At Saybrook, we are committed to helping you find ways to invest in yourself and in your future.
Deciding to attend graduate school is a big investment. Continue reading to learn more about the scholarship opportunities we offer to help students achieve their educational goals.
New Student Scholarships
Impact Scholarship: $500-$1,000 per Semester
The Impact Scholarship is only available to new/incoming students. It is awarded based on academic merit and/or financial need. Every applicant will be considered for our Impact Scholarship awards, which typically range from $500 to $1,000 per semester. Because there is a limited amount of funding for these scholarships each semester and they are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend you apply and complete your application as soon as possible.
How to Apply
Your eligibility for a scholarship and the amount that is awarded will be determined based on three factors:
- Financial need
- Academic merit
- Full-time enrollment (based upon program requirements, typically six credits or more per semester)*
The first step is to submit your FAFSA so that your financial need can be calculated. Additionally, as part of the admissions requirements, you’ll compose a personal statement and submit your prior transcripts, and these will be used to consider your financial need and academic merit as well. We do not require a written essay or any documentation beyond what you’re already required to submit as part of your application file. All Saybrook applicants will be considered for this award.
*See the Scholarship and Discount Policy in the catalog for more details on eligibility.
Dr. Michael Horowitz & Dr. Jeannie Gutierrez Immigrant/First Generation Scholarship
Available for students forging new educational pathways.
This award is only available to new, incoming students, with two (2) recipients selected in the Fall, two (2) recipients selected in the Spring, and one (1) recipient selected in the Summer. Each award shall carry a total value of $2,500, divided equally over the recipient’s first two semesters. Scholarship funding will be applied directly to the recipient’s student account and will go toward tuition expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
- Candidates must have applied for admission to Saybrook University at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester
- Recipients are selected based on their academic promise and dedication to serving a diverse community
- Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time academic status with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible
- Awards are disbursed over two semesters in equal installments and applied directly to the recipient’s account
How to Apply
Applicant should submit a letter to their admissions counselor at least 30 days prior to their term start date. The letter should be a maximum of three (3) pages and must include the following information:
- Your name
- Your academic goals and career goals
- A statement demonstrating that you are the first in your family to attend graduate school, or are an immigrant to the United States, and are pursuing higher education for the first time in the U.S.
- A statement detailing how this scholarship will assist you in achieving your goals and support your education. This statement should include information on prior community service contributions and academic achievement in addition to future aspirations.
- This letter will be reviewed along with your admissions application supplemental materials
Recipients will be notified by email.
Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Tuition Rate will represent a 25% reduction in the published tuition rate for a given program in a given semester. The rate does not apply to institutional fees or other charges.
The Alumni Tuition Rate applies to future terms only and is not retroactive to current or prior terms. Saybrook alumni who have earned a Saybrook M.S., M.A., or Ph.D. may be eligible for the Alumni Tuition Rate. Award decisions will be determined at the time of admission to a subsequent M.S., M.A., or Ph.D. program.
To be eligible for this special rate, alumni of such programs must be admitted to a new, eligible program for the first time. The Alumni Tuition Rate does not apply to alumni enrollments in certificate programs. The special rate will not apply to those already receiving a separate special rate, and rates cannot be combined with Saybrook-issued scholarships. Current enrolled alumni who withdraw from the university will not be considered for the Alumni Tuition Rate upon readmission.
Students must also meet the following conditions each semester of enrollment to maintain eligibility:
- Good financial aid and academic standing and meet all satisfactory academic progress requirements
- Full-time enrollment (based upon program requirements, typically six credits or more per semester)
Segal AmeriCorps Matching Grant
As part of its commitment to foster positive transformative change on an individual, organizational, and community level, Saybrook University is proud to offer a Segal AmeriCorps Matching Grant to qualified AmeriCorps students.
This award will provide a 100% dollar-for-dollar match up to a lifetime maximum of $4,000. Students must be admitted to Saybrook, attending on a full-time basis, and submit a copy of their voucher prior to being awarded a Segal AmeriCorps Matching Grant.
Permission: Scholarship recipients agree to have their name and other information, including images, shared publicly in announcements that recognize their achievement and the impact of the scholarship and its founder.
Continuing Student Scholarships
The Rollo May, Alan Watts, Leonard Shlain, Marc Pilisuk, Nancy Anne Moss, and Alumni Association scholarships are available for continuing students who are enrolled full time and in good academic standing. Each award is applied directly to the recipient’s student account in the fall semester of the award year. Students will be notified of the submission deadlines and guidelines in advance. Typically, a call for submissions will be sent out in the spring to all students. Students may apply for only one scholarship per academic year. Students may only win a specific scholarship once during their lifetime. If students are awarded up to their cost of attendance, their loans will be reduced.
Students may consult with the Saybrook University Writing Center to improve the quality of writing in their submission.
