A variety of resources are available to help you make your graduate school experience more affordable, including funding opportunities specific to the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
Funding Opportunities
O’Neill Funding Resources
Current master’s students can apply to a variety of O’Neill-specific fellowships and research grants. Unless specified otherwise, fellowships are for students on the IU Bloomington campus.
O’Neill Fellowships for Continuing Students
These fellowships are for current O’Neill School students who will be continuing their program the next 2019-20 academic year. If you have any questions regarding O’Neill fellowship awards contact speaschl@indiana.edu.
*The O’Neill Awards Committee has the right to change all award amounts and number of awards at its discretion. Award amounts and award numbers may vary from the current listing.
- A. James Barnes Fellowship/Scholarship: One $1,500 award
Established to honor A. James Barnes, SPEA's dean from 1988 to 2000, for his 12 years of leadership and loyal service. The scholarship was created to enable students to engage in nonpaying or low-paying internships in public service in either the public or non-profit sector.
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate or graduate student
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Strong interest in a career in public service
- Meant to enable students to undertake non-paying or low-paying internships in public service in either the public or nonprofit sector- Daniel E. Willard Fellowship in Wetlands Research: One $2,000 award
Established as a tribute to Professor Emeritus Willard to recognize a student who best embodies Professor Willard's dedication and commitment to wetlands research.
Eligibility:
- Graduate student
- Demonstrated commitment to wetlands research
- High academic standing
- Strong interest in a career in public service or the not-for-profit sector
- Fellowship will be used to continue efforts to enhance the School's research efforts at the outdoors environmental education center on Lake Monroe- Donald ("Bill") B. and Anna Josephine Routt Fellowship/Scholarship: One $1,000 award
This award was established by the donor to honor her grandparents Donald ("Bill") B and Anna Josephine Routt.
Eligibility:
- SPEA undergraduate or graduate student who is an Indiana resident
- Demonstrate both merit and financial need
- Majoring in Public Administration with a focus on a career in Indiana state government- J. Kirk and Beatrice Eads Awards Fund: Two $20,000 awards
This award supports SPEA graduate students majoring in public finance administration.
Eligibility:
- SPEA graduate student
- United States citizen
- Public finance administration concentration
- Preference given to students expressing a high degree of interest in pursuing a career in the public sector- James E. Suelflow Fellowship in Arts Administration: One $2,500 award
Created by alumni and friends of the Arts Administration Program as a tribute to Dr. Suelflow, who served as the program's director for more than 25 years, building it into one of the premiere programs of its kind.
Eligibility:
- Graduate student in Arts Administration (MAAA)
- Financial need
- Academic merit- James Pellerite SPEA Sustainability Fellowship/Scholarship: One $1,125 award
The donor has established this award to support undergraduate or graduate SPEA students majoring in environmental and sustainability studies or sustainability and sustainable development.
Eligibility:
- SPEA undergraduate student majoring in environmental and sustainability studies OR
- SPEA graduate student majoring in sustainability and sustainable development
- Preference given to students participating in the Office of Sustainability internship programs- John S. ("Jack") Merritt Graduate Scholarship: One $1,500 award
Established by John S. (Jack) Merritt, an alumnus and long-time member of the SPEA staff who held a variety of positions over a period of 25 years. In honor of his commitment to SPEA, he created a Fellowship to assist SPEA's graduate students.
Eligibility:
- SPEA graduate student- Melissa Laney Graduate Fellowship: Two $6,000 awards
Established in honor of the achievements of Melissa Laney to assist promising graduate students.
Eligibility:
- Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) student or MSES/MPA student
- Financial need- Paul H. O'Neill Fellowship: 0 $0 awards
Eligibility:
- Paul Wenbert Local Government Management Fellowship: One $1,500 award
Established by Paul Wenbert, BSPA'76, who enjoyed a productive professional career in local government management and wishes to assist deserving students pursing a graduate degree in urban management and aspires to have a career in local government management.
Eligibility:
- MPA student with concentration in urban management
- Financial need
- Academic merit with minimum GPA of 2.7
- Demonstrated interest in a career in local government management- Pellerite Nonprofit Internship Fellowship/Scholarship: One $1,800 award
This award was established by former Professor of Flute at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music to support nonprofit management students in SPEA who are doing unpaid or low paying internships in the United States. Funds may be used to cover travel to and from the internship.
