Top Health Administration Scholarships in 2024

The cost of higher education continues to rise, forcing students to take on considerable debt to fulfill their dream of getting a quality education. Debt can take decades to repay, and exorbitant amounts of time may be spent worrying about it after graduation. This affects students’ quality of life, as they struggle to make ends meet. Fortunately for health administration students, many scholarship opportunities are available to mitigate these financial (and psychological) burdens.

Scholarships are a boon for students, as they help them afford an education without a mountain of debt. What’s more, many have easy applications. Most scholarships require students to submit their professional and academic records, a resume, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

Graduate-level scholarships, in particular, can cover a large portion of the tuition for a quality master’s in health administration (MHA) program. Students committed to making a career in healthcare administration can benefit greatly from these scholarships. With tuition rates in the tens of thousands of dollars, scholarships can make the MHA within reach, especially for students already facing a significant amount of debt from their undergraduate education or substantial existing economic responsibilities.

Here are the top scholarships in healthcare administration, divided into general, regional, and demographic categories. Please note that many scholarships mentioned in these categories do not have their deadlines listed as of December 2023. However, deadlines are usually the same day or maybe the same month as it was the year before.

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David A. Winston Health Policy Scholarship

• Amount: Up to twenty $10,000 scholarships per year
• Deadline: March 15, 2024
• What to Know: Since 1987, the David A. Winston Health Policy Scholarship has identified and honored students committed to the field of health policy. Its purpose is to increase the number of students receiving quality healthcare education. Awardees are invited to a one-day health policy symposium in Washington, D.C. Students of all political and ideological perspectives are encouraged to apply, as the scholarship honors Mr. Winston’s lifelong commitment to public-private partnerships and bipartisan collaboration as necessary drivers of progressive and high-quality health policy.
• Who Should Apply: To apply, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen. Graduate students enrolled in the first year (second full-time equivalent semester or third full-time equivalent quarter) of accredited health policy, public policy, health administration, or health management graduate programs are encouraged to apply. Application requirements include a current resume, a personal statement, undergraduate and graduate registrar-issued transcripts, and two letters of nomination.

Bill and Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: March 15, 2024
• What to Know: Mosaic Life Care Foundation is a public charity organization that empowers people and champions education to build thriving and healthy communities. The Bill and Mary Russell Scholarship provides financial assistance for those pursuing educational opportunities toward a career in a healthcare field or nursing. This scholarship was created to tribute the late Bill and Mary Russell. This tribute recognizes their many years of dedication and commitment at the local and state level to support healthcare and nursing training.
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be accepted and enrolled in at least 12 hours of study for a regular semester or equivalent full-time status in an approved nursing or health-related program.

FHIMA Graduate Scholarship

• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline: March 15, 2024
• What to Know: The Florida Health Information Management Association (FHIMA), a global nonprofit association of health information professionals with more than 71,000 members and more than 100,000 credentials in the field, is a component association of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The FHIMA graduate scholarship supports individuals pursuing Health Information Management (HIM) careers.
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate-level degree-seeking program relevant to HIM and must have a bachelor’s degree. They must have either a RHIT or RHIA certification, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a current membership in AHIMA/FHIMA.

Foster G. McGaw Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Deadline: March 31, 2024
• What to Know: The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) is a professional society of over 48,000 healthcare executives. It offers this scholarship to healthcare management students, honoring Foster G. McGaw, the founder of the American Hospital Supply Corporation. ACHE, known for its prestigious credentialing and educational programs, provides exceptional value to its members and has made this scholarship available to help future healthcare leaders.
• Who Should Apply: Students who are citizens of Canada or the U.S. and demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply for this scholarship. To apply, students must enter their final year of study in a graduate healthcare management program. Applicants cannot be previous recipients of this scholarship. Application requirements include a current resume or curriculum vitae, official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, three current letters of recommendation, and an application essay. Preference is given to student associates of the ACHE.

