SFSU Scholarships: A Guide for Undergraduates and Graduates

San Francisco State University (SFSU) offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships to support undergraduate and graduate students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need. Making the University accessible through scholarships to students in need is a priority for the University. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarship opportunities available at SFSU, including eligibility requirements and application procedures.

General Scholarship Information

Searching and applying for scholarships is largely a self-help process. Academic Works serves as the main scholarship database at SFSU, where both current and prospective students can complete a general application and apply for campus scholarships online. To be considered for nomination/recruitment-based campus scholarships, students must sign in using their SF State ID number. Once the General Application is completed, scholarships that are currently “open” will be recommended based on basic criteria such as GPA, class level, or major. It is crucial to carefully review the scholarship eligibility requirements and questions before applying. The General Application is retained until July of each year, and a new application must be completed and signed at the beginning of each Fall semester.

Additional Search Options

Students can also use the “Show Filters” button to search by:

Scopes: Scholarships grouped by department or office (e.g., English, College of Business, Office of Student Financial Aid, Alumni Association, etc.). This search is useful for finding scholarships offered to all majors or all majors within a College.

Enrollment Requirements

Full-Time: 12 units for undergraduate students and 8 units for graduate students.

Financial Need

Yes: Applicant must submit a FAFSA or CA Dream App and have financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Not a Requirement: You do not have to file a FAFSA or CA Dream App to determine financial need.

External Scholarships

To view a list of external scholarships offered by outside organizations and foundations, click "External" under Opportunities and click the "Visit" link for more information.

Scholarships for Future Educators

SFSU offers several scholarships specifically for students pursuing careers in education. These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to students in programs that lead to teaching, specialist, or service credentials.

Jt. Irvin W. and Velma C. Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support to students in the Departments of Elementary or Secondary Education who demonstrate financial need and are in good academic standing. Credential students are eligible to apply, including those in Multiple, Single, or Education Specialist Credential programs.

Donna J. Scholarship

Preference is given to candidates who work/worked with marginalized populations.

Edith P. Scholarship

This scholarship provides assistance to students pursuing a degree in Elementary Education or undergraduate and credential students with a goal of becoming elementary school teachers. Students must be enrolled half-time or full-time to receive this scholarship.

Dominic C. Scholarship

Dorothy B. Scholarship

This scholarship offers financial support for students admitted to, and enrolled in, the Education Specialist Credential for Visual Impairments, and for Joint Doctoral, Ph.D. Joint Doctoral Program students studying in the Visual Impairment area are eligible to apply. To continue receiving an award in semesters 2-4, student must demonstrate a GPA of 3.5.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Flora R. Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support for students admitted to, and enrolled in, the Education Specialist Credential for Early Childhood Special Education, and for Joint Doctoral, Ph.D. Admitted to, or enrolled in the Education Specialist Credential for Early Childhood Special Education or the Joint Doctoral, Ph.D.

Louise M. Scholarship

Preference is given to students working with individuals with Spina Bifida or other physical ailments. Student must be student teaching semester of award. Priority will be given to students who have demonstrated strong overall goals for success in the program, and excellence of achievement from letters.

Degree Concentrations

Eligible degree concentrations include:

Elementary Education
Language & Literacy
Math Education
Early Childhood Education
Adult Education
Secondary Education
Equity and Social Justice
Special Interest
Ed Admin
Instructional Technologies

Scholarships in Specific Disciplines

SFSU also offers scholarships for students pursuing degrees in specific disciplines, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within those fields.

Dale M. Scholarship

This scholarship provides assistance to students in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

John W. Kinch Award

Established by the San Francisco State Department of Sociology in 1994 upon the retirement of Professor John Kinch, this award recognizes students' contributions to the community. The recipient receives a Certificate of Recognition and a small stipend of $50. Dr. Kinch was a member of our Sociology Faculty for 35 years, including 15 years as Chair of the Department. During his tenure at San Francisco State University, his values and concerns were reflected in his community activities on behalf of others. In the early 1960's he took a group of his students to Selma, Alabama where they joined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s efforts to register African Americans to vote. Applications are due annually in the fall.

Generation to Generation Graduate Award Fund In Memory of Caroline Rosen

This award is for Sociology Majors and Recent Alums applying to graduate and professional schools. Thanks to a generous donation from retired faculty member, Dr. We will consider students applying to many types of academic and professional schools.

Hediye Gürtuna Scholarship

The Hediye Gürtuna Scholarship is presented in her memory to continue the work with young people she found so important. Provide a statement concerning professional goals. Hediye Gürtuna, the beloved and sage mother of long time Sociology Faculty member Hülya Gürtuna and her siblings, was an early pioneer among women who pursued university degrees in the first decades following Turkish independence. As an English teacher, Hediye dedicated more than 30 years to helping her students develop the capacity to pursue their life objectives successfully in a rapidly developing nation. She was an outspoken advocate for children and their potential. Applications are due annually in the spring.

