According to Forbes, the average cost of a Master’s degree is about $40,000. While there are many ways to defray the cost, such as working full-time while studying or applying for a student loan, the best way to save money while pursuing a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) degree is to apply for a scholarship. Here are 24 programs worth looking into:
HCA Corris Boyd Scholars Program
Amount: $40,000 (paid in four installments)
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The HCA-sponsored scholarship program is granted to full-time students who have applied and have been accepted to an Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) member school program. Applicants must be African-American, American Indian/Native, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, Latino/Hispanic, or multicultural. They should also have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their undergraduate studies and US citizenship/permanent residency.
David A. Winston Health Policy Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Number of Scholarships Available: up to 20
Program Details:
Open to students enrolled in any accredited MHA, MPH, or any health policy-centered graduate degree, the David A. Winston scholarship is offered to those who show potential to succeed in the healthcare policy field after graduation. Submission requirements include a resume, personal statement, registrar-issued transcripts, and two nomination letters.
Leaders Scholarship
Amount: $8,000 for the first placer, $4,000 for the second placer
Number of Scholarships Available: 2 (first and second placer)
Program Details:
Sponsored by various entities such as the Academic Practice Assembly and the Anesthesia Administration Assembly, the scholarship is given to graduate students who exemplify strong leadership skills. Winners must be members of MGMA and must be enrolled in a graduate degree program relevant to practice management, such as an MHA or MBA in Health.
The Haynes Rice Award
Amount: $7,000
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
Bestowed by the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), the Haynes Rice Award is given to graduate student members who show potential as future healthcare leaders and managers. The amount may be used to defer the tuition costs in any accredited university or college.
The Ellis Bonner Award
Amount: $7,000
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
NAHSE’s Ellis Bonner Award is given to non-traditional healthcare management students who demonstrate exemplary academic achievements and commendable leadership skills. Eligible applicants must be NAHSE members who demonstrate financial need.
The Florence Gaynor Award
Amount: $7,000
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The Florence Gaynor Award, meanwhile, is given by NAHSE to female graduate students who showcase outstanding achievements while pursuing their healthcare management degree. To be eligible for the award, the applicant must be enrolled for the current school year and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Bachrach Family Scholarship for Excellent in Healthcare Administration
Amount: $6,000
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The Bachrach Family Scholarship is open to full-time students enrolled in an AUPHA member program. The winner is chosen according to their leadership skills, academic achievements, community immersion, and commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare management. Preference is given to a female student applicant who demonstrates financial need and/or is the first in her family to pursue graduate-level education.
Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Number of Scholarships Available: up to 15 (shared with the Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship)
Program Details:
Overseen by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship is offered annually to MHA students in their final year of study who demonstrate financial need. It is also open to those pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Administration, MPH, and other related degrees. Requirements include the submission of a resume, transcripts, recommendation letters, and application essay. While candidates need not be a student associate of ACHE, preference is given to those who are.
Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Number of Scholarships Available: up to 15 (shared with the Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship)
Program Details:
Also offered by ACHE, the Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship is offered annually to racially/ethnically diverse or LGBTQ+ students. Again, the applicant must be in their final year of study and majoring in either an MHA, MBA in Healthcare Administration, MPH, or other related program. Application requirements are the same as those of the Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship program.
Andrea M. Rossiter, FACMPE Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Number of Scholarships Available: 2
Program Details:
Sponsored by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), the scholarship is given to two students who mirror the association’s mission of transforming healthcare. Submission requirements include a resume, academic transcripts, proof of enrollment, an essay, and recommendation letters.
MGMA Midwest Section Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The MGMA Midwest Section Scholarship is granted to students who reside in the states of Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Ohio, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. The submission requirements are similar to those of the Rossiter Scholarship mentioned above.
MGMA Southern Section Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The MGMA also offers a scholarship program to residents of southern states, such as Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia. MGMA members who are enrolled in an MHA, MBA, or related program are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
MGMA Western Section Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The MGMA also has a scholarship award for students living in western states, such as Colorado, California, Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. The same submission and eligibility requirements apply.
