Scholarships

Art & Design Haddad Merit Scholarships

Approximately $120,000 is awarded based on need and artistic merit, thanks to a generous gift from the estate of Gladys and Phillip Haddad. 

Eligibility: Current and prospective full-time undergraduate ART majors seeking a first bachelor's degree and needing at least 24 additional credit hours for graduation who have not defaulted on a previous CSU Merit Scholarship agreement within the past year.

Art & Design offers two scholarship competitions each year:

1. High School Scholarship Competition
   This competition is open to graduating high school seniors planning to enroll as incoming freshmen. Applications open in the fall and must be submitted by January 15.
2. Open Scholarship Competition
   This competition is open to all students, including current students, transfer students, and incoming freshmen. Applications open on January 15 with a deadline in late March.

For more details and application guidelines, visit Art & Design's homepage.

CSU/CIA post-baccalaureate program application

Deadline: mid to late February 

Eligibility: If you have graduated within the last five years, or if you are graduating this Spring, you are eligible to apply to the new CSU/CIA Post-baccalaureate program! Eight recent graduates in Art from Cleveland State University will be chosen. The students who are chosen will receive one-year scholarships to further their studies at the Cleveland Institute of Art, tuition free.

Application procedure: The application package requires 12 digital images or movies, a list of works, a personal statement outlining artistic and personal goals, and a resume.

For more details and application guidelines, visit Art & Design's homepage.

All images must be submitted in JPG format. Image minimum size 1000x1000 pixels maximum 3000x 3000 pixels

Creative Arts Intern Fellowship

Deadline: varies

Eligibility:Undergraduate students in the creative arts

• Art, Design, Creative Writing, or Film majors
• Junior or senior standing
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Application details.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Many Biology and Environmental Science majors receive financial support through the State of Ohio’s Choose Ohio First scholarship program and through the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Honors College. Cleveland State University and the College of Arts and Sciences also offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program is a state-funded program aimed at graduating more students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The State of Ohio recognizes that a workforce trained in these areas is essential for strengthening our economy. Only Ohio residents who are incoming freshman or transfer students are eligible to apply. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years.

The Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Honors College Honors Program offers competitive scholarships to incoming freshmen. The scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters.

A variety of other scholarships are available to undergraduate students through CSU and the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Please see details below for information about how to apply for these scholarships as well as application deadlines. Note that applications for some scholarships must be submitted prior to the start of the freshman year (usually during the senior year of high school).

We also provide a Roadmap to Financial Aid that simplifies the process. Students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA form for consideration of all types of financial aid.
 

Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Honors Program Scholarship

Full Financial Aid Scholarship List

Roadmap to Financial Aid

The Raab-Brennan Endowed Scholarship in Creative Writing

This endowed Scholarship is created through the generosity of Scott Raab and Lisa Brennan to support the MFA in Creative Writing program. Applicants must be currently enrolled CSU graduate students within the MFA in Creative Writing program, be in good academic standing, and show evidence of strong creative or professional potential in the opinion of the faculty. Preference is given to students who have several years of life experience beyond their baccalaureate degree and financial need may be considered. Eligible recipients will be determined by the CSU MFA in Creative writing coordinator in consultation with the Chair of the CSU English Department, the Dean of CLASS, and the office of Financial Aid.  For more information on this scholarship, contact the CSU MFA in Creative Writing coordinator.

Andrews Foundation Research Award

One or more awards to students in the Master of Arts Program in the literature concentration to support the completion of their thesis.  Students who wish to be considered for an award must submit a prospectus for their thesis project with a cover letter announcing their intention to compete for an award. The prospectus should be no longer than five pages and should describe the thesis, offer a rationale for its undertaking, explain how the study relates to current activities in the relevant field, and specify any distinctive features of the project or the resources it will utilize. Students should also submit one letter of recommendation from one of the three readers of their thesis. The prospectus will be read by the Committee on Graduate Studies, who will also review each applicant's graduate record. Awards will be made on the basis of the probable quality of the completed thesis and on the likelihood of its being completed within a year of the receipt of the Award.  Competition usually announced late February or early March, with awards announced early May.

