A number of scholarships are available to undergraduates majoring in physics or astronomy. Applications are solicited in the spring for the following year. Applications will be completed online and generally only require a current transcript. Some scholarships also require a written statement and a letter of recommendation from a physics or astronomy faculty member.
Award amounts vary from year-to-year, but values from the 24'-'25 academic year are provided.
The A. O. C. Nier Undergraduate Scholarship in Physics ($10,000-15,000)
This scholarship has been endowed by Mr. Albert Nerkin to honor his friend and professional associate, Professor Alfred O. C. Nier. Applicants must be current physics majors and rewards those for excellence in academics, research, or both.
Harry and Viola St. Cyr Scholarship for Summer Research ($6,000)
Professor Phyllis Freier established the Harry and Viola St. Cyr scholarship in honor of her parents. The scholarship provides support for a student to work in a research physics laboratory during the summer. Applicants must be physics majors. And a reference letter is required.
J. Morris Blair Scholarship ($2,500)
This scholarship in honor of Professor J. Morris Blair is awarded to a Junior for use during the Senior year and is awarded to students for academic achievement.
Jeffrey Basford Scholarship ($3,000-$4,000)
This scholarship will be awarded to a physics major or astrophysics major with financial need and who has carried out undergraduate research. A reference letter is required.
Edmond G. Franklin Scholarships (Generally, covers tuition for one semester)
These scholarships are open to declared physics majors for use in junior or senior year and is based on academic achievement.
Holt Scholarship ($2,000)
Available to both physics and astrophysics majors to help with tuition costs.
Marshak Scholarships ($1000)
These scholarships, in honor of faculty member Prof. Marvin Marshak, are available to physics or astrophysics majors or students intending to major in these.
Greenlees Scholarship ($5,000)
This scholarship is intended a for low income physics major.
Oswald Scholarship ($2,000)
This is awarded to a student who has done outstanding research and will fund further research. A letter is required.
Graney Scholarship ($1000-$2000)
This scholarship is available to any physics major for their next year's expenses.
Hagstrum Awards ($1,000)
This is reserved, and is the only prize, for graduating seniors and is given for overall achievement. A reference letter is required.
Outside Scholarships
(Just a sample.)
The Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship. You must be a sophomore at the time of application to be eligible. Approximately 100 undergraduate students, U.S. citizens only, will be selected as Hollings scholars beginning fall 2010 academic term. Program Information and Application Materials available online.
The Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Teachers.The AAPT Executive Board offers two scholarships for future high school physics teachers. These scholarships, supported by an endowment funded by Barbara Lotze, are available only to U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools. Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible. The two successful applicants will each receive a stipend of up to $3,000. The scholarship may be granted to an individual for each of four years. Applications will be accepted at any time and will be considered for recommendation to the Executive Board at each AAPT Winter Meeting. All applications in which all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by December 1 will be considered for recommendation at the January meeting of the AAPT Executive Board.