Scholarships
Rewarding your outstanding achievements and dedication
Your academic excellence and hard work deserve recognition. In addition to financial aid, Simmons offers competitive merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
To qualify, you must be admitted as a first-year, Dix Scholar, or transfer student. Online undergraduate students should visit the Online Degree Completion site for aid eligibility information.
Merit scholarships are awarded through the admission process, and most do not require a separate application. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership, community service, co-curricular involvement, and other talents. Renewal depends on meeting the requirements listed under “Eligibility” for each award.
First Year Merit Scholarships
- Merit Scholarship
First-year Merit Scholarships
First year students, including international students, are automatically considered for several first-year merit-based scholarships when they apply to Simmons. They do not require a separate application and are part of the admission process. These scholarships range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year, renewable for four years.
- Merit Scholarship
Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award
This scholarship requires a separate application. The Distinguished Scholar Award is a prestigious and competitive Simmons scholarship offered to students with exceptional academic achievements, a strong commitment to their community, and a passion for creating positive change in society. This scholarship covers full tuition, mandatory fees (except health insurance), room & board for four years, and supersedes any previous merit scholarship.
- Merit Scholarship
Boston Scholarship
This scholarship requires a separate application. The Simmons University Boston Scholarship is a competitive merit award that recognizes students from Boston public high schools and charter schools who have attained academic excellence.
Transfer Merit Scholarships
- Merit Scholarship
Merit Scholarships for Transfer Students
Transfer students, including international and adult student transfers, are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply to Simmons. These do not require a separate application and are part of the admission process. The scholarships range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year.
- Honor Society Scholarship
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Transfer students and Dix Scholars who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society receive a Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship of $2,000 per year, renewable for four years.
- Merit Scholarship
Simmons University Community College Excellence Scholarship (SUCCESS)
Students graduating with their associate’s degree (AA/AS) from an accredited community college will be eligible for our Transfer SUCCESS program, which can range up to $22,000 per year.
- Merit Scholarship
Boston Community College Scholarship
The Boston Community College Scholarship is a two year, full-tuition scholarship, for candidates graduating from either Roxbury Community College or Bunker Hill Community College with an Associate’s degree.
- Merit Scholarship
Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholarship
Dix scholars (adult learners), including international students, are automatically considered for the Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholarship when they apply to Simmons. They do not require a separate application and are part of the admission process. This scholarship is up to $10,000 for the first four consecutive semesters of enrollment.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
- Simmons Alumnae/i Scholarship
Alumnae/i Scholarship
Children, grandchildren, and siblings of Simmons graduates automatically qualify to receive an Alumnae Scholarship of $2,000 per year, renewable for four years. No separate application is required.
- Study Abroad Scholarship
- External
External Scholarships for Study Abroad
External scholarships are available for most students looking to study abroad.
- Study Abroad Scholarship
Funding and Scholarships for Study Abroad
Simmons uses a Home School Tuition model for study abroad. This model allows all Simmons grant and scholarship aid to be used for approved semester abroad programs and is reflective of the university’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. In addition, there are a number of external scholarships available for most students looking to study abroad.
- External
Outside Scholarships for Undergraduates
Looking for outside scholarships to help reduce cost? We encourage you to reach out to your high school guidance office to first learn about any local scholarships you might be eligible for. We have compiled a list of free outside scholarship searches that may help you find additional resources to apply to your cost of attendance.
Most graduate programs offer scholarships. Check with your program’s admission team during your application process.
Merit scholarships typically do not require a separate application unless specified. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership, community service, work experience, and other talents.
Scholarships are usually awarded for the duration of the program and require enrollment in a specified number of credits and a minimum GPA. Simmons partners with a number of organizations and undergraduate programs to provide partnership scholarships to eligible employees, members, or students.
Scholarships Applicable to All Graduate Programs
All graduate students are eligible for consideration for these scholarships, regardless of your chosen program.
- Merit Scholarship
- Not program-specific (available for all programs)
Merit Scholarships for Graduate Students
Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and no additional application is required. These scholarships are awarded by the Admission Committee based on the "merit" or strength of an application. No separate application is required.
