Scholarships & Financial Assistance
The Department of Social Work provides scholarship and stipend opportunities for qualified BSSW and MSW students each year. Information about scholarships can be found through Scholarship Finder. Scholarships are typically open for application during February. Stipends have a separate application process that varies depending on the specific program (see below).
Annual Department of Social Work Scholarships (awarded each spring).
- Applications for the next academic year typically open February 1.
- See a list of current scholarship recipients.
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- Wayne and Carol Sandee Endowed Scholarship (BSSW) - up to $1,500
- Must be US resident who is from an under-represented group.
- Have declared social work as a major, and have completed SOWK 215 and 212 (or equivalent courses), or has been admitted into the BSSW program.
- Enrolled full-time during the academic year of award payout.
- Bill Anderson Leadership Scholarship (2 for BSSW and 2 for MSW) - $2,000
- Must be admitted to the Social Work BSSW or MSW programs.
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This scholarship is given to social work students who demonstrate leadership at the University, in the community, and/or within the social work profession. Leadership in social work is the daily application of our core values to fulfill the mission of social work: “to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people” (NASW Code of Ethics, 2021).
- MN Social Service Association (MSSA) – Region IX Scholarships (2 for BSSW and 2 for MSW) - $1,500
- Must be admitted to the Social Work BSSW or MSW programs.
- This scholarship is given to social work students who demonstrate a commitment to university, community or other volunteer service, and commitment to social service experience in the south-central Minnesota region.
- Department of Social Work Alumni & Faculty Scholarships (3 for BSSW and 3 for MSW) - $1,500
- Must be admitted to the Social Work BSSW or MSW programs.
- This scholarship is given to social work students with demonstrated commitment to upholding the core social work value of social justice and the ethical principle of challenging social injustices. Preference is given to students who demonstrate engagement in social change efforts with and on behalf of oppressed individuals and groups of people and focused on issues of poverty, discrimination, and violence.
- Social Work Study Abroad Scholarships (BSSW and MSW) - TBD
- Must be social work major at Minnesota State University, Mankato and participating in a Department of Social Work International/Study Abroad Trip or Exchange program.
- Please contact your Social Work advisor to discuss further.
Department of Social Work Stipends:
Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Stipends (BSSW majors & MSW students)
- See Child Welfare Program for details
- Stipend applications do not use the Scholarship Finder portal
SOUTHERN MN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE (MSW STUDENTS)
- Minnesota State University, Mankato partners was awarded a four-year grant in 2021 by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand the behavioral health workforce in southern Minnesota.
- This initiative is open to students that have been admitted to the MSW Program and are entering their specialization year of practice.
- Each academic year (through 2024-2025), eight stipend recipients are selected from admitted students to participate in this program.
- Stipend recipients receive stipends of $10,000 while completing their practicum in integrated behavioral health and have a budget to engage in professional development opportunities and advanced training.
- Application information for the Behavioral Health Initiative is made available to students in May of each year for the following academic year.
See the Southern MN Behavioral Health Initiative brochure for more details.