Leonard Trawick Scholarship in Creative Writing

The Leonard Trawick Scholarship in Creative writing is an award given to a graduate student in creative writing on the basis of artistic and academic merit. Recipient must have exhibited excellence in Creative Writing as determined by the Trawick Award Committee.

History of the Leonard Trawick Scholarship

The Leonard Trawick Scholarship in Creative Writing was created as an endowment from funds contributed by John Gabel, a Cleveland businessman and poet, and Dr. Alberta Turner, Professor Emerita in the English department. Many other faculty, alumni, friends of the University, and poets have contributed funds to this endowment.

Leonard Trawick was Professor in the English department from 1968 to 1998, and as Professor Emeritus is still active in the department as a teacher and editor of poetry. Professor Trawick was a founding member of The Poets' League of Greater Cleveland, and since 1971, as chief editor of the Poetry Center, edited over 120 books of poetry.

Neal Chandler Creative Writing Enhancement Award

Award given to a promising undergraduate student in the Creative Writing Program as determined by the Department faculty, Chair of the English Department and a selection committee.

Plain Dealer Writing Contest

The Plain Dealer Writing Contest is sponsored by the English Department as a way of recognizing good expository writing as an aspect of student achievement. The contest is made possible by an endowment provided by the Cleveland Plain Dealer and gifts from English faculty members. Award entries are submitted by instructors and evaluated by a committee of two English professors. Entries are evaluated each year in March and April, and awards are given at the English department's annual Recognition Reception at the end of April.

History of the Plain Dealer Writing Contest

In Fall quarter, 1982, under the leadership of Professor John Gerlach, several English professors contributed money that would allow the department to award cash prizes for good student essays. The College of Arts and Sciences matched the English professors' contributions, allowing the writing contest to begin with an account of about $750.

Then, in Winter, 1983, the Cleveland Plain Dealer agreed to give the University $10,000 over three years, to create an endowment from which prize money would be awarded for student essays of high quality.

V. Richard Gulbenkian Prize

Prize to honor undergraduate excellence in English. Recipient must have exhibited excellence in English as determined by the faculty and Chair of the English Department.

Donald W. Miller Scholarship

Established to provide scholarships for junior or senior year English majors at Cleveland State University who have demonstrated financial need and academic potential. A faculty and staff committee shall select awardees. The recipient of the Donald W. Miller scholarship will have demonstrated academic achievement, proven financial need, and shown great promise for successfully completing the degree.

FMA majors with junior or senior standing, and in good academic standing are eligible to apply. Follow the links for additional information.

FMA Production Fund

• John A. Lonsak Production Fund

Awarded each semester. Deadline for the Spring 2024 cycle is Friday, February 7.

To be used in support of a student film produced during the semester the application is made.

Scholarships for FMA Majors

• The Alan K. Nevel & Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 7th (must be from underrepresented population)

• The Ageleke and Lee Zapis Film & Media Arts Endowed Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 7th

Scholarships for A&S Majors

• Bonnie and Peter Raquet High Impact Learning Fund

The Raquet Fund supports students with traditional (tuition) scholarships. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences also have access to generous donor funding to assist with the expenses related to study abroad, research, creative activities, and other unique learning opportunities.  (Yes, your film!)

This application remains open year-round.  However, students should apply by November 1st for any Spring or Summer semester funding requests, and by April 1st for any funding requests for the following Fall semester.  Applications received by these deadlines will receive priority review.

•  The John D. Holm Study Abroad Opportunity Scholarship Endowment

October 15 for Spring

June 15 - Fall or Academic Year

• The William H. Roberts Study Abroad Scholarship Fund

October 15 - Spring

June 15 - Fall or Academic Year

Preference to students going to UK, Britain, Northern Ireland

• The Nikki Delamotte "Nikki Forever" Scholarship Fund

Deadline: May 1st

• The Amato Family College Completion Scholarship Fund

Deadline: May 1st

• The "Crossing the Finish Line" Returning Adult Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: November 30 for Spring and Summer

Applicants must be non-traditional students, meaning they must no have completed a bachelor's degree within eight (8) years of graduating from high school.

