Getting financial assistance can help reduce the financial burden of attending a college which could be taxing and expensive. 

Students pursuing a criminal justice degree now have the privilege to get aid for their studies through the various Criminal Justice Scholarships opportunities available. 

Most students bank on grants and loans to meet their college expenses because finding scholarship programs is complex. That’s why we have taken the time to compile the list of Criminal Justice Scholarships you can apply for. 

As a Criminal Justice Student, these scholarships will help fund your tuition and college expenses if you get them.

To make getting them easy for you, this article will explain all you need to know and tips to apply for and win these Criminal Justice Scholarships with no hassles. 

Criminal Justice Scholarships: All You Need To Know

Like every professional study, criminal justice bodies, schools, and organizations came up with ideas to set up financial assistance for students pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. 

This is done to help reduce the rate of dropouts among students studying to have a career in criminal justice due to a lack of funds. 

Criminal justice scholarships fund is one of the best ways to help students pay for their education. 

About Criminal Justice 

According to Wikipedia, Criminal justice is the delivery of justice to those accused of committing crimes. The criminal justice system is a sequel to government agencies and institutions. 

A degree in criminal justice can be a path to various careers, including a police officer, FBI agent, lawyer, forensic psychologist, and researcher. 

The goals of Criminal Justice include the rehabilitation of offenders, prevention of other crimes, and moral support for victims. 

The primary institutions of the criminal justice system are the police, prosecution and defense lawyers, the courts, and the prison system.

Levels/ Fields of Study

These scholarships are open to criminal justice students at all levels of study.

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for each criminal justice scholarships vary. 

Host

The host of the Criminal Justice Scholarship vary

Eligibility

Only students pursuing a career in criminal justice are eligible to apply for these scholarships.

Requirements for Criminal Justice Scholarships

The basic requirements for these scholarships differ. Each scholarship requirement can be found on the scholarship page. 

Top Criminal Justice Scholarships

Below is some information on criminal justice scholarships you can apply for easily. 

Keep reading to learn all you need about criminal justice scholarships, including the application deadlines, the amount awarded, and eligibility requirements.

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate students interested in a career in fraud examination, or similar criminal justice professions, worldwide are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,000-$10,000 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship website. 

Application Deadline

Applications open on September 15 and close on February 6 annually. 

Gene Carte Student Paper Competition

Eligibility

This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who submit an essay of 7,500 words or less.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $500, $300, or $200

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the Gene Carte Student Paper Competition link. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of an application varies

ACJA/LAE National Student Paper Competition

Eligibility

Undergraduate or graduate students who are members of the American Criminal Justice Association – Lambda Alpha Epsilon are eligible to apply. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $100 – $200 for a degree. 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the ACJA/LAE National Student Paper Competition link.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is December 31. 

The Brian Terry Foundation Scholarship Program

Eligibility

High school seniors and undergraduate college students who are legal residents of the U.S. have at least a 3.0-grade point average and plan to study criminal justice and serve their community.

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship varies. 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through The Brian Terry Foundation Scholarship website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is May 31, 2022. 

Ed Rhodes Scholarship

Eligibility

High school, undergraduate, or graduate students, endorsed by a current member of the American Board of Criminalistics, who take an examination for a certificate in comprehensive criminalistics are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship varies. 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Ed Rhodes Scholarship website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is April 30.

Exploring Law Enforcement Scholarships

Eligibility

Law enforcement Explorers in the 12th grade or accredited college programs are considered for this scholarship. 

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship varies. 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Exploring Law Enforcement Scholarships website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of an application varies. 

AFTE Scholarship Program

Eligibility

Graduate and undergraduate students enrolled half-time or more who major in natural, physical, or biological science and planned on a career in forensic science are eligible to apply. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $2000

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the AFTE Scholarship Program website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is April 1. 

Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund

Eligibility

United States citizens graduating seniors from public high schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington state are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $2,000

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for applying is April 15th of each year. 

Army Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton Jr. Scholarship

Eligibility

Graduate and undergraduate students who pursue study in fields related to alliance building, counterintelligence, cultural understanding, and U.S. national security are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

#1,000 is awarded for this scholarship. 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through https://www.lintcenter.org/scholarships/

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is January 31.