Alan Watts Student Scholarship Award: $2,000-$5,000
The Alan Watts Student Scholarship Award is only available to continuing students. It is named in honor of British philosopher Alan Watts, who was associated with Saybrook University in its formative years. The scholarship is awarded to an accomplished student interested in the work and teachings of Alan Watts. Recipients seek to go beyond simplistic notions of what is, or of what should be, recognizing the need for exploration of oneself through various modalities ranging from meditation to humor, and the impact such practices have on our lives, on the continuing development of humanistic/transpersonal psychology and on our social order.
How to Apply
Applications should include six to eight double-spaced pages of the student’s Saybrook writings, which establish the relationship between the work/areas of interest of Alan Watts and the student. Material for submission may consist of excerpts from the student’s dissertation proposal, candidacy essays, or papers from Saybrook courses, integrated into one document. Relevant publications by Alan Watts and related scholars should be cited. If students are awarded up to their cost of attendance, their loans will be reduced.
Leonard Shlain Student Scholarship Award: $1,500
The Leonard Shlain Student Scholarship Award is only available to continuing students. This award, which is named in honor of former Saybrook Trustee Leonard Shlain, MD, provides two awards of $1,500 to accomplished students interested in the work and research of Dr. Shlain. These areas include the following:
- Creativity
- The development of the human brain and neuroscience
- Art and science
- Human sexuality
- The effects of word and image on the human brain
“This scholarship allowed me to buy some of the equipment that was needed for my study… I was able to dream bigger. I am now continuing my research in a postdoctorate. In future research I hope to make a difference in health care and understanding testosterone when used as a supplement to aid in transitioning from female to male, or for other gender identification reasons.”
— Taylor Capozziello, graduate
How to Apply
To be considered for the scholarship, a student must be in good academic standing as defined in the Saybrook University catalog and must be a current degree-seeking student in either the College of Social Sciences or College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences. A student’s application should be between six and eight pages and should include the following: A brief bio of the student, a brief description of the student’s interests, life work, and academic studies, a statement of the student’s interest in studying Dr. Shlain’s research and/or related research interests, and a statement regarding the candidate’s financial need.
Nancy Anne Moss Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences Scholarship Award: $2,500
The Nancy Anne Moss Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences Scholarship was created in memory of Nancy Anne Moss, beloved partner of Donald Moss, Ph.D., who currently serves as the founding dean of the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences. Nancy Anne Moss was a lifelong educator, working with students from elementary to graduate levels. In honor of her commitment, this scholarship is dedicated to Saybrook University Mind-Body Medicine students to support their pursuit of their master’s or doctoral degrees.
How to Apply
To be considered for the scholarship, a student must be in good academic standing as defined in the Saybrook University catalog and must be a current degree-seeking student in the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences.
A student’s application should be six-to-eight pages long and include the following: A brief bio of the student, a brief description of the student’s interests, life work, and academic studies, a completed statement of the student’s philosophy emphasizing an interest in humanistic values, a mind-body-spirit approach, specifically as they apply to integrative healthcare and complementary therapies, and a statement regarding the candidate’s financial need.
Rollo May Student Scholarship Award: $5,000
The Rollo May Student Scholarship of $5,000 is funded each year through the generosity of our donors. The scholarship is available only to continuing students and is awarded to students whose graduate work explicitly applies to and carries forward the existential-humanistic contributions of Rollo May, Ph.D. Applicant’s work may include scholarship in the following areas:
- Personality theory
- Psychotherap
- Art and literature
- Cultural criticism
- Existential encounters
- Other topics clearly connected to the Rollo May tradition
“My research is about bringing the understanding of human vulnerability to the divorce professionals who are instrumental in setting up the space in which people can decide what kind of agreement they want to make for their future family, including their children. I would like to publish and talk about what I have discovered. This scholarship eased my fears of using the time required to transform my understanding into something that people can read.”
— Dominique Walmsley, graduate
How to Apply
Applications should include six to eight double-spaced pages of the student’s Saybrook writings, which establish the relationship between the work of Dr. May and the student. Materials for submission may consist of excerpts from the student’s dissertation proposal, candidacy essays, or papers from Saybrook courses, integrated into one document. Relevant publications by Dr. May should be cited. If students are awarded up to their cost of attendance, their loans will be reduced.
Saybrook Alumni Association Scholarship Award: $2,500
This fund was created to support Saybrook students who are working on their dissertation, thesis, or capstone project and need financial assistance to successfully complete the rigorous research required for their program. Generous donations from alumni “pay it forward” to ensure future Saybrook graduates can inspire transformational change in individuals, organizations, and communities toward a just, humane, and sustainable world.
How to Apply
To be considered for the scholarship, a student must be in good academic standing as defined in the Saybrook University catalog and plan to enter the dissertation/thesis/project phase of their degree program within the year. A student’s application should be between six and eight pages and should include the following: A brief bio of the student, a brief description of the student’s interests, life work, and academic studies, the expected date that the student will commence a doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis, project, or capstone essay, a statement of the student’s intended topic for their doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis, project, or capstone essay, and a statement regarding the candidate’s financial need.