• Richard A. and Jayne Z. Janus Endowed Scholarship Fund

Deadline: May 1^st

Students from urban or inner-ring suburb high school

• Ram Shivashankar Endowed Scholarship

No Deadline

Student with disability 

• Boyd Watterson College Completion Scholarship Fund

Deadline: May 1st

College of Graduate Studies: Master of Science in Statistics and Analytics

CSU is proud to offer scholarships for a select number of incoming graduate students who have been accepted to our new Master of Science (MS) in Statistics and Analytics.

To qualify, you must:

• Be an admitted domestic student or
• Have an application on file for either the Master of Science (MS) in Statistics and Analytics
  • If you have yet to apply, please apply before completing the application.
• Be a new, incoming domestic graduate student with the intent to enroll in either Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 semesters.
• Awards are up to 25% of a domestic full or part-time student's tuition annually (maximum of $6,000). Learn more about Tuition rates.

Ann M. Frangos Mathematics Scholarship

Approximately $5,000 annually is awarded based on need and academic merit to CSU math majors, thanks to a generous gift from Ann M. Frangos and Louis Frangos. Learn more about Ann M. Frangos.

Deadline: applications are due Thursday May 15, 2025, by 5:00 pm. 

Eligibility: Rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior-level students majoring in Mathematics.  Must show promise in mathematics and demonstrated financial need. Note: To be considered for need-based awards, students must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.

Questions: Email the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at mathematics@csuohio.edu

Awards for undergraduate music talent scholarships and graduate assistantships, and tuition waivers are determined in March prior to enrollment at Cleveland State.

Undergraduate Music Talent Scholarships

The School of Music offers talent-based music scholarships to qualified incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current students, regardless of major, in return for participation in School of Music ensembles. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their performance at the audition. Competition for the Music Talent Scholarship is keen. For best consideration, you should audition no later than March 15, prior to your anticipated enrollment at Cleveland State.

Talent scholarships may be applied as payment to cover tuition and fees, with the exception of applied music fees. Questions about the Music Talent Scholarship should be directed to Kate Bill in the School of Music/Admissions.

Graduate Assitanships, Stipends, and Tuition Waivers

For qualified graduate students, the School of Music offers graduate assistantships, stipends, and tuition waivers in the following areas: accompanying, composition, departmental support, computer lab, music education, music history, and music performance. In order to qualify for these funds, students must be accepted as regular degree-seeking graduate students and must have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average.

Awards are determined based on availability each academic year. Tuition grants are for one to eight credits. The deadline to apply for a graduate assistantship or tuition grant is March 15 prior to your anticipated enrollment at Cleveland State. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Victor Liva, v.liva@csuohio.edu, Coordinator of Graduate Studies.

School of Music Endowed Scholarships

Awarded by the School of Music Faculty

Bettie Allen Dorsey Music Scholarship - Awarded on an annual basis. Amount of award varies annually. Recipient/s must be piano and/or voice majors in the CSU School of Music - Preference will be given to physically challenged students. In the absence of student's meeting this criterion, recipients may be students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the appropriate University officials. Recipients must be students at CSU working towards an undergraduate degree. This award is renewable for each of four years of undergraduate study at CSU. Qualified Candidates must be accepted to Cleveland State University and the Department of Music.

Janice A. Holkenborg Endowed Scholarship in Music - Awarded on an annual basis. Amount of award varies annually. Must be currently enrolled at or admitted to attend CSU as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. Must be pursuing a major in the Music Department with a preference for studying a wind instrument. Must demonstrate successful academic performance with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Financial need may be considered. Scholarship is renewable and students may receive for a maximum of two years. Student holding the scholarship in one year shall have preference in subsequent years.

W. Benoy Joseph Endowed Scholarship for Music and Theatre – amount varies annually.

This scholarship will be awarded in the fall semester to a senior. The scholarship will alternate between Theatre (even years) and Music (odd years). The Scholarship will be given during the fall semester to a recipient who represents the following: Undergraduate senior majoring in music or theatre within two semesters of graduation. Has demonstrated financial need. Has a minimum 2.5 GPA. Strong preference for a student pursuing a career interest in the marketing or management of the Arts. Next available for Music in Fall 2025.

