While the first impulse of your friends and family may be to ask, “A math major? What on earth are you going to do with that?,” a mathematics degree is actually highly useful and versatile. You can literally be anything from a high school teacher to an actuary to a CIA cryptographer with a degree in math. These are only some of the wide range of lucrative and interesting career opportunities that await college math majors.
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Even if you’re planning on a career in business, technology, or another high-paying field, paying for your mathematics degree is still a concern. Beyond paying for your undergraduate degree, you may also be thinking about grad school. Since math majors tend to score above average on standardized tests for graduate admission, such as the LSAT and the GMAT, if you’re interested in graduate school, it may be less a question of whether you can get in than whether you can pay to go.
Luckily, in addition to federal aid and the state and university math scholarships you may win (after all, math majors are a pretty smart bunch overall), there are a number of other math scholarship opportunities out there for majors. High school students planning to pursue a career in mathematics or a related field can take advantage of a number of math, science and technology scholarships. National scholarships are offered by the NAACP and the National Science Foundation while schools including the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of California at San Diego offer university-based awards. Some even carry top prizes of $50,000 to $100,000! Students who are interested in teaching mathematics also have a number of math scholarship opportunities — math is one of several areas of teacher shortage, so a variety of math scholarship and grant awards, as well as loan forgiveness programs, have been created to encourage students to pursue teaching careers in math. If you’re planning to teach math, be sure to check out our article on education scholarships for more information on these programs.
Below are a few of the math scholarships available. To see more math scholarships, as well as awards based on your other unique characteristics, conduct a free scholarship search on Scholarships.com.
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. With more than 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries and geographic areas, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs [...] More
The Out to Innovate Scholarships, established in 2011, are intended for LGBTQ+ undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs. The scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and increased visibility of talented LGBTQ+ students in STEM careers.
One scholarship will go to an undergraduate student, and one [...] More
The WIA Foundation is pleased to provide scholarships to women interested in a career in the aerospace field to pursue higher education degrees in engineering, math or science. Five merit-based awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 will be given to rising juniors and seniors in college, to be applied to the coming academic year.
To be eligible for the WIA Foundation Scholarship, an applicant [...] More
The USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards provides college scholarships to students who have shown a career interest in fields of space science, aerospace engineering, aeronautics-related sciences, or space science education. Eligible majors may include, but are not limited to, aerospace engineering, astronomy, astrobiology, computer science, earth science, electrical engineering, geophysics, [...] More
The Alaska Space Grant Program (ASGP) is a consortium of public and private universities and non-profit organizations that sponsors a broad range of programs to enhance teaching, research, and educational outreach within aerospace and earth science, and other NASA related STEM disciplines throughout Alaska. The Alaska Space Grant Program (ASGP) was established at the University of Alaska [...] More
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential. Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid [...] More
The mission of The National GEM Consortium is to enhance the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) at the master’s and doctoral levels in engineering and science. GEM recruits high quality underrepresented students looking to pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees in applied [...] More
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students. The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program enhances the DoD civilian workforce with innovative scientists, engineers and researchers across the United States. SMART creates a [...] More
Like many colleges and universities, we distinguish between two types of financial assistance: support based on merit and support based on need. A financial aid offer from the University often includes both types of aid. Merit-based aid comes in the form of scholarships and can be automatically reapplied to your financial aid package each year. Many scholarships are awarded by the arts, sciences [...] More
Furman has transformed the educational experience to be different – to have a distinct and purposeful pathway of opportunity and resources. We believe a Furman education is one of the smartest investments you will ever make. We also know that the process of applying for aid can be daunting! We are here to help you learn about the merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, state and federal [...] More
Established in 1991, the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) provides outstanding benefits and opportunities to students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields that use high-performance computing to solve complex science and engineering problems. The program fosters a community of energetic and committed Ph.D. students, alumni, DOE laboratory staff and other [...] More