Eligibility:
- SPEA nonprofit management student in SPEA doing an unpaid or low paying internship in the United States. A check stub or official letter from student's employer will be required.
- Preference given to students working in communities serving Native Americans.- Phil Rutledge Fellows Program: One $4,500 award
Phil Rutledge Fellows Program was established to celebrate the tireless contributions to public good made by IU Professor Emeritus Philip J. Rutledge and make it possible for future generations of highly talented minority students to follow in his footsteps.
Eligibility:
- Traditionally underrepresented groups who wish to pursue a Masters and/or Doctoral degree
- Applicant must provide Record of Academic excellence, supported by academic and professional reference letters
- Applicant must provide documentation Indicating promise in teaching, research and public service- Robert H. Frowick Memorial Graduate Scholarship: One $2,000 award
Established by the family of Ambassador Frowick in honor of his exemplary service as a foreign diplomat, efforts to promote democracy in Eastern Europe, and dedication and commitment to making a difference in the world.
Eligibility:
- Graduate student born in the Midwestern states of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, or Wisconsin
- Full-time MPA student with a concentration in Policy Analysis or International Development
- Minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA
- Must attach documentation to provide proof of employment. A check stub or official letter from student's employer will be required.
- Preference is given to a student who is not affiliated with a national Greek fraternity or sorority organization
- Preference is given to a student with an interest in a Foreign Service career- Schuchman Family Scholarship in Resource Conservation and Recycling Fellowship/Scholarship: One $2,500 award
Established by Larry Schuchman in honor of the family's long-time commitment to resource conservation and recycling. The scholarship assists students with an interest in the fields of recycling and solid waste management.
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate or graduate SPEA student
- Financial need
- Students interested in a career in resources conservation, recycling, and/or solid waste management
- Record of academic excellence- Scott Chilcote Fellowship/Scholarship: Two $1,500 awards
Established in memory of Scott Chilcote, a B.S. Environmental Management graduate and joint MPA/MSES student, whose dedication to SPEA and joy of life continue to serve as an inspiration to all who knew him.
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate or MSES or joint MPA/MSES students
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Dedication to the environment, SPEA, and Indiana University
- Strong preference given to nontraditional and/or working students- SPEA Alumni Association Fellowship/Scholarship: Two $1,000 awards
Supports graduate and undergraduate students with demonstrated academic success, public and community service, and extracurricular activities.
Eligibility:
-Current SPEA undergraduate or graduate SPEA student- SPEA Diversity Fellowship/Scholarship: One $2,500 award
The donors believe that a diverse student body enhances the education of all students. This award was established to support undergraduate and graduate SPEA students from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, including first generation college students, international students, and students from underrepresented minorities.
Eligibility:
- SPEA undergraduate or graduate student from Bloomington or Indianapolis campus
- First generation college student, international student, and/or student from underrepresented minorities- SPEA Environmental Science Graduate Scholarship (Fellowship): 0 $0 awards
Support for graduate students in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs who are pursuing a Master of Science or a Ph.D. in Environmental Science.
Eligibility:
-Graduate students in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs who are pursuing a Master of Science or a Ph.D. in Environmental Science- SPEA Fellowship in Nonprofit Management: One $1,000 award
A fellowship established to support a nonprofit management concentration MPA student on the IUB campus with a demonstrated interest in a career in nonprofit management or in the study of nonprofits.
Eligibility:
- Outstanding graduate students in the Masters of Public Affairs program with a concentration in non-profit management on the IUB campus
-Academic merit
-Financial need
- Demonstrated interest in a career in non-profit management or in the study of non-profits- Steven Eisenach Memorial Fellowship: One $1,200 award
Established by friends and family of Steven Eisenach, MPA'80, to honor his memory.
Eligibility:
- Master of Public Affairs (MPA) student
- Financial need
- Academic merit
O’Neill International Engagement Fellowship
This fellowship will be awarded to students on a competitive basis who plan to pursue a unique, self-directed summer experience abroad. Current master’s students with at least nine hours of graduate coursework completed are eligible to compete for awards of up to $2,500 each. These awards will support a self-directed project to pursue relevant international, experiential, and/or academic opportunities.