Bain Murray Award for Music Composition – Amount varies annually. The recipient must be a student studying music composition at CSU. No application process. Eligibility is determined and recipients are selected by a faculty committee.

Leonard and Joan Terr Ronis Memorial Scholarship – Amount varies annually. The recipient must be a student studying piano at CSU. The student need not be majoring (or minoring) in piano, and the student need not be a member of Mu Phi Epsilon. Awarded on the basis of talent, effort, demonstrated improvement and active performance. No application process. Eligibility is determined and recipients are selected by a selection committee.

WMMS Scholarship in Music Fund - Amount varies annually. Qualified Candidates must be accepted to Cleveland State University and the School of Music. No application process. Eligibility is determined and recipients are selected by a faculty committee.

William R. Martin Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Voice – Amount varies annually. Recipients must be currently enrolled at or admitted to the university and must be studying voice in the School of Music, with a strong preference for a vocal performance major. Applicants must demonstrate successful academic performance with a minimum 3.0 University GPA. Financial need may be considered. The Martin Scholarship is renewable for up to two years. No application process. Eligibility is determined and recipients are selected by a faculty committee.

Nancy W. McCann Endowed Music Scholarship – Amount varies annually. The Nancy W. McCann Endowed Music Scholarship will be awarded by the Director of the School of Music, in consultation with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of Financial Aid, in accordance with University policy, subject to the following criteria: Recipients must be currently enrolled as either a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in the School of Music with the goal of obtaining his or her degree from the University. Preference will be given to applicants who show talent/potential in the classroom and in performance; and financial need may be considered in awarding the scholarship. No application process.

George Yunis Future Rock Star Scholarship – Amount varies annually. The George Yunis Future Rock Star Scholarship shall provide financial assistance to university students, specifically to talented Cleveland area students who wish to pursue an academic route toward a career in the rock music industry. The funds will assist one incoming first year college student each year with a scholarship of $2,500 per year and shall be applied to the cost of tuition. Eligible recipients in accordance with university policy, subject to the following criteria: Recipients must be in good academic standing, be enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, and be pursuing an undergraduate degree in Rock and Popular Music at the CSU School of Music. The scholarship may be renewed for as long as the recipients meet the eligibility criteria. Recipients must demonstrate financial need. Eligibility is determined and recipients are selected by a faculty committee.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKzeie37WGM

Dr. Judith A. Eckelmeyer Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Music – Amount varies annually. Candidates for the Scholarship shall be currently enrolled at or admitted to the University as a Graduate student in Music. Candidates must be pursuing a Master's degree in the Music Department and enroll as a full-time student (8 credit hours per semester) in the terms in which they receive the Scholarship. Financial need shall be a criterion for determining a recipient of the Scholarship. Candidates must initially demonstrate a strong academic record by having earned a minimum grade point average of 3.2 grade point average from an accredited undergraduate institution in the U.S.; recipients of the Scholarship must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.2 in terms for which they receive the Scholarship. The Eckelmeyer Scholarship is renewable. Students may receive the Scholarship for a maximum of two years. A recipient of the Scholarship in one year shall have preference in subsequent years.

Questions about Endowed Music Scholarships may be directed to Kate Bill.

Aside from the financial aid and scholarships available through CSU, the following sources of financial support are available through the Physics Department:

Dr. Jearl Walker Scholarship Fund

$1000 TOWARDS TUITION FOR BOTH THE FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS*

To qualify for the Dr. Jearl Walker Scholarship Fund you must:

• be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours of courses
• be a declared Physics major (BA or BS), double majors included
• be registered in PHY 3XX or PHY 4XX classes**
• have a G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher
• have completed or earned credit in PHY 241/243/243H and PHY 242/244/244H (University Physics I & II)

(for details please contact: Dr. Kiril Streletzky, Physics Undergraduate Director).

* Award applied directly to unmet tuition needs. 

