Education is one of the most noble fields that helps shape future generations. While teachers work on the frontlines to inspire students, education administrators play a pivotal role in facilitating the overall functioning of educational institutions and formulating policies. A master’s degree in education administration can help aspiring leaders advance their careers and make a bigger impact.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of various scholarship opportunities available for pursuing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or a Master of Arts (M.A.) in education administration in 2024. It discusses eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines for different scholarships. The aim is to help interested candidates explore funding avenues and make an informed choice.
Why Pursue a Master’s in Education Administration?
Before delving into available scholarships, let’s understand the significance and career prospects of attaining a graduate degree in education administration.
Develop Leadership and Management Skills
A master’s program in education administration equips candidates with the requisite knowledge and abilities to become effective leaders and managers. The curriculum covers areas like education policy, finance, law, human resources, community involvement, etc. This holistic education cultivates leadership qualities and management competencies required to steer educational institutions.
Career Advancement
For teachers and other education professionals, a master’s opens up opportunities to transition into administrative roles like principal, vice principal, coordinator, director, etc. It also enables taking up mid-to-senior level positions in state and central education boards, non-profit organizations and private schools. Some states in the US require school administrators to hold at least a master’s degree.
Higher Salary
On average, education administrators with a master’s command a 10-30% higher salary compared to those with just a bachelor’s. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for educational administrators was $97,970 in May 2021. With experience and advancement, salaries can go well over $150,000, particularly for top positions.
Flexibility and Credibility
Education administration programs are available in various online, blended, and face-to-face modes to suit different schedules and locations. An advanced degree from a reputed college adds credibility for aspiring as well as experienced professionals. It demonstrates a strong commitment towards continuous self-improvement and knowledge updating.
Federal Scholarships for Master’s in Education Administration
The United States government offers need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to support graduate education, including in administration. Here are some prominent options:
Federal TEACH Grant
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled full-time in an eligible program, committed to teaching high-need subjects for 4 years within 8 years post-graduation
- Award: Up to $4,000 per year
- Application: FAFSA form
- Deadline: Varies by college
The TEACH Grant is designed for students aiming for a teaching career. In the event of non-compliance with the service obligation, the grant will be reclassified as an unsubsidized Direct Loan that needs to be repaid with interest.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens working full-time in public service (including education) for 10 years while repaying Direct Loans under an income-driven repayment plan
- Benefit: Potential loan forgiveness of the remaining federal loan balance
- Application: Employment Certification Form annually
PSLF is intended for graduates looking to serve the community through public sector jobs. It offers a pathway to get student loans discharged after a decade of on-time payments during public service employment.
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN)
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled full-time in designated fields of national need including education
- Award: $18,500 per year for 2 years
- Application: Institutional nomination required
- Deadline: Varies
This merit-based national fellowship targets graduate students showing potential to excel in identified priority areas. Recipients are selected through a competitive process involving nomination by participating universities.
State-Level Scholarships for Master’s in Education Administration
Aside from federal aid, different states offer scholarship programs specifically for residents pursuing graduate education. Here are some examples:
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Graduate and Professional programs
- Eligibility: California residents enrolled at least half-time in approved programs
- Award: Up to $10,000 per year
- Application: Cal Grant GPS Application
- Deadline: September 2
This umbrella scholarship supports both Master’s and doctoral students in California. Eligible fields include education administration, teaching, counseling, etc.
Missouri Graduate Education Tuition Assistance Program (MGETAP)
- Eligibility: Missouri residents enrolled at least half-time in approved programs at participating Missouri colleges
- Award: Up to $3,000 per semester
- Application: FAFSA, MGETAP Application
- Deadline: Check institution website
MGETAP offers generous aid to residents seeking graduate degrees in shortage areas like education administration. Renewals are contingent on maintaining good academic standing and residency.
Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA)
- Eligibility: Rhode Island residents enrolled at least half-time
- Award: Varies; may include grants, loans, and work-study
- Application: FAFSA
- Deadline: Ongoing
RIHEAA handles financial aid disbursement in the state, including graduate scholarships for residents. All eligible students are encouraged to complete FAFSA for consideration.