The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid internship at an NOAA facility during the summer. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, currently enrolled or accepted as a full-time second-year student in a four-year academic [...] More
The EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship provides funds for two years of undergraduate study majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) discipline related to NOAA's programs and mission. The program is targeted toward students who have completed their sophomore year and are attending minority-serving institutions (MSIs). You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national who is [...] More
The Jacksonville State University Foundation awards the Newbern Bush Memorial Scholarship annually. Established in memory of Newbern Bush, a retired faculty member who taught mathematics. The scholarship is to be awarded to a full-time, native-born Alabama undergraduate student who has attained junior status and is majoring in mathematics. The JSU Foundation, through collaborative relationships [...] More
The Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program is available to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students. Selected from a nationwide pool of applicants, qualified recipients will become Freemont Scholars. The applicant must be a graduating high school senior who plans on attending an HBCU or an undergraduate student who currently attends an HBCU). Graduate students who are [...] More
Summer Student Fellowships at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are awarded to undergraduate students who have completed their junior or senior year at colleges or universities and are studying in any of the fields of science or engineering including but not limited to the fields of biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, geophysics, mathematics, meteorology, physics, oceanography, and [...] More
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards scholarships to extraordinary young people, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of work. Application categories are Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy and Outside the Box. Davidson Fellows are honored every year in Washington, D.C. with Congressional meetings and a special reception. Applicants must [...] More
The Society of Actuaries James C. Hickman Scholar program was established to increase the number of academic actuaries who hold a PhD and an actuarial designation, and who intend to pursue academic careers in the United States or Canada. The program is designed to provide stipends to doctoral students who will, through their studies, address research and education needs of the profession, [...] More
The American Statistical Association (ASA) is the world’s largest community of statisticians, the “Big Tent for Statistics.” It is the second-oldest, continuously operating professional association in the country. Since it was founded in Boston in 1839, the ASA has supported excellence in the development, application, and dissemination of statistical science through the following: meetings, [...] More
A major goal of the Alabama Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is to develop programs that will help improve the science and mathematics education of all students, and thereby provide a more scientifically literate population. To this end the nation needs an increased supply of students, well-prepared individuals who are fully qualified to teach mathematics and science in our elementary and secondary [...] More
The Knop Science Scholarship is a prestigious four-year, full tuition scholarship based on tuition figures for the year to which the award money will be applied. The Ripon College Knop Science Scholars Board convenes each year at the beginning of the second semester. The mission of the board is to identify high-achieving students who show the potential to contribute greatly to the science and [...] More
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the SEG offers a range of different scholarship opportunities to students all over the globe. SEG Scholarships are based on merit. To qualify, you must be a student who: is a high school senior planning to attend college next year or an undergraduate or graduate college student; has above average grades; and is intending to pursue a college curriculum [...] More
Elms College is a modern part of a living tradition established over 300 years ago by the Sisters of St. Joseph — a bold group of devout, progressive changemakers. We are dedicated to providing a rigorous education animated by a community where all are welcome. Elms is a private college that strives to be accessible to all. We believe education is not an end in itself, but a path to discovering [...] More
Advocates for African Americans Carolinas Scholarship Fund is supported by Advocates for African-Americans, a Duke Energy employee resource group in Charlotte. It was founded by Duke Energy employees in 1996 to attract, nurture, develop and promote a diverse workforce. Advocates for African Americans Carolinas Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to college-bound students from North and South [...] More
The Fontana Transport Inc Scholars Program is for first generation high school seniors who are underrepresented, need financial assistance and are passionate about furthering their education as a means to help out their family, community and themselves. We want to be able to find, sponsor, and guide leaders who are determined to succeed by all means possible regardless of their struggles, lack of [...] More
Don’t let a college’s sticker price scare you. What you pay to attend college depends on the financial aid you are awarded. Our first-year merit scholarships range from $15,000 to $20,000 with the opportunity to earn an additional $3,000 annually through our Authentically You Awards. We work with families to help them understand how to finance their bill, which can be done through payment plans, [...] More
The selective Stout Scholars Scholarship is awarded to just three outstanding students. You are eligible if you have a cumulative GPA of 3.67 or higher and ACT composite score of 27 or higher or SAT total score of at least 1280 and are a recent high school graduate admitted as a first-year student to UW-Stout for fall semester by the first Monday in February. Updated credentials must be received [...] More