- Simmons Alumnae/i Scholarship
- Not program-specific (available for all programs)
Double Shark Scholarship
If you hold a Simmons bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree and enroll in an eligible graduate degree or certificate program, you'll automatically receive the Double Shark Scholarship — no separate scholarship application is required. Upon admission, you'll receive a scholarship letter outlining your tuition savings of up to 20% when you return to Simmons for your next degree.
- Non-Simmons Alumnae/i Scholarship or Discount
- Not program-specific (available for all programs)
Colleges of the Fenway Scholarships
Simmons has designated up to five Colleges of the Fenway Scholarships to students and alumnae/i of COF institutions who enroll in a graduate degree program.
- Partner Org Discount
- Not program-specific (available for all programs)
City Year Partnership Discount
City Year members, alumnae/i and staff benefit from at least 25% total tuition savings.
Program-specific Scholarships
Most graduate programs offer scholarships. If your program is not listed here please check with your program’s admission team during your application process.
For students enrolling in the 2026-2027 academic year, generous scholarships are available, including the Future Leader in Behavior Analysis Award, which covers up to 50% of tuition! Because we value Behavior Analysis, we are investing in the next generation of leaders!*
No additional application is needed. All students will be considered for merit scholarships when their application for admission is reviewed.
*Applicants who work for an organization that has an agreement with Simmons are not eligible for scholarships, but do benefit from cost savings. If you are an employee at one of these organizations, please reach out to your organization representative for more information
- Program-Specific
- External
External Grants and Scholarships for Behavior Analysis
There are a number of external sources of funding for graduate students pursuing Behavior Analysis. Simmons does not play a role in the awarding of any of these awards.
These scholarships and discounts are offered to graduate students pursuing a degree in Children's Literature. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
- Merit Scholarship
- Program-Specific
Children's Literature Scholarships
Annually, Simmons awards a variety of merit-based scholarships including three Director's Scholarships to Children's Literature students. All degree applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. No additional application is required.
- Merit Scholarship
- Program-Specific
The Lee & Low...and Friends Scholarship
The Lee & Low...and Friends Scholarship enacts a shared organizational commitment to increasing diversity in children's book publishing. One $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually; no additional application required.
- Merit Scholarship
- Program-Specific
The Virginia Haviland Scholarship
The Virginia Haviland Scholarship covers one half of total tuition for all graduate courses in Children's Literature.
- Fellowship
- Program-Specific
Ifill Graduate Student Fellowship
Each year, Simmons offers a number of fellowship positions that allow graduate students in the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning.
- Non-Simmons Alumnae/i Scholarship or Discount
- Program-Specific
Framingham State University (FSU) Students and Alumni Benefits
To honor Framingham State University's commitment to the study of Children's and Young Adult Literature, Simmons University offers FSU students and alumni from the last 5 years a range of benefits that amount to savings of up to 1/3 of the total tuition in any of the graduate programs in Children's Literature.
- Non-Simmons Alumnae/i Scholarship or Discount
- Program-Specific
Wheaton College Students and Alumni Benefits
To honor Wheaton College's dedication to scholarship in the field of Children's and Young Adult Literature as well as Public Policy, Simmons University offers Wheaton students and alumni from the last 5 years a range of benefits that can amount to a savings of up to 1/3 of the total tuition in any of the Children's Literature or Public Policy programs.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
ExL Fellows Discount
The Simmons Department of Children’s Literature offers two distinct options for ExL Fellows to study at Simmons in degree-seeking or non-degree capacities that result in significant tuition savings.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Horn Book Employee Discount
Simmons University offers two distinct options for employees and interns of the Horn Book to study at Simmons in degree-seeking or non-degree capacities that result in significant tuition savings.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Member Discount
Members of the Eric Carle Museum will receive 25% off the cost of up to two non-degree/pre-matriculated courses taken at the Museum.
- Professional Discount
- Program-Specific
Teachers, Librarians, and Publishers Discount
All teachers, librarians, and publishing employees who enroll in a Children's Literature degree program (MA, MFA, MA/MFA and dual MA/ MS Library Info Science) benefit from a discount of up to 20% total tuition.