The application will be available in early spring 2018.
If you have questions about this fellowship opportunity, contact speavisc@indiana.edu.
Indiana University Funding Resources
- Student Central on Union
A clearinghouse of services, resources, and funding support.
More information- Educational Opportunity Fellowships
Primarily for first-year graduate students, who are first-generation college attendees or whose economic backgrounds made educational pursuits difficult. Recipients are selected through O’Neill’s merit-based aid process.
More information- Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships
If you intend to make your career in college or university teaching, government service, or other employment where knowledge of foreign cultures is a prerequisite for success. Generally five IU programs—African Studies, East Asian Studies, Russian and East European Institute, Central Eurasian Studies, and Western European Studies—apply for institutional FLAS funding. Contact the appropriate program for information.
More information- Office of International Services (OIS)
Search scholarships and financial assistance specifically for international students.
More information- IU Pathways Scholarship
Available only to IU Achievement Scholarship recipients who complete their undergraduate degree in three years—apply the remaining year of your Dean’s or Provost’s scholarship funds toward your first year of graduate coursework at O’Neill (Accelerated Master’s Program candidates are eligible for this award).
More information- Residence Hall Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships that usually provide room, board, and either a fee scholarship, stipend, or both. Selection is based on undergraduate academics and qualifications for working with in a residence hall setting.
More information- Student Affairs Graduate Assistantships
Locations and availability vary, but normally include a stipend and fee scholarship. Graduate assistantships include the Alcohol-Drug Information Center, Student Activities Office, Career Development Center, Student Academic Center, Health and Wellness Education and Office of Student Financial Assistance. Application deadlines range from February to April.
More information- University Graduate School
Funding sources internal to IU and external, as well as advising on funding proposals.
External Funding Resources
Below are just a few external funding opportunities specific to the types of degree programs and interests offered through O’Neill. We encourage you to look for additional fellowships online, filtering based on your intended field of study and specific background. The IU Office of Scholarships is a great place to start.
- Asian Pacific American Congressional Fellowship
A year-long fellowship with opportunities to work on policy issues as a staff member of a congressional office in Washington, D.C.
- Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Internship
Program participants receive housing, a stipend, office placements, and opportunities to meet and interact with professional legislators and leaders working in all branches of government.
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Two programs, both for Latino Leaders: Spend nine months working in D.C. with a Public Policy Fellowship or immerse yourself in a specific public policy area with a Graduate Fellowship.
- Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs
Join an intimate cohort of 12 participants for a nine-month program, with each cohort encompassing a wide range of communities, interests, ideologies and experiences.
- William Randolph Hearst Fellowship
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students of color, the Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with PSI in the Washington, D.C., office of the Aspen Institute for 12-15 weeks. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student. Fellows will be compensated on an hourly basis.
Get complete program and application information- Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
Up to $37,500 annually for expenses toward a two-year master’s degree in fields related to foreign service. Mentoring, internships, and employment are also available.
More information- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Individuals working in public service professions for 10 years may be eligible to have any remaining interest and principal forgiven on their Federal Direct Loans, including Ford Federal Direct, Federal Direct Grad PLUS and Federal Direct Consolidation Loans. You must have made 120 payments as part of the Direct Loan program for this benefit.
More information- Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship
Benefits of up to $90,000 over two years toward a two-year master's degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at U.S. embassies, and provides mentorship and professional development support. Study any area of relevance to the Foreign Service, including international relations, public policy, public administration, languages, or business administration.
More information- Spencer Scholarship
The Col. Loren J. and Mrs. Lawona R. Spencer Scholarship Spencer Scholarship provides funds to United States Air Force personnel.
- Tillman Military Scholarship
IU is a partner school with the Pat Tillman Foundation. Applications for this benefit typically open in early February and are due in early March for the following academic year.
- USAID Payne Fellowship
The Payne Fellowship Program provides benefits of up to $94,000 over two years toward a two-year master's degree, arranges internships in Washington D.C. and at USAID missions overseas, and provides professional development and support activities leading to employment in USAID.