undergraduate junior or senior majoring in landscape design/architecture, city planning, related studies
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb 1
Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Scholarship – Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc.
Benefit: $1000
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate sophomore, junior or senior at a Wisconsin college/university
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
- Must major in urban/city planning, environmental studies, landscape design/architecture, or related studies
Other details:
- Application deadline: February 1
Wyoming
Architectural Education Foundation of AIA Wyoming Scholarship
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be either a graduate of a Wyoming high school, a graduate of the University of Wyoming, or a current Wyoming resident
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate architecture program
Other details:
- Application deadline: May 29
Non-State-Based Urban Planning Scholarships
The following urban planning scholarships are not limited to just one state or school.
Alma H. Young Emerging Scholarship Award – Urban Affairs Association
Benefit: $1000, plus registration to the annual conference and VIP Dinner Reception
Eligibility:
- Must be pursuing doctoral research related to urban affairs
- Must have finished all coursework
- Must be making good progress towards finishing dissertation
- Must hold membership in UAA or be nominated by a UAA member
- Must submit draft or final dissertation proposal
- Must submit nomination letter
Other details:
- Application deadline: Oct 15
American Planning Association Foundation Scholarship
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Planning Accreditation Board-approved program
- Must be a member of the American Planning Association
- Must be a woman, person of color or indigenous descent, veteran, disabled person, or member of the LGBTQ community
Other details:
- Applications accepted beginning in spring of each year
American Planning Association Latinos and Planning Division Scholarship
Benefit: $500
Eligibility:
- Must identify as Latinx
- Must be a student member of the LAP Division of the APA
- Must be currently enrolled in the third or fourth year of undergraduate planning program at a program accredited by PAB, OR the first or second year of a PAB-accredited graduate program
Other details:
- Deadline for applications is March 13
American Planning Association New Urbanism Division – Gina Tirinnanzi, AICP Memorial Scholarship
Benefit: $1000
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in or a recent graduate of a PAB-accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program
- Must submit an original paper of 2000 to 2500 words on a topic related to New Urbanism and planning
Other details:
- Application deadline: April 5
American Planning Association Planning & Law Division – Daniel J. Curtin, Jr. Fellowship Program
Benefit: $1500 award and $1000 APA membership and Annual Conference stipend for 10 month fellowship, including 100-200 total hours of work done remotely from where you live or attend school
Eligibility:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be a third or fourth year undergraduate student at a PAB-accredited planning program; OR in the first or second year of a PAB-accredited graduate planning program; OR in the first or second year of a three-year ABA-accredited law school program; OR in the first, second or third year of a four-year ABA-accredited law school program
Other details:
- Application deadline: September 15
Benefit: $1500
Eligibility:
- Must be an African-American/Black undergraduate student applying to/accepted into a PAB-accredited graduate program for urban planning, or an urban planning related field (geography, environmental studies, urban studies, urban policy etc.)
- Must not be in the last semester of a graduate planning program
- Must be in good academic standing
- Students attending HBCUs are encouraged to apply
Other details:
- Application deadline: April 3
CIGNA Undergraduate Scholarship – National Forum for Black Public Administrators
Benefit: $10,000
Eligibility:
- Must be a black undergraduate student pursuing degree in public administration, urban affairs, public policy, political science, or related field
- Preference given to students at HBCUs
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must have a 3.5 GPA
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb 28
Ulysses G. Ford, III Scholarship – National Forum for Black Public Administrators
Benefit: $5000
Eligibility:
- Must be a black graduate student pursing a graduate degree in public administration, urban affairs, public policy, political science or a related field
- Preference given to students at HBCUs
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb 28
Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs Scholarship for Community Engagement
Benefit: varies, $350 to $750
Eligibility:
- Must be currently enrolled in a HECUA member college/university bachelor’s degree
program for urban affairs/design/planning
Other details:
- Deadline for application: Dec 1 for spring; April 15 for fall
International Facility Management Association Foundation Scholarships
Benefit: varies, from $1500 to $10,000
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited facility management or related degree program
- Must have a 3.2 GPA in FM courses
- Must attend world conference in order to receive scholarship
Other details:
- Application cycle opens each January 4
Harry L. Jones, Sr. Scholarship – National Forum for Black Public Administrators
Benefit: $5000
Eligibility:
- Must be a black student pursing a graduate degree in public administration, urban affairs, public policy, political science or a related field
- Preference given to students enrolled at HBCUs
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb 28
NACCED Annual John C. Murphy Scholarship Grant Award Program
Benefit: $1500
Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate student at an American college or university in a major working with affordable housing and/or community and economic development
- Must show financial need
- Must be nominated by a member in good standing of National Association for County Community and Economic Development (NACCED) and submit support letter from them
Baker Tilly Scholarship – National Forum for Black Public Administrators
Benefit: $2000
Eligibility:
- Must be a Black student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in public administration, urban studies, political science, planning, public policy or a related field
- Preference given to students at HBCUs
- Must have a 3.0 BPA
Other details:
- Application deadline: Feb 28
Vectorworks Design Scholarship
Benefit: $3000
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate urban affairs/design/planning program
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must not live in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria
- Must submit project file
Other details:
- Application deadline: September 19
Worldstudio Foundation AIGA Scholarships
Benefit: varies
Eligibility:
- Must be a U.S. citizen/legal resident
- Must be pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in design, architecture or planning
- Must have a 2.0 GPA
- Must be a full-time student
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must submit up to 10 examples of work
Other details:
- Application deadline: April 22