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School of Social Work

BSW Scholarships

Mary Pat Mahoney Memorial Scholarship - BSW

  • one award of approximately $500.00
  • must be or become a senior by the fall of the award given
  • must  have 2.75 overall grade point average
  • must have a 3.00 grade point average in social work courses
  • award will be advertised approximately mid-April every year 

Dick Shields Memorial Scholarship - BSW

  • one award of approximately $500.00
  • must be at least sophomore standing
  • 3.0 overall grade point average 
  • award will be advertised approximately mid-April every year 

Helen and Dan Kidder Scholarship - BSW

  • one to two awards of approximately $500.00-$1,000.00 bi-annually (even years)
  • priority given to students with a gerontology focus or minor
  • preference given to students who are graduates of high schools in Missoula, Lake or Flathead counties
  • must have a 2.75 in all college level work
  • award will be advertised approximately mid-April every applicable year

Montana Child Welfare Training Partnership

  • $7,000 received per academic year
  • University of Montana: Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology major
  • Montana State University: Human Development and Family Science major
  • Montana State University -Billings: Human Services Major
  • In good academic standing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0
  • Able to commit to employment with Child and Family Services Division (CFSD) or Tribal Child Welfare after graduation. Six months of employment are required for each semester of the stipend

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Davidson Honors College

BSW External Scholarships

Women's Opportunity Award (For Female Ravalli County Residents)

  • one award of $2,000 and eligibility to compete for a $5,000 regional award and then one of three $10,000 finalist awards
  • scholarship available to women who face economic and personal hardships and are primary financial support for their family
  • students will receive application announcements and details during fall semester 

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund

  • multiple awards of $2,000 annually, renewable up to 5 years
  • must be a woman, age 35 or older
  • must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
  • must be enrolled in, or accepted to, a regionally or ACICS accredited school
  • must be pursuing a technical or vocational education, an associate's degree, or a first bachelor's degree
  • must be considered 'low-income'

Montana Gerontology Society

  • one award of $1,000 academic scholarship
  • applicant must be a student at a Montana college or university
  • pursing a career in the field of aging
  • in need of financial assistance to achieve goals
  • scholarship announced at the annual Montana Gerontology society conference in the spring

 

Loan Forgiveness & Repayment

Many School of Social Work graduates are hired to provide services in Montana communities that qualify as Health Professional Shortage Areas. Several programs are available to help offset educational loan debt for qualifying students.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The PSLF program forgives remaining federal student loan debt after 10 years of full-time employment in public service. Borrowers must make 120 qualifying monthly payments while working for a qualifying government or nonprofit employer. 

Note: New regulations take effect July 1, 2026, which may affect employer eligibility. The program remains active, but the Department of Education will have new authority to disqualify certain employers. For current information and to apply to Student Aid.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program

The NHSC offers loan repayment for Licensed Clinical Social Workers and other behavioral health providers who serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas.

  • Award Amounts: Up to $50,000-$75,000 for a two-year full-time service commitment (amounts vary by discipline and service location). Part-time service options are also available.
  • Application Deadline: For more information, visit HRSA.

Montana State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

Montana offers its own loan repayment program for primary care, dental, and mental health providers working at approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas.

  • Award Amounts: Up to $50,000 for a two-year full-time service commitment. Recipients may apply for subsequent awards for a maximum benefit of four years.
  • Eligibility: Must work at an NHSC Active site or approved Montana SLRP site located in a Health Professional Shortage Area. For more information, visit DPHHS.

Additional Resources

For comprehensive information about loan forgiveness options for social workers, visit: National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Student Loan Forgiveness Resources.