Each year, the Golden Gate Section of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE-GGS) awards a number of scholarships to young Bay Area students graduating from high school and going on to pursue degrees in engineering and other related degrees. This year, we are happy to announce that we will also be awarding scholarships for incoming or current community college students who plan to transfer to a [...] More
The Gladys Carol Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors, high school graduates, and current undergraduate level students who are United States citizens or permanent residents. They must be accepted to or enrolled in a full-time STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) program at an accredited, non-profit public or private four-year college or university in the United [...] More
The Barnes W. Rose, Jr. and Eva Rose Nickol Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 in honor of Albuquerque High alum and 1957 West Point grad Barnes W. Rose and his aunt, longtime New Mexico resident, Eva Rose Nickol. This award is for an Albuquerque High School senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of the STEM majors - Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
The ACF Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program was established in 1993 by Albuquerque businessman C.E. (Woody) Woodcock and his wife, Dixie, to support students of exceptional promise in the fields of science and math. This is intended for students with strong math and/or science credentials. Scholarships will be awarded to Albuquerque metro area high school graduating seniors (includes [...] More
The mission of the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship is to acknowledge, support, and empower exceptional graduating high school seniors of King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties by providing financial assistance for an education at their college of choice within Washington state. Over 1,000 of the most promising high school graduates from King, Pierce and Snohomish counties have attended college [...] More
The TSGC Columbia Crew Memorial Undergraduate Scholarships are intended to recognize high-quality students and encourage their consideration of graduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields which will ultimately lead to careers in STEM related fields. To be eligible, applicants must: be citizens of the United States; and be registered for at least a half-time course [...] More
The prestigious Churchill Scholarship offers American students the opportunity to attend, for one year of study, the University of Cambridge for one of two Master’s degrees: the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) or MASt (Master of Advanced Study). An applicant for the Churchill Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native born or naturalized, and must be a senior who is enrolled [...] More
Financial Aid comes in several forms: grants, scholarships, loans, work study and waivers. All students are encouraged to apply for aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA provides the foundation for opportunities that award multiple types of state, federal, and institutional funding while attending college. Families can apply for financial aid by [...] More
The goals of the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium are: to identify, recruit, and retain students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; to encourage women and underrepresented students to enter these fields of study; and to increase NASA activities and awareness in North Dakota. Undergraduate scholarships will be awarded each school year. The amount of money available for [...] More
The TEACH Grant Program provides grants to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching. You must be enrolled as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program and meet certain academic achievement requirements (generally, scoring above the 75th percentile on one or more [...] More
The National Science Foundation supports fellowships for outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time, research-based masters and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering or math or STEM education. NSF GRFP was established to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM. Thus, NSF especially encourages [...] More
The Enacting Curriculum Through Engaging Discourse (EnaCTED) Project (2018-2023) is a collaboration of the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University and school districts in the Boston area. This program focuses on preparing teachers to design and use high quality mathematics curriculum and discourse-based instruction to support [...] More
The WW Teaching Fellows are ensuring that young people have the science and math literacy to participate fully as citizens in contemporary society. Fellows bring their STEM expertise to high-need classrooms across the country, receiving financial support and mentorship as they complete a specially designed master’s degree at one of the program’s partner universities. Through the WW Teaching [...] More
When you get acceptance letters from multiple colleges, there’s nothing wrong with taking some time to celebrate. But once the mental confetti has fallen, it’s time to decide: which school do you actually want to attend?
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High school students planning to work in a STEM-based field can rest assured about their career prospects. Research shows that STEM jobs will grow more than twice as rapidly as non-STEM jobs over the next 8 years. [...]
Did you know that there are more scholarships with deadlines in March than any other month? Now is the time to put in a little bit of your time to apply for as many scholarships as you possibly can. Of course, you are going to want to prioritize wisely, with just over a week left in the month. [...]