John Douglas Broderick Scholarship Fund

The John Douglas Broderick Scholarship Fund was established in honor and memory of John Douglas Broderick who encouraged and supported the donor, a former Sociology student. Applications are due annually in the fall.

Thomas E. Ryther Scholarship Fund

The Thomas E. Ryther Scholarship Fund was established in honor and memory of Thomas E. Ryther. To apply, log on to SF State Academic Works and search for the Thomas E. Note: Upon notification of the scholarship award, awardees are required to submit a thank you letter addressed to the Donor of the Thomas E. Ryther Scholarship Fund. Applications are due annually in the fall.

Dr. Deborah Tolman Scholarship

This scholarship is established in the name of Dr. Deborah Tolman, founding director of the Center for Research on Gender and Sexuality Studies, under the Department of Sexuality Studies, where she was a professor. Dr. Tolman is a feminist developmental psychologist whose research is focused on adolescent sexuality, gender development, and gender equity. She has received wide recognition for her contributions to feminist psychological understandings of female adolescent development. This is the first Department of Sexuality Studies scholarship that is open to both undergraduates and graduate students. To qualify for this scholarship you must be a) a graduate student in the Master of Arts program in Sexuality Studies or b) an undergraduate student of senior standing.

Dr. James Brogan Scholarship

This scholarship is established in the name of Dr. James Brogan, Professor of English at San Francisco State University. He is a distinguished teacher with an exemplary writing career in support of human sexuality studies. Notably, Jim Brogan taught the first course on homosexuality at the university in the late l960s. Throughout his career, Jim has worked with students, encouraged their writing and professional development, and is a great friend to the Human Sexuality Studies Program. This scholarship will be awarded to the eligible graduate student in the Human Sexuality Studies Master of Arts Program who is selected as the best teaching assistant. You must be currently enrolled as a graduate student at San Francisco State in the Master of Arts Program in Sexuality Studies with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You have been (or are currently) a teaching assistant in a Sexuality Studies class at SF State. You must also be a continuing student the following fall semester enrolled in at least 6 units.

Dr. Pepper Schwartz Scholarship

This scholarship is established in the name of Dr. Pepper Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz is Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from Yale University. Dr. Schwartz is a key figure in sexuality studies due to her unique ability to bridge academic sociological insights to public discourse. The applicant must be a second year full-time graduate student in good standing in the Sexuality Studies Master of Arts Program. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 grade point average. The applicant must write a two-page essay with no more than 500 words on their work (past, current and future) educating the public in sexuality issues and the media.

Grant A. Larsen Scholarship

The Grant A. Larsen scholarship encourages excellence among Sexuality Studies M.A. students actively conducting study or research in the area of LGBT studies. The applicant must be a full-time graduate student in good standing in the Sexuality Studies Master of Arts Program. Furthermore, the applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average, and be actively conducting a study or research in the area of LGBT studies. The applicant must prepare a two page-statement of purpose. This document will be examined by the scholarship committee to determine the merit of the application. Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to determine the impact of this award on their financial aid and taxable income status.

Robert L. Pender Memorial Scholarship

The Parkmerced Robert L. Pender Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 by the owners, management, and friends of Parkmerced to encourage the pursuit of career paths in engineering, architecture, urban planning, construction, and related fields. This scholarship award ($1,500.00) will be disbursed during the Fall 2026 semester. Students must be enrolled at least half time (G: 4 units) during the Fall 2026 semester. AS student staff and Board of Directors working in any capacity during the period of disbursement are not eligible to apply.

Additional Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities

Beyond departmental scholarships, SFSU offers several other funding opportunities, including fellowships and awards based on specific criteria.

Provost Scholar Award

The Provost Scholar Award provides selected newly admitted domestic, non-resident students with an out-of-state tuition waiver for one year. Contact the department to which you are admitted to advise them that you are a domestic non-resident applicant and wish to be considered for the Provost Scholar Award. Awards are granted based on academic excellence, standardized test scores (if required for department admission), department-required essay or statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Awardees will be notified of the award by the Division of Graduate Studies. A CSU Mentor Application must be on file and transcripts of all post-secondary work must be sent to Graduate Admissions for you to be considered for the Provost Scholar Award.

Graduate Equity Fellowship

If you qualify for California residency for tuition purposes and you come from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background and have an outstanding academic record, you may be eligible for a Graduate Equity Fellowship grant. Beginning in January, applications are available online at Graduate Equity Fellowship.

SF State Pre-Doc Program

The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to diversify the pool of university faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of students who are upper division undergraduates or graduate students on a California State University campus, economically or educationally disadvantaged, with focused research interests, and an interest in a university faculty career. Each Pre-Doctoral Scholar is mentored by a faculty sponsor and receives financial support for activities related to applying to, and developing her or his candidacy for doctoral programs.