First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility

This scholarship is available to children of first responders attending college

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $6,250

How to Apply

Applicants should visit the First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarship website to apply. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is June 15, 2022.

Kush Arora Federal Criminal Justice Reform Scholarship

Eligibility

Incoming first-year college students, undergraduates, graduates, and law school students enrolled in an accredited school in the U.S. with a 3.0 GPA are eligible. The latter must show an interest in criminal justice reform. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $500

How to Apply

Applicants should visit the Kush Arora Federal Criminal Justice Reform Scholarship website to apply. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is December 15.

My Alarm Center’s Scholarship Program

Eligibility

Students pursuing law enforcement, law, criminal justice, or a related field are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

$1,000 is awarded for this scholarship. 

How to Apply

To apply, applicants should visit the My Alarm Center’s Scholarship Program website.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is July 1, 2022. 

Captain Jim Unterwagner Scholarship

Eligibility

Students at Slippery Rock University, who major in criminology and security, social work, or programs with sociology and anthropology emphasis, have completed 64 credits at the time of application, demonstrating academic achievement and financial need, and are considered for this scholarship. 

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship is $500. 

How to Apply

Applicants should visit the https://rockpride.sru.edu/search/index.php to apply. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is March 1

Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarships

Eligibility

This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in criminal justice.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $500.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarships website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is August 1, 2022. 

Drinko Criminal Justice Scholarship

Eligibility

Students enrolled full-time in Keystone College’s associate, or Bachelor’s criminal justice degree program are eligible to apply. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,000-$4,000

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the 

https://www.keystone.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is May 1.

Wade H. Stroud, Jr. Law Enforcement Scholarship

Eligibility

Undergraduate students of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, who study criminal justice are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship varies.

How to Apply

Applicants should visit the Wade H. Stroud, Jr. Law Enforcement Scholarship website to apply. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is Mar 15. 

Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Undergraduate students of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, who study law enforcement are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,000

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship website

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is Mar 15. 

Thurgood Marshall NABCJ Scholarship Award

Eligibility

Students accepted in a criminal justice undergraduate college program or closely related criminal justice field who demonstrate past educational accomplishment, “B” average grade point, and documented financial need are eligible to apply. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $2000

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the Thurgood Marshall NABCJ Scholarship Award website.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is March 31.

Diane M. DiPonio Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA, who completed two years of study, entering their 3rd year, with a serious interest in a law enforcement career on the local, state, or federal levels, can apply for this scholarship. 

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship varies. 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via this link

https://cj.msu.edu/undergraduates/scholarships.html

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is February 28. 

Wallin & Klarich Criminal Justice Scholarship

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to full-time first-year students, university students with a 3.0 high school GPA, who attend an accredited college or university in America, plan to major in criminal justice, political science, or sociology, and must not be related to current, past, employee or contractor of Wallin & Klarich, ALC.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $2,500

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Wallin & Klarich Scholarship website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is July 31. 

Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility

Graduate students studying forensic anthropology who continue their education and research are eligible.

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship varies. 

How to Apply

Applicants should visit the Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation Scholarship to apply. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is April 30.

Al Ponte Graduate Scholarship Award

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to students who plan to attend graduate school and graduate students who focus on studies in homeland security, international relations, or intelligence.

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship is $1,000.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via https://www.afio.com/13_scholarships.htm

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is June 1.

Life’s Choices Foundation Graduate Scholarship

Eligibility

Graduate students serving in the United States intelligence community, and their children or grandchildren, who focus on national security, or intelligence studies and plan to fill in the United States government are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $3,500

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through https://www.afio.com/13_scholarships.htm

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is June 1.

ASTEE Criminal Justice Scholarships

Eligibility

Graduate students who major in forensic science and plan for a career in the trace evidence field are eligible for this scholarship.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $500

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the ASTEE Scholarship website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is February 15.

Congressional Fellowships on Women and Public Policy

Eligibility

Graduate students enrolled in or have completed a program within the past two years and completed nine hours of graduate coursework with a severe interest in research and policymaking on issues that affect women and their families can apply. 