CAHME/Sachs Family Foundation Scholarship in Honor of Michael A Sachs for Entrepreneurs in Healthcare Management
Amount: $3,000 plus a complimentary ticket to the CAHME Awards Ceremony, round trip airfare, 2-night hotel stay, and a CAHME award
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The CAHME/Sachs Family Foundation Scholarship is given to a student who showcases healthcare innovation potential while enrolled in a CAHME-accredited or certified program. The winner is nominated by the school’s program director or any faculty member who must submit two essays detailing why the student deserves the award.
CAHME/Tim Campbell Scholarship for Selfless Service to Others and the Community
Amount: $3,000 plus a complimentary ticket to the CAHME Awards Ceremony, round trip airfare, and a 2-night hotel stay
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The program is based on the work of Tim Campbell, a CAHME member who demonstrated volunteerism and an immense commitment to service. The winner, who shall be nominated by their school’s program director, should be able to demonstrate the same skills, which are dedication to service and volunteerism for the sake of others.
CAHME/Quint Studer Excellence in Healthcare Mentorship Scholarship Award
Amount: $3,000 plus a complimentary ticket to the CAHME Awards Ceremony, round trip airfare, and a 2-night hotel stay
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The award is given to students who share the qualities of Quint Studer, a renowned figure in healthcare leadership and education. Students nominated by their program directors must showcase skills such as educating teams, facilitating learning, and mentoring others.
CAHME/ Fawn Lopez Health Advocacy Communication Excellence Award
Amount: $3,000 plus a complimentary ticket to the CAHME Awards Ceremony, round trip airfare, and a 2-night hotel stay
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
The scholarship is awarded to students who showcase effective communication and are known as staunch advocates for health. Named after Publisher Emeritus Fawn Lopez, nominees must have the skills to communicate complex concepts, improve public awareness, and enhance engagement amongst diverse communities.
CAHME/Robert S Bonney Scholarship for Veterans of the US Armed Services
Amount: $3,000 plus a complimentary ticket to the CAHME Awards Ceremony, round trip airfare, and a 2-night hotel stay
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
First offered in 2024, the Robert S. Bonney scholarship is exclusive to honorably discharged Armed Service veterans who have shown exemplary service, dedication, and leadership. Furthermore, they must exemplify the same dedication to their healthcare leadership studies, which the program director must demonstrate in their nomination essay entries.
CAHME/Dawn Gideon Foundation Scholarship for Women Supporting Communities in Need
Amount: $2,500 plus a complimentary ticket to the CAHME Awards Ceremony, round trip airfare, and a 2-night hotel stay
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
Named after Dawn Gideon, a graduate of the CAHME-accredited University of Pittsburgh MHA program, the scholarship is given to female students who have showcased a commitment to helping in-need communities. Again, the program director is in charge of nominating a student and providing the required essay entries.
Richard L. Davis, FACMPE – Managers Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
Sponsored by the North Carolina Medical Group Managers, the Davis Scholarship Program is exclusive to students who are pursuing a graduate degree related to medical practice management (such as MHA or MBA) and are currently working in the mentioned field.
CAHME/Judy Baar Topinka Foundation Scholarship for Health Policy
Amount: $2,000 plus a complimentary ticket to the CAHME Awards Ceremony, round trip airfare, and a 2-night hotel stay
Number of Scholarships Available: 1
Program Details:
Dedicated after Illinois public servant Judy Baar, the namesake scholarship is granted to students who possess the same attributes as she does: such as hard work, persistence, and ethical leadership. Students who are nominated for this award by their program director must demonstrate a commitment to ensuring public good either through volunteerism or specific employment in public health.
Upsilon Phi Delta (UPD) Scholarship Program
Amount: $500
Number of Scholarships Available: Several
Program Details:
Open to AUPHA-member schools with UPD chapters, the namesake scholarship program is given to students who embody the goals of the society and demonstrate academic excellence. The fund may be used towards tuition, educational materials, room/board, to name a few.
LCS Foundation Ed & Sue Kenny Scholarship Award Application Form
Amount: N/A
Number of Scholarships Available: N/A
Program Details:
Open to undergraduate and graduate students who wish to pursue a career in senior lifestyle services (SLS), the Ed & Sue Kenny Award seeks out nominees who demonstrate leadership and commitment through the completion of an internship, mentorship, or rotation in an SLS facility. Requirements include a completed application form and recommendation letters.