Sexuality Studies Program Scholarship

The Sexuality Studies program is happy to announce that all students admitted to the Master’s Degree in Sexuality Studies program in Fall 2021 and who will be the graduating class of 2023 will receive a scholarship of $1000.00.

California Pre-Doctoral Program (Sally Casanova Scholars)

The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Announcements and application forms are circulated early each spring. Students are selected by a committee of faculty from the California State University and the University of California. Students who are chosen for this prestigious award are designated Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars as a tribute to Dr.

San Francisco State University Scholarship

The San Francisco State University Scholarship is available to continuing SF State students on a competitive basis in recognition of academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need. citizen or permanent resident, and have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or graduate GPA of 3.5.

Lily B. Ponce de Leon Endowed Scholarship in History

The Lily B. Ponce de Leon Endowed Scholarship in History, in memory of Lily Beatriz Venables Ponce de Leon (1926 - 2019). The scholarship has been generously established by her son, Prof. The scholarship is $1000 and is open to undergraduate History majors who will be juniors or seniors in the fall semester and have at least a 2.75 GPA.

Resources and Support

SFSU provides resources to assist students in their scholarship search and application process.

Fellowships Office

The services provided by the Fellowships Office are complementary to the scholarship services the Office of Student Financial Aid provides. The Fellowship Advisor provides assistance in applying for nationally competitive fellowships, as well as system-wide awards offered by CSU. The Fellowships Office provides feedback on applications to many of the programs listed on its site. See also the California Pre-Doctoral Program at SF State. An Academic Honors and Fellowships Advisor is available to assist undergraduates and recent alumni in applying for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships, as well as system-wide scholarships and fellowships offered by CSU.

Office of Student Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid does not assume responsibility for changes in information. See current scholarship application for the most recent information.

Tax Information for International Students

International students who have won a campus scholarship or external scholarship where the check is sent to SF State must meet with the Tax Specialist in the Internal Audit Office located in the Administration Building (ADM 358) to determine whether taxes are to be withheld from the scholarship payment & the income reported to the Internal Revenue Service. The scholarship disbursement will be on hold until you meet with the tax specialist.

Exception Requests

In rare circumstances, appropriate flexibility may be demonstrated by SF State in making reasonable exceptions to scholarship award decisions in order to facilitate student success and timely progress to degree. Requests for exception must be submitted in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management as soon as possible following receipt of the contested decision.

The Impact of Scholarships

Receiving a scholarship can make a huge difference in students' ability to attend SF State and focus on their studies. The diverse student body at San Francisco State University includes many students who are the first in their families to attend college. Many SFSU students have shared their stories of how scholarships have impacted their lives.

Christian Camaño: Despite supporting himself and putting himself through college, scholarship recipient Christian Camaño is double-majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics for Advanced Study, with a minor in Anthropology, and is avidly pursuing a future as a researcher in applied mathematics.
Hassan Malik Russell: Hassan Malik Russell, a graduate student in the M.S. Counseling program, speaks about the financial and emotional impact of receiving a scholarship.
Erykah Butler: Erykah Butler loves being a special education preschool teacher in Oakland. Her experience as a graduate student in the Graduate College of Education is building on that experience and deepening her commitment to being a teacher.
Daniel Hernandez: At the start of his educational journey, Daniel Hernandez joined his father in working construction to pay tuition and bills - focusing on producing journalism that is relevant to his community.
Kyle Whitham McLeod Scholarship Fund: His undergraduate years as a Latin American History major at San Francisco State instilled in Kyle a profound concern for fellow students forced to leave school not because of academic challenges, but because of financial hardships. Even a modest scholarship can forestall having to postpone - or end - their pursuit of a degree. To date, the scholarship has awarded scholarships to over a dozen SFSU students.

Supporting SFSU Scholarships

There are many established scholarship funds to support, from athletics to general needs. In addition to supporting existing scholarship funds, some donors choose to establish newly named scholarship endowments. Currently, a $200,000 endowment will generate enough income to cover most of a student's annual tuition, fees, and some living expenses. The assistance helps students focus on their studies and reduces the number of outside jobs they work, which can have a negative impact on graduation rates. To attract more scholarships, the University encourages alumni and friends to name these funds. Pledged gifts are gratefully accepted and the University will make it easy by sending you pledge reminders at your request. Provided your donation is at the minimum level required to establish a named fund (see above), you will be informed about the recipients of your endowed scholarship. While some donors prefer to remain anonymous, and we work hard to ensure this for those who do, we encourage donors to let us publicize their identities to inspire others. Donors who identify themselves also have the opportunity to learn about the beneficiaries of their generosity.

tags: #SFSU #scholarships #for #undergraduates #and #graduates