AHIMA Foundation

• Amount: Associate’s degree students ($3,000); BA/BS degree or post-baccalaureate certificate students ($5,000); master’s degree students ($7,000); doctoral degree students ($10,000)
• Deadline: May 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: Established in 1962, the Foundation of the American Health Information Management Association is a nonprofit entity originally dedicated to procuring books for the AHIMA library and providing loans to students of health information management (HIM); now they aim to be the leading resource for HIM professionals in terms of development, research, and field advancement. Every year, AHIMA offers scholarships to exceptional undergraduate students in health information technology (HIT) and health information management (HIM) and professionals pursuing doctoral or master’s degrees in health informatics.
• Who Should Apply: Applicants for this scholarship must be current members of AHIMA. They must be current or emerging professionals pursuing associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in HIM or related programs. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 3.5 GPA on their most recently completed credits of graduate study.

Harry J. Harwick Scholarship

• Amount: $3,000
• Deadline: May 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: The American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) sponsors the Harry J. Harwick Scholarship. The ACMPE supports students and individuals who make (or intend to make) meaningful contributions to the Medical Group Management Association’s (MGMA) mission of improving healthcare.
• Who Should Apply: Students applying for the scholarship must be enrolled in an ACEHSA or AUPHA-accredited program related to medical practice management, such as healthcare administration, public health, or business administration, at the graduate or undergraduate level.

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

• Amount: Ten $10,000 scholarships and 25 $5,000 scholarships
• Deadline: August 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: Tylenol sells products that help people in the present moment. Their Future Care Scholarship empowers people to help others in the future. The makers of Tylenol have supported students pursuing healthcare degrees for more than 30 years. They award around $225,000 each year to 35 exceptional students dedicated to healthcare.
• Who Should Apply: Scholarships are awarded to students and practitioners who must be residents of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia. They must be enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program, pursuing health education, public health, medical school, or a pharmacy degree program, and have one or more years of education remaining. Selection criteria for the scholarship include college GPA, academic records in health education, public health, medical school, and volunteer work.

Betty W. Kernodle, RRA Scholarship Fund

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: August 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: This scholarship was established in Betty W. Kernodle’s honor by the Central Florida Health Information Management Association. She was a well-respected health information management professional in the Central Florida community.
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be enrolled as full-time or part-time undergraduate students, entering their senior year, in the health information management BS program. They must have an overall 2.8 GPA and a 3.3 major GPA. Applicants demonstrating financial need will be given preference.

Healthcare Information Management Systems Foundation Scholarship

• Amount: Two $5,000 scholarships
• Deadline: October 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: The HIMSS awards two scholarships, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, respectively. These scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in a program related to the healthcare information and technology field.
• Who Should Apply: The applicant must be a member of HIMSS. They should be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program related to health information and technology or healthcare management systems. Application requirements include a completed application, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume.

Vivian Drenckhahn Scholarship

• Amount: $2,500
• Deadline: October 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit association of health education professionals who raise awareness of the connection between behavioral health, health education, and the surrounding environment. It offers the Vivian Drenckhahn Scholarship to students excelling in health education. The SOPHE is committed to building skills and knowledge that help health educators deal with public health emergencies.
• Who Should Apply: The scholarship is awarded to three full-time undergraduate or graduate students needing financial assistance and holding a national SOPHE membership. Those applying for this award must pursue a health education degree (health education, public health education, community health education, or school health education). This award is designated for tuition support and is paid directly to the student’s academic institution. On winning the scholarship, the students will be placed in a committee or task force to volunteer for one year actively. Winners are also granted a 21st century scholarship to attend the SOPHE Annual Conference at which scholarship awards will be presented.