- Program-Specific
- External
External Grants and Scholarships for Children's Literature
There are a number of external sources of funding for students pursuing Children's Literature. Simmons does not play a role in the decisions regarding of any of these awards.
These scholarships and discounts are offered to graduate students pursuing a graduate degree in History. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
- Endowed Scholarship
- Program-Specific
Endowed Scholarships for SLIS Students
The School of Library and Information Science offers a number of endowed scholarships each year.
- Assistantship
- Program-Specific
SLIS Graduate Student Assistantship
Each year, SLIS offers a number of paid assistantship positions that allow MSLIS students to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning. Graduate Student Assistants benefit from significantly reduced tuition through either a generous scholarship or tuition remission. Graduate Student Assistants also generate an income through the wages or stipend they earn in their paid assistantship position.
- Fellowship
- Program-Specific
Ifill Graduate Student Fellowship
Each year, Simmons offers a number of fellowship positions that allow graduate students in the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning.
- Fellowship
- Program-Specific
SLIS Graduate Student Fellowship
Each year, SLIS offers a number of fellowship positions that allow MSLIS students to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning. Graduate Fellows benefit from significantly reduced tuition as a result of either a generous scholarship or tuition remission. Graduate Student Fellows also generate an income through the wages or stipend they earn in their paid fellowship positions.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
ALA Spectrum Scholarship Match
The School of Library and Information Science will match the $5000 ALA Spectrum Scholarship to incoming graduate students.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Central and Western Massachusetts Public and Academic Libraries Employee Discount
In recognition of our SLIS West neighbors, employees of public and academic libraries in Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, or Worcester counties beginning a degree-seeking program in the School of Library and Information Science will receive a minimum scholarship of 20% tuition in recognition of our partnership.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Greenfield Community College Employee Discount
Greenfield Community College is the proud host of our SLIS West campus. GCC employees beginning a degree-seeking program in the School of Library and Information Science will receive a minimum scholarship of 20% tuition in recognition of our partnership.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Women's College Coalition Members Scholarship
Each year, SLIS offers a number of paid assistantship positions that allow MSLIS students to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning. Graduate Student Assistants benefit from significantly reduced tuition through either a generous scholarship or tuition remission. Graduate Student Assistants also generate an income through the wages or stipend they earn in their paid assistantship position.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Boston Public Library Employee Discount
BPL employees beginning a degree-seeking program in the School of Library and Information Science or the Gwen Ifill School of Media and Social Sciences will receive a minimum scholarship of 20% tuition in recognition of our partnership. No additional application is required.
- Assistantship
- Program-Specific
Ifill Teaching and Research Assistantships for Graduate Students
Graduate students in the History or Public Policy graduate program may request consideration for graduate assistantships through their graduate program director after completing at least one semester of study.
These scholarships and discounts are offered to graduate students pursuing a degree in Public Policy. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
Questions? Contact admissions via email or at 617-521-2868.
- Fellowship
- Program-Specific
Ifill Graduate Student Fellowship
Each year, Simmons offers a number of fellowship positions that allow graduate students in the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning.
- Non-Simmons Alumnae/i Scholarship or Discount
- Program-Specific
Wheaton College Students and Alumni Benefits
To honor Wheaton College's dedication to scholarship in the field of Children's and Young Adult Literature as well as Public Policy, Simmons University offers Wheaton students and alumni from the last 5 years a range of benefits that can amount to a savings of up to 1/3 of the total tuition in any of the Children's Literature or Public Policy programs.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Boston Public Library Employee Discount
BPL employees beginning a degree-seeking program in the School of Library and Information Science or the Gwen Ifill School of Media and Social Sciences will receive a minimum scholarship of 20% tuition in recognition of our partnership. No additional application is required.
- Professional Discount
- Program-Specific
Government and Nonprofit Professional Scholarship
Simmons is proud to support the investment that public sector and nonprofit employees make in themselves and their communities. All government (federal, state, and local) employees as well as applicants in public education, civil service, or nonprofit civil society organizations who enroll in our Public Policy graduate program benefit from a scholarship covering a minimum of 20% tuition.