Scholarship Amount

$3,400 are awarded for this scholarship.

How to Apply

Applicants should visit the Congressional Fellowship on Women and Public Policy page to apply. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is June 3.

Maria I. Ramirez Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

This scholarship is available for working women enrolled full-time in a Bachelor’s degree program with a 2.5 GPA who aspire to a career in criminal justice.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,600

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/scholarships

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is Apr 30. 

Amanda Haworth Perseverance Scholarship

Eligibility

Female high school seniors or full-time college students who are daughters of sworn law enforcement officers working within Miami-Dade County, FL, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher can apply for this scholarship. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,000

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the Amanda Haworth Perseverance Scholarship website

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is May 1.

Lieutenant June T. Murphy Criminal Justice Scholarships

Eligibility

High school senior women living in MA, with a 2.5 GPA, eligible to receive federal student aid, accepted at an accredited college, university, or post-secondary full-time program (minimum of two years) with a major in criminal justice, who plan to become law enforcement officers or work in the criminal justice field can apply. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,000.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through Lieutenant June T. Murphy Criminal Justice Scholarships website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is May 1.

National Organization of Black Women in Law Enforcement Scholarships

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to minority high school senior women with a 3.0 GPA who have applied to 1 or more accredited colleges or universities.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,000

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the National Organization of Black Women in Law Enforcement Scholarships website.

Application Deadline

The deadline for this scholarship is not available.

LEO Criminal Justice Scholarships

Eligibility

Women, and students of color, with financial need, accepted into or attending a Minnesota post-secondary school, who plan to attend the upcoming Fall term in law enforcement, criminal justice, or corrections course of study, and are also interested in law enforcement, criminal justice, or corrections career within the State of Minnesota are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,000

How to Apply

Applicants should visit the LEO Criminal Justice Scholarships website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is June 30.

Chief Gary R. Cline Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to Camden County graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue a career in criminal justice.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,500

How to Apply

Applicants should apply his the Chief Gary R. Cline Memorial Scholarship link

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is March 31. 

Irlet Anderson Criminal Justice Scholarships

Eligibility

Graduating United States high school seniors (in financial need) accepted into an accredited academic school to study social sciences, forensic, investigation, and technology, or other criminal investigative studies, who plan for a career in the law enforcement, or criminal justice fields, to become law enforcement officers, Special Agents or different related positions are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $2,500

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Irlet Anderson Criminal Justice Scholarships link.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is April 15.

Brian Terry Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility

This scholarship is available for high school seniors attending college or accepted into college who plans to study criminal justice or a related field.

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for this scholarship varies. 

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Brian Terry Foundation Scholarship website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is May 31.

Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Students in the 12th grade or undergraduates attending an accredited college exploring a future in criminal justice are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $2,500.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship link.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is March 31.

Bernard and Sylvia Davis Thompson Scholarship

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors (in financial need) in the United States, accepted into an accredited academic school to study social sciences, forensic, investigation, and technology, or other criminal investigative studies, who plan for a career in the law enforcement, or criminal justice fields, to become law enforcement officers, Special Agents or different related positions.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,500.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Bernard and Sylvia Davis Thompson Scholarship link.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is April 15.

Alphonso Deal Scholarship Award

Eligibility

High school seniors of good character, U.S. citizens, and who have been accepted in a college or university to study law enforcement or other courses in criminal justice are eligible. 

Scholarship Amount

$500 is awarded for this scholarship.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the Alphonso Deal Scholarship Award link.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is May 17.

Maine Chiefs Of Police Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Graduating high school senior who intends to pursue a career or profession related to law enforcement are eligible to apply.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $500

How to Apply

Applicants should apply to the Maine Chiefs Of Police Memorial Scholarship website

Application Deadline

The deadline for this scholarship is not available. 

New Leader Criminal Justice Scholarships

Eligibility

This scholarship is available for juniors and seniors attending one of the following universities: California State University, East Bay; San Francisco State University; San Jose State University; Sonoma State University or University of California, Berkeley. Must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and major in social sciences, human services, health-related fields, or public service.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards up to $8,000

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the New Leader Criminal Justice Scholarships website

Application Deadline

This scholarship is canceled for 2022. 