The CAHME/Sachs Family Foundation Scholarship

• Amount: $3,000; one complimentary ticket to the CAHME Awards Ceremony; One complimentary ticket to ACHE Congress; roundtrip airfare; two-night hotel stay; commemorative CAHME award recognizing the student’s success; recognition on CAHME’s website and social media
• Deadline: November 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: The CAHME/Sachs Family Foundation Scholarship was established in honor of Michael A Sachs, who throughout his career started and grew several companies, including bSwift, Sachs Group, Solucient /HCIA-Sachs, Sg2, and Repp Health. In the process, he created thousands of jobs, launched numerous successful careers, and improved healthcare. The scholarship seeks to support students who demonstrate the potential to innovate in healthcare.
• Who Should Apply: Students in CAHME-accredited or certified programs can receive the scholarship. Nominations must be made by their program director or a faculty member on behalf of the university program director. The nomination consists of two essays of no more than 250 words.

Richard J. Stull Award (American College of Healthcare Executives)

• Amount: $1,000 to $3,000
• Deadline: December 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: Presented by the ACHE, the Richard J. Stull Award asks applicants to submit essays on a popular healthcare management topic. Students are judged on the significance of the chosen topic, the innovativeness of their approach to it, the thoroughness and precision in developing the subject, the practical utility it presents to guiding management action, and the clarity and conciseness of its expression.
• Who Should Apply: This competition is open to all students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Canadian or U.S. health administration program. The program must be a part of the ACHE Higher Education Network. Strong written communication skills are a must. Applicants also need to be members or student associates of the ACHE.

Violet Wondergem Health Science Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: Applications will open on December 1, 2023
• What to Know: Established in 1922, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been making grants in Kent County, helping nonprofits prosper and students succeed for nearly 100 years. One of the many scholarships offered by the foundation is the Violet Wondergem Health Science Scholarship.
• Who Should Apply: This scholarship is awarded to students who are residents of Kent or Ottawa County majoring in undergraduate-level health service-related fields at any accredited Michigan college or university. Applicants must have financial needs and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

The Erin Bird Isles Memorial Health Careers Scholarship (Union Health Foundation)

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: March 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: Since 1985, the Union Health Foundation has awarded around $800,000 to nearly 700 area students. To be eligible for a Union Health Foundation Scholarship, applicants must be residents of the Wabash Valley, limited to Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Greene, Vermillion, and Vigo counties in Indiana and Clark, Crawford, and Edgar counties in Illinois.
• Who Should Apply: For the Erin Bird Isles Memorial Health Careers Scholarship, applicants must be graduating West Vigo High School students with plans to pursue a healthcare-related degree from an accredited institution. They must be full-time students in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0. Financial needs will also be considered for this scholarship.

Larry A. Mullins Scholarship (Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation)

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline: April 30, 2024
• What to Know: The Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation funds medical equipment for its regional hospital and also provides financial support for patients, low-income individuals, and community wellness programs. This scholarship honors Larry A. Mullins, the president and CEO of Samaritan Health Services, upon completing his doctoral degree in healthcare administration. Dr. Mullins chairs the selection committee for the scholarship.
• Who Should Apply: All races, creeds, and genders are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a healthcare-related field. Special consideration will be given to veterans of the military, to those willing to practice in Oregon or Arizona, and to those who currently attend one of a select list of institutions (Arizona State University, Glendale Community College, Linn Benton Community College, Medical University of South Carolina, Northern Arizona University, Oregon State University, and Western University of Health Sciences – COMP Northwest).

NHA Foundation Health Care Career Graduate Scholarship

• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Deadline: May 2024 (Estimated)
• What to Know: The NHA Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing better healthcare to the citizens of Nebraska. They foster educational programs to train health services personnel, provide financial aid for Nebraska hospital employees to further their healthcare education, and sponsor research in the healthcare field. The Graduate Studies Tuition Aid Program by the NHA Foundation is awarded to students pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare at an accredited college or university or an accredited institution offering online degree programs. The scholarship assists with tuition and academic expenses and preference will be given to students pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare administration.
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be employed by a member hospital of the NHA for at least one year. It is important to note that qualified applicants must be enrolled at an educational institution from one of the following states: Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota. Online programs must have a presence in one of these states.