** PHY 470 Environmental Physics not included.
 

Giving Day Physics Scholarship

One to two awards up to a total of $1500/semester in each of the Fall and Spring semesters of each academic year (subject to available funds) to physics majors who are full-time students, sophomores/juniors/seniors with a GPA of at least 2.7, who have already completed the University Physics sequence at CSU (or have credit for it) and are registered for at least 9 credit hours of PHY courses as of the last day to add in the semester of the scholarship.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen by the undergraduate curriculum committee based on students' academic merit, contributions to the department, and research achievements. The financial need of the applicant may also be considered. An application consists of a short up to 500-word summary addressing the above topics and should be submitted to the undergraduate program director, Dr. Kiril Streletzky.

Hourly-Paid Assistantship Positions

Hourly-paid positions in laboratory teaching, laboratory administration, and tutoring (for details and availability, contact Ms. Tara Peppard, Laboratory Operations Manager.

The Department of Psychology is pleased to offer several scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to those described below, funds are available to support students in other ways, including travel to professional conferences for peer-reviewed presentations. The Department also recognizes students annually with its "Outstanding Undergraduate Psychology Student" award. Scholarships, funding, and awards are given by the Faculty of the Department.

NOTE: Undergraduate scholarship applicants should ALSO complete the current Scholarship Application for Continuing Students.

Important note regarding scholarships: Students who are awarded institutional scholarships, including University Freshmen and Transfer awards and Honors and Athletics awards, and who subsequently are awarded an academic department scholarship may have one of their scholarship award amounts adjusted. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more details.

Dr. James M. Schuerger Endowment Fund Scholarship

Dr. Schuerger was a valued member of the Faculty of the Department of Psychology at CSU until he retired in 2003 and earned the title of Professor Emeritus. Dr. Schuerger passed away on January 7, 2021. The Dr. James M. Schuerger Endowment Fund Scholarship was created to honor his legacy. Two awards will be given each year; undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the College of Sciences and Health Professions at CSU are eligible. According to the Fund Guidelines, there is a preference for the recipient of the Dr. James M. Schuerger Endowment Fund Scholarship to be a member of an under-represented student group; to demonstrate financial need; and to be an undergraduate major or graduate student in the Department of Psychology. Recipients will receive a credit toward tuition (applied by CSU to their account) for the upcoming academic year. The amount of the award varies each year. The annual application deadline is March 15.

Schuerger Scholarship Application (download the form to fill in editable fields, save and email as indicated on form).

Eileen C. and Carlos F. Cortes Endowment Fund Scholarship

Mr. Carlos Cortes was a School Psychologist in the Cleveland schools and a supporter of CSU's School Psychology program. To honor Mr. Cortes' memory and support the CSU community, Eileen Cortes established this fund with the intention of awarding scholarships to deserving students.  The recipient of the Eileen C. and Carlos F. Cortes Endowment Fund Scholarship must be a psychology major or graduate student (in good standing) in the Department of Psychology. According to the Fund Guidelines, preference will be given to students with interest in the profession of School Psychology. The recipient will receive a credit toward tuition (applied by CSU to their account) for the upcoming academic year. The amount of the award varies each year. The annual application deadline is March 15.

Cortes Scholarship Application (download the form to fill in editable fields, save and email as indicated on form).

Joyce A. and Ronald H. Zabor Endowment Scholarship

Upon her departure from Cleveland State University with 45 years of service, Joyce Zabor and her husband Ron established this scholarship to provide support to Psychology majors demonstrating financial need and academic promise. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. The annual application deadline is March 15.

Zabor Scholarship Application (download the form to fill in editable fields, save and email as indicated on form)

 To learn more about past award recipients, please visit our Department of Psychology Awards page.

If you are interested in supporting student scholarships and travel scholarships, please visit our CSU Foundation website and consider designating "Psychology".

More scholarships offered at Cleveland State University

The Hopkins Family Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is available to Psychology and pre-vetinary medicine students at CSU.

Additional scholarships administered by the College of Sciences & Health Professions

Several scholarships are listed on the College of Science & Health Professions page for which students of Psychology might be eligible.  Please read the qualifications and application instructions carefully.

