There are quite a few majors that can lead to a career in forensics. Psychology, biology, computer science, and natural science are just a few. If you’re intending to pursue a job in this exciting sector, you will have to check out these forensic science scholarships.
AFTE Scholarship Program
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 1
The AFTE, also known as The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners, awards $2,000 to a student interested in forensics. Although only granted once, you can reapply in the following years even if you won already.
The scholarship program is open to students who are in their junior or senior year of their Bachelor’s degree or be pursuing any degree after a Bachelor’s. Of course, you should be pursuing a major with the idea you will go after a career in forensics. All applicants should have a 3.0 GPA or higher and be attending school half time or more. The application requires a form, a transcript form along with your official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. You will receive a notice that the AFTE has received all of your documents and will even often send reminders if you’re missing something, so there’s no worry involved.
Each year, the program opens on January 1st and continues until the deadline of April 1st, with an announcement of the winner made in May.
ACS Scholars Program
Amount: Up to $5,000 per year
Deadline: March 1
Chemistry is absolutely one field you may be majoring in if you intend to work in forensics. The ACS Scholars Program honors minority students pursuing a degree in chemistry. The award can renew each year. Students can receive up to $5,000 every year they attend school.
In order to apply for the program, you have to be a minority, an undergraduate majoring in chemistry or a chemistry-related degree, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The application will request proof that you are in need of financial assistance as well as your transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and your ACT or SAT score.
Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 1
The Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship is awarded by the Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS). The scholarship works towards encouraging students to pursue careers in forensics and awards $1,000 to the winner.
In order to be eligible for the Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship, students should be in their junior or senior year of undergraduate school and be working towards a Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Biology, or Natural Science. Students must take 6 semester hours or more each year, have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Additionally, they cannot be related to any SWAFS Board Members or Scholarship Committee Members. The application asks for your contact information, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. You’ll also be asked about your career goals, employment history, and educational history in forensics.
If you are interested in forensics, there is a whole world of scholarships available to you. Many can be found under your specific major, like chemistry or biology, so make sure you do a thorough search! Scholarship databases are a great place to start.
And when scholarships aren’t enough, use College Raptor’s free Student Loan Finder to compare lenders and interest rates side by side.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.34%-15.96%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
4.92% - 15.08% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.50% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.50% - 14.56% Variable
3.69% - 14.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
4.99% - 16.85% Variable
3.47% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
|
|
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