TxHIMA HIA/HIT Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: May 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: Each year the Texas Health Information Management Association (TxHIMA) awards several education scholarships to students who demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to the field of health information management in Texas. TxHIMA supports the professional development of individuals engaged in the undergraduate study of HIT, HIM, or graduate study in HIM or related fields. The TxHIMA HIA/HIT Scholarship will be awarded to one HIA student and one HIT student, beginning their last year (in summer or fall) in one of the following: CAHIIM accredited HIA program in Texas and CAHIIM accredited HIT program in Texas.
• Who Should Apply: Students who will begin their last year in a Texas HIA or HIT program in the summer or fall. They must be active student members of AHIMA and have a TxHIMA membership. They must be residents of Texas for at least a year, citizens of the U.S. or hold permanent resident status, and must have a major in health information administration or technology and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in that major.

Edwina Foye Award (Foundation for Seacoast Health)

• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Deadline: May 1, 2024
• What to Know: The Foundation for Seacoast Health is a regional association that seeks to meet the health needs of the Seacoast community. They believe healthcare is not solely curative, and must also include the broader scope of physical and mental wellbeing. In addition to facilitating scholarships and grants, they provide oversight at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, maintain a multi-tenant non-profit community campus, and sponsor community-building initiatives. The Edwina Foye scholarship was established in 1985 by friends, family, and colleagues to honor the memory of Edwina Foye, RN, a nurse who dedicated twenty-five years of service to Portsmouth Hospital.
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must have been a resident of a select community in either New Hampshire, Portsmouth, North Hampton, Greenland, Rye, Newington, New Castle, or Maine, Kittery, Eliot, and York, Maine for a minimum of two years before the award year. All candidates must submit scores from appropriate tests before the scholarship application deadline. Those applying for this scholarship must pursue a health-related field of study as a graduate student in an accredited institution.

Lowell C. Kruse Healthy Choices. Healthy Lives. Scholarship

• Amount: $10,000
• Deadline: June 15, 2024
• What to Know: Founded in 1982, the Mosaic Life Care Foundation is a public charity committed to finding long-term solutions to create better health for the thirty county regions it serves in northwest Missouri and adjacent counties in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Funded by Mosaic Life Care and managed by Mosaic Life Care Foundation, this Kruse Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to first-year, full-time graduate students studying in areas leading to improved quality of life for residents of Mosaic Life Care’s service region. These areas include healthcare administration, not-for-profit management, educational leadership, and early childhood development.
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be accepted and enrolled in accredited graduate-level programs (beyond a bachelor’s degree) for a minimum of six hours per semester in a qualifying area that will lead to improved quality of life for the residents of our Mosaic Life Care’s service region. They must maintain an excellent GPA and provide two current letters of recommendation. Recipients must agree to complete a paid internship between their first and second years.

University of Washington

• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Deadline: November 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: The University of Washington’s MHA program is consistently rated as one of the best in the nation. The school offers four scholarship opportunities to its students, with separate awards given for community service, leadership, diversity, financial need, and public presentation skills.
• Who Should Apply: First and second-year MHA students at the University of Washington are the focus of these scholarships. The application is mainly essay-based. The four awards include the Health Systems Excellence, Equity, and Distinction (HSEED) Award; the Current Topics in Health Care Award; the Emerging Leader Award; and the Impact Award.

The Bachrach Family Scholarship for Excellence in Healthcare Administration

• Amount: $6,000
• Deadline: January 8, 2024
• What to Know: The Bachrach Family Scholarship for Excellence in Healthcare Administration was established to honor the areas and institutions that played a role in the success of David and Linda Bachrach.
• Who Should Apply: Students applying for this scholarship must be enrolled full-time in an accredited residential graduate program in healthcare administration and be in their second year of study. Female applicants, students who need financial help, and those who are the first in their families to pursue a graduate degree are given preference. Selection is based on college GPA and commitment to healthcare and healthcare management. Application requirements include a personal statement, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.

Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Deadline: March 31, 2024
• What to Know: The American College of Healthcare Executives also offers a scholarship to minority students in healthcare management graduate programs. This scholarship was established in honor of Albert W. Dent, the first African-American Fellow of ACHE.
• Who Should Apply: Minority students in their last year of an MHA, MPH, Healthcare Administration MBA, or related program, with an expected graduation date between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, are eligible to apply. Applicants are not required to be student members of ACHE; however, they must be citizens of Canada or the U.S. and demonstrate financial need.

Corris Boyd Scholars Program (Hospital Corporation of America)

• Amount: $40,000
• Deadline: April 1, 2024
• What to Know: The HCA is a nonprofit operator of healthcare facilities. Its Scholars Program honors the legacy of Mr. Corris Boyd, a senior healthcare executive dedicated to increasing diversity in the field. Applicants are judged on their leadership qualities, academic achievements, community involvement, and commitment to healthcare and health management as a career path.
• Who Should Apply: The scholarship is available to students of color with a minimum 3.0 GPA who have been accepted into an AUPHA member master’s program. Additional requirements include an unofficial GRE or GMAT score report, a current resume, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Applicants must commit to healthcare and healthcare management as a career path.

The Haynes Rice Scholarship Award (National Association of Health Services Executives)

• Amount: $7,000
• Deadline: June 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: Established in 1968, the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) is a nonprofit association promoting Black healthcare leaders’ advancement and development. This scholarship honors the legacy of Haynes Rice, a founder of the NAHSE and a director of Howard University Hospital. It awards this scholarship to minority students pursuing a career in healthcare management or a related field. Since money can often be a barrier to education, it aims to help students with financial needs.
• Who Should Apply: The applicant must be an African American graduate student enrolled or admitted in an accredited college program, pursuing a master of science or doctoral degree, with a major in healthcare administration or a related field. They must also demonstrate a financial need, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be NAHSE members.

The Ellis Bonner Scholarship Award (National Association of Health Services Executives)

• Amount: $7,000
• Deadline: June 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: The Ellis Bonner Award is another scholarship awarded by the NAHSE. This special category award recognizes exceptional leadership skills and academic achievement among non-traditional graduate students, who wish to make a mark in healthcare management. This award specifically targets ‘non-traditional’ African-American students. While the term ‘non-traditional’ can be defined in many ways—with criteria including part-time students, working students, or students with dependents—it is often a general term for students over the age of 25.
• Who Should Apply: To apply for this scholarship, Non-traditional African-American students must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited master of science or doctorate program, in healthcare management or a related subject. The applicant should also be a member of NAHSE, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need.

Florence Gaynor Award (National Association of Health Services Executives)

• Amount: $7,000
• Deadline: June 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: Another scholarship offered by the NAHSE, this award honors Florence Gaynor, the first African-American woman to head a major teaching hospital in the United States.
• Who Should Apply: Female African American students in their last year of graduate study, who can demonstrate financial need, are the focus of this scholarship. Applicants must be NAHSE members.

Dawn Gideon-Huron Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Deadline: July 2024 (estimated)
• What to Know: Founded in 2015 in memory of Dawn M. Gideon, the Dawn Gideon Foundation provides opportunities for healthcare administrators and their organizations at every level. The foundation provides resources to empower and train professionals, with preference given to women, to succeed in healthcare careers and to become role models for compassionate and intelligent leadership. The Dawn Gideon Foundation, through the generosity of Huron, is proud to offer the Dawn Gideon-Huron Scholarship.
• Who Should Apply: This scholarship is for women who self-identify as Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic, or Native American, have demonstrated a commitment to health equity, and are pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration or business administration. It is a two-year award for students who will be enrolling for the first time in the fall. One-year awards are available for those already enrolled.