- Assistantship
- Program-Specific
Ifill Teaching and Research Assistantships for Graduate Students
Graduate students in the History or Public Policy graduate program may request consideration for graduate assistantships through their graduate program director after completing at least one semester of study.
These scholarships and discounts are offered to graduate students pursuing a graduate degree in the School of Library and Information Science. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
- Merit Scholarship
- Endowed Scholarship
- Assistantship
- Fellowship
- Program-Specific
SLIS Doctoral Student Scholarships, Fellowships, and Teaching Opportunities
The PhD program offers full tuition coverage for a limited number of students every year. In addition, scholarships, fellowships, and teaching opportunities are available to students in the SLIS PhD program
- Endowed Scholarship
- Program-Specific
Endowed Scholarships for SLIS Students
The School of Library and Information Science offers a number of endowed scholarships each year.
- Assistantship
- Program-Specific
SLIS Graduate Student Assistantship
Each year, SLIS offers a number of paid assistantship positions that allow MSLIS students to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning. Graduate Student Assistants benefit from significantly reduced tuition through either a generous scholarship or tuition remission. Graduate Student Assistants also generate an income through the wages or stipend they earn in their paid assistantship position.
- Fellowship
- Program-Specific
SLIS Graduate Student Fellowship
Each year, SLIS offers a number of fellowship positions that allow MSLIS students to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning. Graduate Fellows benefit from significantly reduced tuition as a result of either a generous scholarship or tuition remission. Graduate Student Fellows also generate an income through the wages or stipend they earn in their paid fellowship positions.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
ALA Spectrum Scholarship Match
The School of Library and Information Science will match the $5000 ALA Spectrum Scholarship to incoming graduate students.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Central and Western Massachusetts Public and Academic Libraries Employee Discount
In recognition of our SLIS West neighbors, employees of public and academic libraries in Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, or Worcester counties beginning a degree-seeking program in the School of Library and Information Science will receive a minimum scholarship of 20% tuition in recognition of our partnership.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Greenfield Community College Employee Discount
Greenfield Community College is the proud host of our SLIS West campus. GCC employees beginning a degree-seeking program in the School of Library and Information Science will receive a minimum scholarship of 20% tuition in recognition of our partnership.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Western Massachusetts Library Advocates Member Discount
In recognition of our SLIS West neighbors, employees of public and academic libraries in Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, or Worcester counties beginning a degree-seeking program in the School of Library and Information Science will receive a minimum scholarship of 20% tuition in recognition of our partnership.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Women's College Coalition Members Scholarship
Each year, SLIS offers a number of paid assistantship positions that allow MSLIS students to gain valuable research and/or experiential learning. Graduate Student Assistants benefit from significantly reduced tuition through either a generous scholarship or tuition remission. Graduate Student Assistants also generate an income through the wages or stipend they earn in their paid assistantship position.
- Partner Org Discount
- Program-Specific
Boston Public Library Employee Discount
BPL employees beginning a degree-seeking program in the School of Library and Information Science or the Gwen Ifill School of Media and Social Sciences will receive a minimum scholarship of 20% tuition in recognition of our partnership. No additional application is required.
- Program-Specific
- External
External Grants and Scholarships for Library and Information Science
There are a number of external sources of funding for graduate students pursuing Library and Information Science. Simmons does not play a role in the awarding of any of these awards.
These scholarships and discounts are offered to graduate students pursuing a graduate degree in the School of Management. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
- Merit Scholarship
School of Management Scholarships
School of Management scholarships are awarded by the School of Management Admission Committee based on academic achievement, leadership, and professional potential.
These scholarships and discounts are available to graduate students pursuing a graduate degree in the School of Nursing. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
- Program-Specific
- External
External Grants and Scholarships for Graduate Nursing
There are a number of external sources of funding for graduate students pursuing one of our graduate nursing programs. Simmons does not play a role in the awarding of any of these awards.
These scholarships and discounts are available to graduate students pursuing a graduate degree in Nutrition. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
- Program-Specific
- External
External Scholarships for Nutrition
There are a number of external sources of funding for graduate students pursuing Nutrition. Simmons does not play a role in the awarding of any of these awards.
