Hey Students, There’s Scholarship Money Available to You

Scholarships are transformative – they can make a significant impact in the education of current graduate students. And, while they are difficult to procure, they are one of the best ways of receiving financial assistance.

Salus offers scholarships in each of its Colleges to help students complete their education at a lesser cost. Those that meet certain academic criteria may be eligible for scholarships, which are monetary gifts that do not need to be repaid.

“Scholarships are important for the financial support that they provide. It’s a greats recognition of the hard work that a lot of students put in,” said Beck Branton ‘23OD. “In graduate school, you don’t get your reward until the end. So, it’s nice to have some recognition along the way, just showing people know how hard you’re working and the time you’re putting in.”

A national study of graduate school students conducted by Sallie Mae, a consumer banking corporation that offers private student loans, revealed that 77 percent of graduate school costs are covered by students; 53 percent by student borrowing; 24 percent by student income/savings; and 8 percent by external contributions from family and friends.

A 2021 study by Research.com found that different types of scholarships available include: $39 billion in federal loans; $13.4 billion in institutional grants; $4.2 billion in private and employer grants; and $1.7 billion in federal veterans benefits and federal education tax credits.

“When I heard that I got a scholarship, I was really honored that they actually chose me,” said April Mishley ‘23OD. “It definitely makes the nights of me staying up studying and going to clinic four times a week all worth it. And definitely, the financial help – no one can underestimate that factor as well.”

There are many scholarship opportunities for Salus students in all programs to pursue, including:

Provost's and Dean's Scholarships

The provost's scholarship, $10,000 per year, is awarded on a holistic basis. Individual programs at Salus determine the minimum GPA/test scores for eligibility as well as renewability. The Dean’s Scholarship, $5,000 per year, is also awarded on a holistic basis. Individual programs determine the minimum GPA/test scores for eligibility as well as renewability. The admissions application serves as the scholarship application for both of these awards and students receive the assistance upon entrance to the institution and individual respective program.

Both the provost’s and deans’ scholarships for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Blindness and Low Vision (BLVS) programs require separate scholarship applications.

Internal Optometry Scholarships

The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus offers students a number of grants and scholarships each year that provide incentives for learning and research. These awards are monetary gifts and do not require repayment. Students are automatically considered for scholarships administered by Salus University. No application is required. All scholarships are based on academic performance and financial need unless otherwise indicated below.

Internal Audiology Scholarships

The George S. Osborne Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the founding dean of the Osborne College of Audiology (OCA). This scholarship is awarded to selected first-year students in the on-campus Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program. Awards are merit-based, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year, and are renewable for four years. Recipients will be selected in late February and notified of their award. Applicants to the program are encouraged to complete admissions requirements prior to February of the year of desired enrollment into the program to be considered for this scholarship.

External Audiology Scholarships

The Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) Outstanding AuD Student Scholarship and the AFA Outstanding Third-Year AuD Student Scholarship provide funds for one student pursuing the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from institutions in the U.S. or Canada and who are entering the third year of a Doctor of Audiology program.

Students are recognized for their academic achievement and professional potential. The program is made possible through donations to the Audiology Foundation of America.

External Physician Assistant Studies Scholarships

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) website contains a list of scholarships and traineeships along with a list of AAPA Constituent Organization scholarships.

The Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants (AFPPA) offers four student scholarship awards. Scholarship awards go to first-year and to second-year Physician Assistant students. Awards are made to those who are student members of the AFPPA, have demonstrated a special interest in primary care medicine, and are currently in good academic standing.

External Occupational Therapy Scholarships

Since 1955, National AMBUCS, Inc. has been awarding scholarships to therapy students in their junior/senior year in a bachelor’s degree program, or a graduate program leading to a master’s or doctoral degree.

To date, more than $7.7 million in scholarships have been awarded to more than 4,000 students pursuing degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and audiology. Students must be accepted in an accredited program by the appropriate health therapy profession authority in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and audiology. Awards are based on financial need, U.S. citizenship, commitment to local community, demonstrated academic accomplishment, character for compassion and integrity, and career objectives. National AMBUCS™, Inc. accepts applications from February 1 until April 15 annually.

External Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Scholarships

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation’s Minority Student Scholarship is for racial/ethnic minority students who are U.S. citizens, who are accepted for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology, and who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement are eligible to compete for a scholarship.

To learn more about all scholarship opportunities, contact admissions@salus.edu for further financial aid information.