Graduate Program Scholarships
Scholarships to help reduce your financial burden
Scholarships Overview
Your Graduate Degree in Early Childhood Education is Within Your Reach
Access to premier education shouldn’t depend on your financial situation.
Using Erikson scholarships, external scholarships, and graduate school financial aid, we make our high-quality education accessible to all students, helping you reach your academic and professional goals. Scholarships are stackable, which can be combined to reduce total tuition costs by up to 45%. Students may also be eligible for grants.
Graduate Scholarships Are Available to You
Erikson Scholarships
Types of Scholarships
From need-based financial aid for grad school to merit-based master’s scholarships, Erikson offers multiple funding opportunities alongside other sources of aid. Your are as unique as each financial award at Erikson. We know your life changes and we will work to support you throughout your journey with us.
Need-Based
Affordability Scholarships
Awarded to admitted students in master’s and certificate programs who show demonstrated financial need through completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merit-Based
Leadership Scholarships
Awarded to admitted students in master’s and certificate programs who have demonstrated academic and professional achievement, as well as strong potential for leadership in their chosen fields.
Competitive
Social Justice Scholarships
Awarded to admitted students in master’s programs who have had a demonstrable impact with respect to social justice movements in their communities through past and present volunteer, professional, and educational experiences.
Other
External Scholarships
Awarded by organizations, foundations, businesses, or government entities outside of Erikson. Application processes, criteria, and timelines vary.
Need-Based Scholarships
Qualify for An Affordability Scholarship Worth Up To 25% of Your Program’s Tuition
Need-Based scholarships are based upon demonstrated need. Demonstrated need is determined by Student Aid Index (SAI) obtained from a completed FAFSA.
SAI takes into consideration several indices including household size, debt, investments, and income to name a few.
Eligibility
Must be admitted to a master’s or certificate program, a U.S. citizen or legal residents, and enroll at least half-time (3 credit hours).
To Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year you plan to enroll at Erikson. Indicate Erikson Institute as a graduate school of choice using code: G35103.
Review Process
Students will be evaluated for demonstrated need as determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI) obtained through the FAFSA.
NOTE: Based on the factors above, not all students will be awarded Affordability scholarship.
Award Process
Admitted students will be notified of Affordability award amount through a personalized Award Letter upon receipt of a FAFSA.
Additional information
Our Graduate Scholarships are Stackable
Save more money on your education by combining scholarship awards
Admitted students can reduce their tuition costs up to 45% if they apply for and qualify for our merit-based and need-based scholarships.
MERIT-Based SCHOLARSHIPS
Earn a Leadership Scholarship
Valued at up to 20% Of Your Degree Tuition
Leadership Scholarships are merit-based and awarded to master’s or certificate students who demonstrate academic excellence, professional achievement, and leadership potential.
Eligibility
Must be admitted to a master’s or certificate program.
To Apply
No separate application is needed—simply complete the Leadership essay as part of your admission application. Learn more about the essay requirements
Review Process
Your Leadership essay plays a key role in determining eligibility for Erikson’s graduate student scholarships, evaluating your vision, goals, and leadership potential. Other review factors include GPA as an indicator of your dedication to academic success and years of experience working with children and/or families to gauge your practical knowledge and alignment with Erikson’s mission.
NOTE: Based on the factors above, not all students will be awarded Leadership scholarship.
Award Process
Admitted students will be notified of their Leadership award amount (if applicable) within 1-business day following the release of their admission decision.
Leadership Scholarship Recipient
Competitive Scholarship
Apply for the Schreiber Social Justice Scholarship
Receive $10,000 towards your Tuition
Established by the John and Kathleen Schreiber Foundation, this master’s program scholarship is designed to support educators and activists who are seeking to complete a master’s degree.
Eligibility
Must be admitted to a master’s program.
Only ten (10) students will be awarded this scholarship per academic year.
To Apply
If funds remain available, a link to the Schreiber Social Justice scholarship application will be made available in the Application Status Portal (deadlines apply). Applicants must submit responses to two (2) essay prompts.
Review Process
The Scholarship Committee, consisting of Erikson staff and faculty, will review all submitted scholarship applications. Evaluation criteria include thoroughness of essay responses, demonstrable impact to social justice movements, professional, and educational experiences.
NOTE: Based on the factors above, not all students who submit an application for the Schrieber Social Justice scholarship will be awarded the scholarship.
Award Process
Applicants who submit a Schreiber Social Justice scholarship application will be notified of their award prior to the start of their entry term.
Erikson Grants are also available
Help fund your education with funds you don’t have to pay back, directly from Erikson Institute
Erikson Institute offers a range of competitive, service-based grants designed to support graduate students pursuing careers in teaching early childhood education, social work, or early intervention.
If you are an Illinois resident seeking initial teacher licensure you may qualify for this scholarship through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The MTI scholarship is limited to minority students. Both programs require a commitment to teach in Illinois and a promissory note. Scholarship application deadline is March 1.
If you are enrolled in the Master’s in Early Childhood Education program leading to initial teacher licensure and bilingual/ESL endorsements, you may be eligible for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program. You must agree to complete a teaching service obligation within designated schools.
The DFSS CSBG Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible individuals in Chicago pursuing their higher education goals. Students enrolled full-time for the 2025 Fall semester in any Illinois college, university, or vocational training program are eligible to apply.
Find the Graduate Student Scholarships that Suit You Best
Learn more about available graduate student scholarships, grants, and financial aid by speaking with our Financial Aid Office today.