Dr. Marc Pilisuk Transformative Social Change and Leadership Scholarship Award: $2,500
The Dr. Marc Pilisuk Transformative Social Change and Leadership Scholarship is created to honor the life and work of Marc Pilisuk, Ph.D., whose research, and experience has led to significant advancements in the areas of peace and social justice. His work is aligned with the work of countless Saybrook students and faculty across multiple disciplines, inspiring and promoting positive social change in organizations and communities around the country. Recipients demonstrate a deep passion and commitment to humanistic values, as evidenced through their work as scholars and/or practitioners. Recipients also demonstrate a dedication to humanistic values through academic work or on-the-ground efforts to promote peace and/or social justice.
This award is applied directly to the recipient’s student account in the fall semester of the award year and will go toward tuition expenses.
How to Apply
Submit a philosophy statement that outlines an interest in humanistic values specifically as they apply to nonviolent practices, structural inequality, and community empowerment. Also, explain the application to a specific discipline or articulated research/scholarly focus and how this will be or is currently being applied to one’s practice, organization, or community, specifically in advancing peace and/or social justice. Also include future career goals and how these goals will foster efforts to advance a more just, humane, and sustainable world.
Marlene Chance Creativity and Innovation Scholars Program
The Marlene Chance Creativity and Innovation (MCCI) Scholars program is created to both honor the life and work of Marlene Chance, beloved sister of Trustee and Saybrook alumna, Gloria Chance, Ph.D., and to advance cutting-edge work across creativity, innovation, mental health, and wellness. Marlene Chance was a devoted member of her New York City community, a beloved neighbor, devoted mother, daughter and sibling, colleague, and friend to many. In honor of her life, cut tragically short as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MCCI Scholars program is dedicated to her memory with the primary purpose of supporting graduate students who demonstrate a passion and commitment to research and scholarship in the areas of expressive arts therapies, innovation, mental health, and creativity.
This award is available to continuing students for the fall semester.
How to Apply
Submit a completed action agenda, research focus, and philosophy statement that outlines an interest in humanistic values specifically as it applies to holistic health practices. The action agenda should outline creation and deployment of a project that is impactful within the community the student is currently serving and include the definition of the community to be served; project overview leveraging creative approaches; type of project (i.e., short film, book, website, mobile app, gaming experience, AR/VR experience, etc.); a timeline for creation and deployment; and an identified mentor and/or support team who will help guide the student through the process. The application of research and scholarly focus to one’s practice, organization, or community should advance innovation and improve mental health or creativity. Also, discuss future career goals and how these goals will support a more just, humane, and sustainable world.
Learn more about Saybrook External Scholarship Opportunities here.
International Student Scholarships
Interconnected Global Scholarship
The Interconnected Global Scholarship helps us advance the humanistic approach to education to students around the world. Eligible full-time international undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Saybrook University may receive a 20% discount to their tuition each term if they maintain good academic standing while enrolled with Saybrook.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student and be classified as an international student, as per residency and visa requirements applicable to international students.
- No separate scholarship application is required. Eligibility is automatically assessed based on the applicant’s status as a student or employee of a partner institution.
The Interconnected Global Scholarship is applied to only one program of study at a time and cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or tuition discounts.
Global Partners Scholarship
Our learning community is built on the strong partnerships we have formed with institutions around the world. The Global Partners Scholarship further strengthens those bonds. Eligible full-time international students enrolled with or employed by an institution sharing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with our institution may be eligible to receive a 20% discount to their tuition each term if they maintain good academic standing while enrolled with Saybrook University.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicant must be a current student or employee of an institution with which Saybrook University has an active MOU.
- Applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student and be classified as an international student, as per residency and visa requirements applicable to international students.
- No separate scholarship application is required. Eligibility is automatically assessed based on the applicant’s status as a student or employee of a partner institution.
The Global Partner Scholarship is applied to only one program of study at a time and cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or tuition discounts.
Local Advantage Scholarship
The Local Advantage Scholarship simplifies the transfer process for international students already living in the U.S. who hope to transfer to Saybrook University. Eligible full-time international undergraduate and graduate students currently studying at another U.S. institution or who have completed a degree at a U.S. institution may receive a 25% discount each term while enrolled, provided they maintain good academic standing after transferring to Saybrook.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student and be classified as an international student, as per residency and visa requirements applicable to international students.
- The applicant must be local (in the U.S.) at the time of application.
- The applicant must provide proof of current U.S. status that permits study as an international student. No separate scholarship application is required.
The Local Advantage Scholarship is applied to only one program of study at a time and cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or tuition discounts.
External Discipline-Based Scholarships
In addition to the institutional scholarships awarded directly by Saybrook, we also provide resources to help you find external scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for. Use the button below to learn more.
Additional Information
To apply for some of our scholarships you may need to complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid first. Of course, we’re happy to help with that! Please contact our Financial Aid Office at 800.684.2890 for additional information.