The Scholarship/Awards Committee is responsible for announcing, selecting, and disbursing the following scholarships in the School of Social Work.

Each award is announced on student listservs, and in class as appropriate. Application materials are made available in each center as applicable. Recipients are recognized at the graduation ceremony in May.

School of Social Work Scholarships

NOTE: Links to application forms will be provided when the application period opens.

Contact ssw-dept@uiowa.edu with questions about these scholarships.


Christensen-Klein Scholarship
$1,000 award supports an undergraduate social work student currently enrolled in the professional core courses who demonstrates merit and are in good academic standing.  For more information, see the Christensen-Klein Scholarship Award form.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

Stephen and Lynnette Anfinson Scholarship Award
A $1,500 award made to an undergraduate social work student currently enrolled in the professional core courses who is a resident of Iowa. The criteria for the award are academic success, aptitude for and commitment to the profession as demonstrated in volunteer or work histories, and Iowa residency. For more information, see the Stephen and Lynnette Anfinson Scholarship Award form.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

The Former Faculty Scholarship
Funded by memorial donations and other gifts made in honor of retiring faculty members and their contributions to the School.  Each year a $1,000 award is given to one undergraduate student who is enrolled in the professional core courses. This scholarship considers academic excellence but also places an emphasis on supporting future-oriented students who have diverse experiences, cultures, and extracurricular activities.  For more information, see the Former Faculty Scholarship form.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

Houlihan First Gen Scholarship
A scholarship of $2,500 will be made to an undergraduate social work student currently enrolled in the professional core courses whom identifies as a first-generation college student. For more information, see the Houlihan First Gen Scholarship form.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

H. Wayne and Donna J. Johnson Award
Named in memory of longtime faculty member and director of the BA Program H. Wayne Johnson, annually provides $1,000 of support to a junior or senior undergraduate social work student currently enrolled in the professional core courses. For more information, see the H. Wayne and Donna J. Johnson Award form.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

Margaret Bridgen Rostenbach Memorial Scholarship
One $1,000 award made to an undergraduate social work student currently enrolled in the professional core courses with particular interest to provide case work.  The criteria for the award is academic success and aptitude for and commitment to the profession as demonstrated in volunteer or work experience.  For more information, see the Margaret Bridgen Rostenbach Memorial Scholarship form.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

Jean H. Winter and Robin Odem Award
One $4,000 annual award made to a junior undergraduate social work student currently enrolled in the professional core courses who is a resident of Iowa. The criteria for the award is academic success, aptitude for and commitment to the profession as demonstrated in volunteer or work histories, and Iowa residency. For more information, see the Jean H. Winter and Robin Odem Award form.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

Sanderson Family Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is to support an undergraduate social work student currently enrolled in the professional core courses. The criteria for the award are: financial need, academic excellence (minimum 3.2 g.p.a.), and aptitude for and commitment to the profession. For more information, see the Sanderson Family Scholarship form. 

Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

Other Scholarships and Fellowships

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences supports numerous scholarships through the college's annual scholarship competition. For a list of scholarships available in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and information on applying for scholarships, visit the CLAS Scholarships page.

General UI Undergraduate Scholarship Information
Miscellaneous Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Portal for Undergraduate Students (filtered for "Social Work" )
Scholarships for First-Year Students and Transfer Students

University of Iowa Support