Biology Scholarships: Biology, the scientific study of life, is a fundamental discipline in the natural sciences and health. A degree in biology has much application in various fields and can be a stepping stone to pursue greater careers.
Some of the most common jobs include being a field biologist, biotechnologist, professor, microbiologist, anatomist, botanist, scientist, and anything under the sun.
Biology-related career jobs are naturally competitive, so it is essential to have a strong background in the field. Moreover, since the scientific field is always looking for passionate individuals, numerous scholarships are available worldwide to students who want to become so.
In the United States alone, there are some substantial biology scholarships and financial aids for students who want to major in biology and other related fields. Various conditions like an academic record, financial capability, family background, medical challenges, ethnicity, and others are considered.
So if you want to pursue a career in biology, you have come to the right place.
To help you with this, below we have put together a list of the best US biology scholarships open to aspiring biology (and other related fields) significant students to help them afford the cost of university education.
Top American Biology Scholarships
1. Recreational Boating Industries Scholarships – $1,000
This first scholarships for biology majors gives up to $1,000 to undergraduate students who plan to take degree programs in biology and other related fields like natural resources, and environmental sciences. The scholarship is funded by the Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) that is created by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA).
The association’s missions include the advancement, protection, and promotion of the recreational boating industry in Michigan. The scholarship is available to the employees, their families, members of MBIA, and deserving students whenever funding is open.
Further Reading: Recreational Boating Industries Scholarships
2. ACIL Scholarship Alliance Program – $5,000
Finding qualified and excellent employees have been a constant challenge in the industry of laboratory testing. Thus, every year, the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL) awards scholarships up to $5,000 to students who wish to be part of this growing community.
This Scholarship Alliance Program will be given to students who are to pursue Bachelor’s degrees and Master’s degrees in the fields of science such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and geology. Students who showcase good academic achievement and leadership potential, yet face financial challenges are highly encouraged to apply.
Further Reading: ACIL Scholarship
3. BioOhio Scholarship Program – $1,250
In 2009, members of BioOhio established this biology scholarship program to encourage and support individuals to pursue bioscience careers in Ohio. This scholarship grant, amounting to $1,250, will only be available to students living in Ohio and will enroll at a college or university in the state.
Applicants should be senior high school students.
Further Reading: BioOhio Scholarship
4. Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship – $3,000
The Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship is granted to undergraduate (Junior and Senior) and graduate students who are identified as minorities and who want to pursue a career in the field of environmental sciences (i.e., biology, toxicology, ecology, and other related fields).
The scholarship grant amounts to $3,000 in financial funding. Alternatively, its recipients may be offered with optionally paid summer internships at Brown and Caldwell.
Further Reading: Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship
5. Dr.Nancy Foster Scholarship – $42,000
As its name suggests, this biology scholarship is in honor of Dr.Nancy Foster of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for her contribution in the field of marine sciences.
This scholarship is granted to female graduate students and minority students in particular, who are engaged in the fields of marine biology, oceanography, maritime archaeology, and other related fields. The scholarship program aims to increase the number of women and minorities in the above disciplines, particularly as they relate to the mission of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
The scholarship covers the recipients’ tuition, living stipend, travel funds, as well as relevant training.
According to their site, “Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships may provide, subject to appropriations, yearly support of up to $42,000 per student (a 12-month stipend of $30,000 in addition to an education allowance of up to $12,000), and up to $10,000 of support for a 4-6 week program collaboration at a NOAA facility. Masters students may be supported for up to two years, and doctoral students for up to four years. Depending on funding, approximately two to four scholarships are awarded each year.“
Further Reading: Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
6. William F. Helms Student Scholarshi – $5,000p
The William F.Helms Student Scholarship is offered to undergraduate (sophomore and junior) students who are taking agriculture and biological sciences. This biology scholarship prioritizes those students who have an interest in the study of plant health issues and animal diseases.
After the scholarship program, recipients must return service (or have possible permanent employment) to the Plant Protection and Quarantine agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The scholarship grant amounts to $5,000.
