A Few Things to Know Before You Start
External scholarships are awarded by organizations not affiliated with University of Western States. As such, we do not endorse any specific opportunities listed here. It is your responsibility to review and verify all details directly with each organization before applying. A few important reminders:
- You should never pay to apply for a scholarship. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for. If an organization asks for a fee to submit your application or access a scholarship database, it is a scam—walk away.
- Report any outside funding you receive. Federal regulations require you to report external scholarships and awards to our financial aid office, as they may affect your overall aid package. This is a quick step and something we can help you navigate. Do not let it discourage you from applying.
- Apply early and apply often. External scholarship deadlines vary widely. Building a habit of searching and applying throughout the year, not just before the fall term, significantly increases your chances of receiving awards.
- Keep records of what you have applied for. A simple spreadsheet tracking scholarship names, amounts, deadlines, requirements, and application status can save you a lot of time and help you avoid missing opportunities.
Scholarship Search Engines
These tools let you search for scholarships based on your field of study, degree level, background, and other eligibility criteria. They are a great place to start if you are not sure where to look:
- FastWeb — one of the largest free scholarship search databases, with millions of awards across all fields and student types
- Scholarship America — connects students with scholarships and educational support programs
- College Board Scholarship Search — — searchable database of scholarships, internships, and financial aid programs
- Scholarships.com — broad search tool with filters for major, state, background, and more
Field-specific search resources:
Tips for a Stronger Scholarship Search
External scholarships reward students who are intentional and persistent. Here are a few strategies that can meaningfully increase your success:
- Think beyond your field of study. Many scholarships are awarded based on background, identity, community involvement, financial need, or essay quality, not just academic majors. Cast a wide net.
- Start local. Community foundations, local businesses, civic organizations, and state associations often offer scholarships with less competition than national programs. Search for opportunities in your hometown, your state, and your professional community.
- Check with your employer. Many employers offer tuition assistance or scholarship programs for employees pursuing graduate education. If you are currently working, ask your HR department. This is one of the most overlooked sources of funding.
- Check professional associations. Most health sciences and clinical fields have professional associations that offer scholarships to students, sometimes multiple per year. If you are a student member of any professional organization, check their website regularly for scholarship announcements.
Revisit this page and your search tools regularly. New scholarships open throughout the year. Setting a recurring reminder to search every few months keeps you from missing deadlines.
Featured External Scholarships
The following scholarships are currently available and may be relevant to students at University of Western States. This list is updated periodically. Check back regularly and verify all details and deadlines directly with each organization.
Health Sciences & Clinical Fields
The Banyan Treatment Centers offer a $1,000 scholarship to support students balancing work, school, and the pursuit of a career in healthcare, including medical, mental health, addiction treatment, clinical, and social care professions.
Therapy.com offers $2,250 in awards for three U.S. students who are passionate about expanding access to mental health care. The essay-based application is free to access, and no transcript is required
The Darrell Atchley New Mexico Chiropractic Association recognizes academic excellence and provides financial assistance to New Mexico resident students enrolled in accredited chiropractic colleges.
Chiropractic-Specific Scholarships
The NBCE Annual Student Chiropractic Scholarship awards four $2,500 scholarships to U.S. chiropractic students enrolled in CCE-accredited programs. Winners are selected through a scholarly essay competition focused on humanities-related topics within chiropractic.
The Darrell Atchley New Mexico Chiropractic Association recognizes academic excellence and provides financial assistance to New Mexico resident students enrolled in accredited chiropractic colleges.
The South Dakota Chiropractors Association supports South Dakota students attending accredited chiropractic colleges through grant opportunities offered by the South Dakota Chiropractic Foundation.
Military & Veterans
The Behan Law Group Military Veteran Scholarship awards $1,000 to support military veterans and their children pursuing higher education.
LGBTQ+ Students
Point Foundation offers scholarships to LGBTQ+ and ally students attending accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Awards support community college, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students through multiple scholarship programs.
Behavioral Health & Addiction Studies
Addictions.com awards $2,250 in total scholarships to full-time U.S. college students. Three awards are granted to students who submit winning essays focused on raising awareness about substance abuse and addiction.
The DRS Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a full-time college student who submits a winning essay focused on personal experiences with substance use and perspectives on addressing the nation’s drug epidemic.
General Graduate Scholarships
A scholarship program supporting deserving students, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc.
The Nicolet Law Scholarship awards two $5,000 scholarships annually—one for the spring semester and one for the fall—to students who submit an outstanding video essay. International students are welcome to apply. Applications are accepted year-round.
The Global Perspectives Scholarship awards $1,000 to a high school or college student attending an accredited institution.
AdvertiseMint offers a $1,000 scholarship to support U.S. college students enrolled at accredited institutions. Applicants must submit a one-page essay, with winners selected based on writing quality, originality, and overall presentation.
Blankstyle.com awards two $1,000 merit-based scholarships each year to high school seniors and current college students. Funds are paid directly to the institution and may be used for tuition, housing, books, and other education-related expenses.
The We Will Transport It Scholarship Fund awards one $1,500 scholarship annually to a randomly selected student enrolled at an accredited college or university.
Schwartz Injury Law’s $1,000 Perseverance Scholarship supports a student who has overcome a severe injury or medical challenge.
Don’t Stop Here
This list is a starting point—not a ceiling. The students who benefit most from external scholarships are the ones who search consistently, apply for multiple opportunities, and don’t give up after a rejection. Every scholarship you receive is money you won’t need to borrow. Over the course of your program, that significantly adds up . If you have questions about how an external scholarship affects your financial aid package, our team is here to help.
Support When You Need It
The Office of Financial Aid is here to help you explore your options, to answer questions, and to create a plan that works for you.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected] or call 971-449-9223.