Finding fully funded master's programs in the U.S. for 2025 can be a great way to pursue graduate education without the financial burden. Many U.S. universities offer funding through scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and other resources. Here are some notable fully funded programs and funding options to explore for 2025:
1. Rhodes Scholarship (For Graduate Studies at Oxford University)
While this is not for U.S. universities directly, the Rhodes Scholarship offers funding for U.S. citizens to study at the University of Oxford. However, it's a prestigious scholarship that allows you to pursue any graduate-level course, including in the U.S. as a Rhodes Scholar.
2. The Fulbright Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers funding for U.S. citizens to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. It supports various master’s programs, though it’s mostly aimed at U.S. citizens studying outside the U.S. There are also opportunities for international students coming to the U.S.
3. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
This fellowship offers funding for U.S. citizens and permanent residents pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. It covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs. Highly competitive, but excellent for science and engineering fields.
4. Trainee Programs (Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships)
Many U.S. universities offer graduate assistantships that cover tuition fees and provide a stipend. These roles involve working as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA) while pursuing a master’s degree. Some top universities offering this include:
-
University of California (UC) System (e.g., UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego)
-
Harvard University
-
MIT
-
Stanford University
-
Yale University
Check individual department websites for assistantship opportunities.
5. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford provides full funding for graduate study in any field at Stanford University. The program is open to students pursuing master’s, PhD, MD, or joint degrees at Stanford. It includes full tuition, fees, and a stipend.
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
While this scholarship is for Cambridge University in the UK, it’s a prestigious program worth considering for those looking for international opportunities. This fully-funded scholarship is aimed at graduate students from the U.S. who want to pursue a master’s or PhD.
7. The Truman Scholarship
The Truman Scholarship provides funding for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate education in public service fields. It’s a highly competitive scholarship, and the award includes funding for graduate programs, as well as mentorship and opportunities in public service.
8. The MacArthur Fellowship (Genius Grant)
Although it’s more well-known for its generous funding to support creative and intellectual endeavors, the MacArthur Fellowship also covers graduate studies for select individuals. It’s typically awarded to exceptional individuals who show promise in the fields of arts, education, and sciences.
9. American University (AU) Merit-Based Scholarships
American University in Washington, D.C., offers merit-based scholarships to international and U.S. students, covering full tuition and living expenses for some of its graduate programs.
10. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program offers fully-funded scholarships to students from developing countries, including U.S. citizens, to study in graduate programs related to development at selected U.S. universities.
11. University of Chicago Fellowships
The University of Chicago offers a variety of fellowships and funding opportunities for graduate students, including full-tuition fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships across various disciplines. These may vary depending on the department and program.
12. The Mitchell Scholarship
Though the Mitchell Scholarship typically funds graduate study in Ireland, it can be a good example of U.S. students having access to fully funded international programs. Keep an eye out for similar opportunities available to U.S. students in the future.
13. The Spencer Foundation Fellowship
The Spencer Foundation offers fellowships for students pursuing graduate studies in education, offering significant funding to support research projects and tuition costs.
14. The Knight Foundation Fellowships at MIT
MIT offers a range of funding and fellowships, especially for graduate students in fields like media and journalism, through the Knight Foundation Fellowships.
How to Find Other Fully Funded Programs:
-
University Websites: Each university in the U.S. often has its own funding opportunities for graduate students. Visit the official website of the university or program you're interested in to look for scholarships and assistantships.
-
Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Scholarships.com, FastWeb, and Chegg Scholarships can help you search for fully funded master’s programs based on your qualifications and area of study.
-
Graduate School Fairs: Attend virtual or in-person graduate school fairs where universities provide information on funded opportunities and graduate assistantships.
Before applying, make sure to thoroughly research the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application procedures for each program.