Further Reading: William F. Helms Student Scholarship
7. Friends of Volo Bog Scholarships – $1,000
True to their tagline, “Come Explore Nature With Us“, The Friends of Volo Bog is offering two kinds of students to students who have a passion for discovering and conserving nature. The institution offers two kinds of scholarships: one for a student about to enter college, and another for one who is continuing college.
Both scholarships, who will be awarded to applicants living in counties like Lake, Kane, Cook, McHenry, DuPage, and Will County, amount to $1,000.
Further Reading: Friends of Volo Bog Scholarships
8. Gates Millennium Scholars Program – $12,000
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program is a grant offered to American students to finish an undergraduate degree in any field of interest.
Alternatively, this grant can also be offered to graduate students who want to take degrees in the fields of science, public health, engineering, education, computer science, and others.
The award differs per student, but the average amount is around $12,000.
Further Reading: Gates Millennium Scholars Program
9. Jordan Viders “Spirit of the Sea” Scholarship – $1,000
Sponsored by Beneath the Sea, America’s Largest Consumer Scuba Dive Travel Show, the Jordan Viders “Spirit of the Sea” Scholarship grant is meant to recognize people who want to utilize electronics to discover the marine life. The award is in celebration of Jordan Viders, who just like his recipients, have a passion for marine discovery.
During application, students will be asked the importance of electronics in the exploration of oceans, as well as their own future goals in this field of study.
Further Reading: Jordan Viders “Spirit of the Sea” Scholarship
10. Dennis Raveling Scholarship – $2,000
Sponsored by the California Waterfowl Association, the Dennis Raveling Scholarship is offered annually to students who want to take university degrees in the different fields of biological science: botany, zoology, ecology, and more.
The basis of selection will be based on the student’s academic achievements, quality of output submitted, and an overall attitude toward the preservation of nature. This biology scholarship grant is only limited to two students per year.
Awarded students will either have as much as $1,000 (second place) or up to $2,000 (first place).
Further Reading: Dennis Raveling Scholarship
11. Libbie H. Hyman Memorial Scholarship – $1,900
This scholarship program is in memory of Libbie H.Hyman, an American zoologist known for her monumental contribution in the fields of vertebrate and invertebrate zoology.
The program is offered to advanced undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in pursuing degrees and carrying research on invertebrates. The scholarship grant amounts from $700 up to $1,900.
Further Reading: Libbie H. Hyman Memorial Scholarship
12. Catherine H.Beattie Fellowship – $4,500
Open to American graduate students of biology and other related fields, the Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship is a grant given to students who are researching with the goal of saving the endangered, rare flowering plants in Carolina and the southeastern United States.
This biology scholarship, open only to students enrolled in the US, grants scholarship amounting from $1,000 up to $4,500. This fellowship is in honor of Catherine Beattie, former president of the Garden Club of America, who is an outstanding individual dedicated to the conservation of endangered US flora.
Further Reading: Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship
13. ASABE Foundation Scholarship – $1,200
Open to undergraduate students taking up biological or agricultural engineering courses, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ASABE) Foundation scholarship is made possible by the members of the foundation of the same name.
Recipients of this biology scholarship will receive a yearly scholarship grant amounting to $1,200.
Further Reading: ASABE Foundation Scholarship
14. NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program 0 $20,000
Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program is offered to unprivileged students who want to pursue careers in biomedical, social science, and behavioral health-related research. This scholarship program will give up to $20,000 every academic year regarding tuition and other living expenses.
Aside from these, this scholarship also offers paid research training, as well as paid employment at the National Institutes of Health after graduation.
Further Reading: NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
15. Throlson American Bison Foundation Scholarship Program – $9,000
Established by the American Bison Association (before its alliance with the National Buffalo Association), the Throlson American Bison Foundation Scholarship Program is offered to undergraduate and graduate students who want to pursue degrees in the fields of agriculture, animal studies, human nutrition, and others.
A minimum of $2,000 of the total $9,000 amount of the scholarship will be awarded.
Further Reading: Throlson American Bison Foundation Scholarship
So if you want to pursue a career in biology, you can move forward to this dream with the support of these scholarships above. Take the chance and apply now!
Thanks for posting those scholarship opportunities for the public. I was wondering if you could also add Creative Biolabs’ scholarship program to this page. More details can be found at https://www.creative-biolabs.com/scholarship-program.html.