These scholarships and discounts are available to graduate students pursuing a graduate degree in Physical Therapy. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
- Program-Specific
- External
External Grants and Scholarships for Physical Therapy
There are a number of external sources of funding for graduate students pursuing physical therapy. Simmons does not play a role in the awarding of any of these awards.
These scholarships and discounts are available to graduate students pursuing a graduate degree in Public Health. Be sure to check each one for eligibility and requirements.
- Program-Specific
- External
External Grants and Scholarships for Public Health
There are a number of external sources of funding for graduate students pursuing public health. Simmons does not play a role in the awarding of any of these awards.
Please note that merit scholarships do not cover the full cost of attendance, and there are extremely limited opportunities to receive a full scholarship at Simmons. We do not offer need based financial aid to international students.
Available Scholarships
- Merit Scholarship
First-year Merit Scholarships
First year students, including international students, are automatically considered for several first-year merit-based scholarships when they apply to Simmons. They do not require a separate application and are part of the admission process. These scholarships range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year, renewable for four years.
- Merit Scholarship
Merit Scholarships for Transfer Students
Transfer students, including international and adult student transfers, are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply to Simmons. These do not require a separate application and are part of the admission process. The scholarships range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year.
- Merit Scholarship
Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award
This scholarship requires a separate application. The Distinguished Scholar Award is a prestigious and competitive Simmons scholarship offered to students with exceptional academic achievements, a strong commitment to their community, and a passion for creating positive change in society. This scholarship covers full tuition, mandatory fees (except health insurance), room & board for four years, and supersedes any previous merit scholarship.
- Merit Scholarship
Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholarship
Dix scholars (adult learners), including international students, are automatically considered for the Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholarship when they apply to Simmons. They do not require a separate application and are part of the admission process. This scholarship is up to $10,000 for the first four consecutive semesters of enrollment.
Are Accelerated Programs considered scholarships?
No, our Accelerated Programs — including our 3+1 Masters in Public Policy, 3+1 Masters in Library Science, 3+1 Masters in Social Work, 3+1 Masters in Public Health, and 3+2 Engineering Dual Degrees — are not scholarships. While the accelerated timelines of these programs offer numerous financial benefits, students do not receive additional funding for these programs outside of our merit scholarships. If you have questions, reach out to your admissions counselor.
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (NHSC LRP) offers fully trained and licensed clinical social workers $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for two years serving in a community based site in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) that has applied to, and been approved by, the NHSC as a service site.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a loan forgiveness program targeted at students who pursue public service careers and who have high debt but not high income. Generally this program is available to anyone who works in a non-profit organization. Debt forgiveness is available for Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Plus Loans and Grad Plus Loans. For more information, please visit these web sites:
Equal Justice Works
Equal Justice Works has a resource page for student debt relief.
Indian Health Services (IHS) Loan Repayment Program
MSW prepared clinical social workers, employed by the IHS, are eligible to apply for the IHS Loan Repayment Program. For more information, visit the IHS website.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) Public Health Professions (PHP) are responsible for addressing the health needs of over 1.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives in a network of 48 hospitals, more than 230 clinics, and a system of Tribal and Urban programs. As part of the US Department of Health and Human Services Their mission is to raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of this diverse population to the highest level. To contact the social work recruiter call 301 443 4754
Army National Guard Loan Repayment Program for Clinical Social Workers
The Army National Guard is a part-time service that requires one week-end a month and 15 days of annual training each year from October to October and has a flexible training program that can fit individual's schedules. The Massachusetts Army National Guard's Medical Detachment is located Hanscom Air Force Base in Lexington, MA. For those students who will be leaving Massachusetts, positions exist in other States.
Additionally, the Guard provides Federal Loan Repayments up to $60,000 ($20,000 a year for three years), Special Bonus of $45,000 ($15,000 a year for three years), $400,000 life insurance, Tri-Care Medical Coverage, PX and Commissary Privileges. Upon completion of 20 years service in the Guard, you would receive a Military Pension at age 60 and be entitled to receive all Military Retiree benefits, to include Healthcare. Appointees should attend an Officer Basic Course within 18-24 months of joining the Guard at Fort Sam Houston, TX
For more information contact Joseph Guerriero via email or at 571-641-9032.