Pearl Mae Criminal Justice Scholarships

Eligibility

Pearl Mae Criminal Justice Scholarships are for students seeking careers in healthcare or first responder fields (including firefighting). Graduate students may also apply.

Scholarship Amount

The amount awarded for these scholarships varies.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the Pearl Mae Criminal Justice Scholarships website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for this scholarship is not available. 

Susan M. Hunter Scholarship

Eligibility

Full-time undergraduate/graduate students are children of full-time employees (either past or present) of a member agency. Undergraduates must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and graduate students must major in either Corrections or Criminal Justice are eligible.

Scholarship Amount

This scholarship awards $1,500

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the Susan M. Hunter Scholarship website. 

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of the application is February 1, 2023

Tips To Win The Criminal Justice Scholarships

  • Begin your application early: Starting your application early gives you the time and luxury to appropriately fill in the application requirements for the Criminal Justice Scholarships. Unlike an application that started close to the deadline, you have the time to get everything you need. You can also proofread the application before submission.
  • Check the requirements. While these Criminal Justice Scholarships are for students majoring in criminal justice, they are requirements for each scholarship. Ensure to check the basic needs before you apply.
  • Have your recommendation letters ready: Some of these scholarships may require you to submit recommendation letters. The letters can be 1, 2, or more.
  • Complete all the application requirements and processes: An incomplete application may not be considered. Fill in the required parts of the application with correct details. 
  • Write a powerful essay: Some Criminal Justice Scholarships may require you to write an essay. When you do this, ensure you put in your best effort as you will be contending with other qualified applicants across the country.

Benefits Of The Criminal Justice Scholarships

  • The Criminal Justice Scholarships give financial awards to students at all levels of education who are pursuing a career in criminal justice. 
  • Criminal Justice Scholarships providers aim to cover students’ study expenses with the scholarship awards. 
  • Criminal Justice Scholarships aim to reduce the rate of dropouts among students studying to have a career in criminal justice due to a lack of funds.
  • These scholarships aim to support students ready to deliver justice to those accused of committing crimes. 

SUMMARY

Here are key points to take about the Criminal Justice Scholarships. 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Sponsor: The sponsors of the Criminal Justice Scholarships vary.

Departments: Criminal Justice 

Nationality: Varies.

Language requirement: The applicants must have proficient use and understanding of the English Language.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

How to Apply: Instructions for applying for the Criminal Justice Scholarships have been provided under each scholarship. Applicants should visit the scholarship websites for more information. 

Supporting Documents: Supporting documents for these scholarships vary.

Basic Requirements: To be considered for the Criminal Justice Scholarships, you must be a student majoring in Criminal Justice and meets the minimum GPA for the scholarships.

Language Requirement: The applicants must have proficient use and understanding of the English Language.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Criminal Justice Scholarships?

Various schools and organizations award Criminal Justice Scholarships to reward students studying to deliver justice.

How can I apply for the scholarships?

The application methods for the Criminal Justice Scholarships differ, as discussed above. Kindly click the links provided under each of the scholarships to learn more.

What are the requirements to be eligible for the scholarships?

It would help if you majored in Criminal Justice and other related fields to qualify for these scholarships. You must also meet the specified requirements under each of the scholarships.

Are the Criminal Justice Scholarships need- or merit-based?

It depends. Many Criminal Justice Scholarships are merit-based. Some scholarships also consider the financial needs of students.

Will I have to write an essay for Criminal Justice Scholarships?

Not all Criminal Justice Scholarships require an essay. You will be required to submit an essay for some.

Conclusion

Criminal Justice Scholarships are financial opportunities rendered for students pursuing careers in Criminal Justice and other related fields to students studying to deliver justice in society as a form of financial assistance to help fund the cost of obtaining a degree in the field. 

The application process and requirements for these scholarships vary. Applicants should visit each scholarship page for more information. 

We hope you found answers to all of your questions about the Criminal Justice Scholarships in this article. Best of luck when you apply!

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