Additional CSU scholarships

A variety of scholarships for students at various stages in their education are offered through Cleveland State University.  Please search the University's Scholarships page carefully for qualifications and application instructions.

External Scholarships and Opportunities

American Indian College Fund for Graduate Students
Application deadline is May 31 every year
Amount: $1,000 - $2,000
AIGCS, a non profit organization, was established in 1969. Founders Robert L. Bennett (Wisconsin Oneida) and John C. Rainer (Taos Pueblo) created a program to assist American Indian college graduates to continue their educations at the master's, doctorate and professional degree levels. AIGC was founded to help open doors to graduate education for American Indians and to help tribes obtain the educated Indian professionals they need to become more self-sufficient and to exercise their rights to self-determination.

American Psychological Association
Search these two sites carefully. There are a number of scholarships available in different demographic and sub-discipline categories (e.g. organizational psychology, clinical, etc):

• APA Awards
• APA Scholarships

Cleveland Foundation
The Cleveland Foundation website hosts a wide variety of locally funded scholarships. Deadlines and eligibility varies.

College Now for Adult Learners (for undergrads only)

CollegeScholarships.org

The College Scholarship Guide

Cleveland Psychological Association

COGDOP Graduate Research Scholarships in Psychology
In conjunction with the Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology, scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 are available to graduate students who are currently enrolled in an interim master's program or doctoral program, to assist with research costs. Eligible scholarships include: the Clarence J. Rosecrans Scholarship ($2,000), the Ruth G. and Joseph D. Matarazzo Scholarship ($3,000), and various $1,000 scholarships. Students who are currently enrolled in a terminal master's program must intend to enroll in a Ph.D. program.

www.grants.gov
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for Grants.gov, an initiative that is having an unparalleled impact on the grant community.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund- General College Scholarship Fund for Graduate Students
Application deadline is December 15 every year. 
Amount: $1,000 - $5,000
HSF is the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. HSF was founded in 1975 with a vision of strengthening the country by advancing college education among Hispanic Americans-the largest minority segment of the U.S. population. In support of its mission to double the rate of Hispanics earning college degrees, HSF provides the Latino community with more college scholarships and educational outreach support than any other organization in the country. Headquartered in San Francisco, HSF has opened regional offices in Southern California, the Southwest, the Southeast, the Northeast and the Midwest. In addition, HSF launched the Washington, DC-based Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute to create public partnerships in support of its work. During its 31-year history, HSF has awarded more than 78,000 scholarships totaling $195 million to Latinos from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. HSF scholars have attended more than 1,700 colleges and universities.

Institute for Diversity in Health Care Management (degree earned in MBA, MPH, MHA, MPA, MSN, or BSN but Diversity Management may be allowed) Application deadline is January 31 every year.

• Cathy L Brock Scholarship, Amount: $1,000
• Diversified Investment Advisors Leaders in Healthcare Scholarship, Amount: $5,000
• Elliott C. Roberts Sr. Scholarship, Amount: $1,000

Japanese American Citizens League Scholarship 
Application deadline is March 1 every year.
Amount: Varies.

Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships for Graduate Students of Polish Descent
Application deadline is January 5 every year.
Amount: $1,000 – 7,000.

OnlinePsychologyDegrees.com $1,000 Thought Leaders in Psychology Scholarship
Whether you're trying to get a new career off the ground or taking your existing career to the next level, we're thrilled that you've chosen a degree in psychology to get you where you want to go. We want to help getting there just a little bit easier by offering you a chance at the $1,000 Thought Leaders in Psychology Scholarship! Applications are now being accepted. You could be our next $1,000 scholarship winner!

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Point Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship for LGBTQ students. Application deadline is January 19 every year. Amount: Varies.

Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Foundation

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
As the nation's oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization, the UNCF's mission is to provide financial support to its 39 member institutions and increase minority degree attainment by reducing financial barriers to college. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 25 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 300 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 65,000 students at more than 900 colleges and universities across the country.

Theatre and Dance scholarships recognize exceptional talent and achievement. Scroll down for guidelines.