Institutional Scholarships for Master’s in Education Administration
Most universities hosting education administration programs offer some form of merit or need-based institutional aid available through competitive application processes. Here’s a glimpse of possibilities:
University of Southern California (USC) Rossier Scholarship
- Eligibility: Admitted full-time students in certain M.Ed. programs
- Award: Up to $30,000 per year
- Application: Scholarship Application
- Deadline: Check the website
USC’s prestigious education school considers various factors like academic excellence, leadership qualities, test scores, etc. for these selective scholarships.
Columbia University Teachers College Scholarship
- Eligibility: Admitted full or part-time U.S. and international students
- Award: Up to full tuition
- Application: Scholarship Application
- Deadline: February 15
Teachers College offers substantial scholarships for aspiring as well as practicing education administrators through a merit-based selection process involving essays, references, etc.
Harvard Graduate School of Education Scholarship
- Eligibility: Admitted full-time U.S. and international students
- Award: Up to $20,000
- Application: Scholarship Application
- Deadline: Early March
Harvard’s renowned education school provides partial tuition waivers for top candidates demonstrating academic achievements, work experiences, and leadership potential.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate Fellowship
- Eligibility: Admitted U.S. students in M.Ed., Ed.M. programs
- Award: Tuition waiver plus $18,000/year stipend
- Application: Nomination by department
- Deadline: Varies by program
With top-ranked programs, UIUC makes competitive fellowship awards available in certain focus areas like higher education administration after departmental nomination.
Non-Profit Organization Scholarships
A few charitable organizations offer scholarships specifically aimed at supporting diverse students seeking education administration degrees. Here are two such opportunities:
School Administrators Association Scholarship
- Eligibility: Admitted students committed to educational leadership roles
- Award: $2,000 – $5,000
- Application: Online application form
- Deadline: April 15
This non-profit association provides scholarships annually through an essay-based application evaluating leadership experiences and career goals.
AASA Women in School Leadership Scholarship
- Eligibility: Female students committed to K-12 education administration
- Award: $1,500 – $5,000
- Application: Online application form
- Deadline: March 15
This scholarship by a leaders’ network promotes diversity and supports women pursuing graduate education to become future school principals and superintendents.
Private Scholarships
Several foundations established by generous individuals offer merit or need-based private scholarships open to graduate students in education administration through independent applications. A few notable ones are:
- Strada Education Network Scholarship: Up to $5,000 for students from under-represented backgrounds.
- Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Scholarship: Up to $5,000 for Arizona residents committed to education careers.
- Seattle Foundation Education Scholarship: Variable awards for Washington residents pursuing teaching/leadership roles.
- Goodrich Scholarship Program: Up to $5,000 annually for education administration students demonstrating high potential.
While competition is intense, private scholarships add an extra funding layer. Thorough searches on advocacy websites may reveal localized opportunities as well.
Applying for Scholarships
To maximize chances of winning scholarships, candidates must prepare themselves well and follow application guidelines diligently:
- Start Early: Deadlines range from fall to early spring for aid taking effect next academic year. Mark important dates and start preparing early.
- Target Multiple Options: Apply for as many relevant scholarships as possible based on eligibility to increase the odds of success. Thoroughly research all available opportunities.
- Check Requirements Carefully: Ensure meeting all criteria related to enrollment status, field of study, residency, academic qualifications, etc. mentioned in eligibility rules.
- Highlight Unique Qualities: Emphasize what makes the application stand out from others through personal statement, resume, references highlighting leadership roles, hardships overcome, etc.
- Follow Directions Closely: Provide all required documents, answer prompts accurately as per word limit or format specified. Incomplete applications may get rejected.
- Ask for Recommendations Early: Request strong endorsements from mentors who can vouch for qualifications with sufficient lead time for them to write quality letters.
- Proofread Multiple Times: Spelling, grammatical, and factual errors create negative impressions. Have others proofread the application before final submission.
- Follow Up Where Possible: Contact designated coordinators politely in case of queries to avoid getting overlooked due to unclear communication.
With focused preparation and adherence to guidelines, candidates can considerably raise their odds of winning competitive scholarships for financing graduate education goals.