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are due April 3, 2026.

Please download the application

Purpose and Criteria for Theatre and Dance Scholarships:

Scholarships are available in Acting, Dance/Choreography, Directing, Design/Technology, Academics and Department Service/Artistic Excellence, as well as other focused categories.

Questions may be directed to Tom Humphrey or at theatre@csuohio.edu.

In addition to the application, please submit the following information with your application (varies by year):

Acting
Video: applicants will perform one monologue totaling no more than 2 minutes.

Dance/Choreography 
Video: applicants must perform a piece of choreography no more than 2 minutes in length. Please note if it's an original piece of choreography by the applicant (not required).

Design/Tech 
Applicants must submit a design concept, portfolio, technical project or prompt book in PDF or PowerPoint.

Directing 
Applicants must present a concept for a play or performance in PDF or PowerPoint.

Academics
Applicants must submit an academic paper on any theatre or dance subject, minimum three pages, with the application. Minimum 3.5 GPA required.

Service and Artistic Excellence 
Applicants in this category give generously of their time to the department, community, and strive for artistic excellence. Applicants will submit a paper outlining their contributions, minimum three pages, with the application.

For all applicants, please also include a theatre/dance resume WITH the application, your resume and answer the following questions must be included:

• What do you feel you bring or might bring to CSU's Theatre and Dance Program?
• What do you feel CSU's Theatre and Dance Program has to offer you? 

Awarded in the Fall

CSU Fine Arts Scholarships, Cleveland Play House Scholarships, and Betty Walls Waetjen Theatre Arts Endowment are all awarded annually based on merit in the following areas: Acting, Directing, Academic Achievement, Design/Technical Theatre, and Departmental Service/Artistic Excellence. Scholarship awards range from $1000-$3000. (Some scholarships may be renewable per semester.)

Departmental Service and Artistic Excellence Scholarship 
Applicants in this category give generously of their time to the department. Applicants will submit a video detailing their activities.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS awarded by the Scholarship Committee / Faculty and Staff

• Reuben & Dorothy Silver Endowed Scholarship in Theatre - Awarded on an annual basis to eligible Theatre majors and minors upon consultation with and recommendation by the faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance. Students become eligible for the award after having been a Theatre major or minor for at least two semesters. They must also have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and have compiled a record of outstanding service to the department. The scholarship amount is variable.
   
• Jean Smith Conrad Memorial Scholarship in Theatre - $1,000.00. Scholarship Requirements: Enrolled as an undergraduate while the scholarship is utilized. Rising junior or senior with at least one full year remaining of education. Awarded in the spring semester for the following full year. Strong creative/professional potential. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Financial need may be considered, but is not required.
   
• The Tony Weinert Theatre Scholarship Fund – Amount varies annually
  Applicants must be enrolled full-time at Cleveland State University, shall be rising Junior or Senior status students, and shall have declared a Theatre major. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5.  Applicants shall demonstrate interest, ability, or talent in acting or directing, or set design as determined by department faculty; Applicants shall demonstrate financial need. Preference shall be given to applicants that are graduates of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District or Lakewood School District.
   
• The Cutietta Scholarship - $1,000.00. Recipients must be enrolled at Cleveland State University as full-time undergraduate students in good standing, pursuing a degree in the Performing Arts; The scholarship is intended for rising junior or senior-status students; Scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need; Preference shall be given to students who demonstrate strong creative or professional potential in the opinion of the faculty. This scholarship is available for theatre students in fall of odd years. Next available for Theatre in Fall 2027.
   
• W. Benoy Joseph Endowed Scholarship for Music and Theatre - $1,200.00. This scholarship will be awarded in the fall semester to a senior. The scholarship will alternate between Theatre (even years) and Music (odd years). The Scholarship will be given during the fall semester to a recipient who represents the following: Undergraduate senior majoring in music or theatre within two semesters of graduation. Has demonstrated financial need. Has a minimum 2.5 GPA. Strong preference for a student pursuing a career interest in the marketing or management of the Arts. Next available for Theatre in Fall 2026.