Students pursuing degrees in criminal justice play a critical role in shaping the future of law enforcement, public safety, and justice reform. To help ease the financial burden, a variety of organizations and institutions offer scholarships specifically for students committed to careers in criminal justice.
Here are some of the top scholarships available for criminal justice majors:
1. Alpha Phi Sigma Scholarships (Regina B. Shears & V.A. Leonard)
Link: Alpha Phi Sigma Scholarships
- Award: $2,000 (Shears & Leonard); additional awards up to $500
- Eligibility: Undergraduate criminal justice majors who are active members of Alpha Phi Sigma honor society.
- Deadline: January 25, 2026
2. Women in Federal Law Enforcement Foundation Scholarship
Link: WIFLE Foundation Scholarship
- Award: Typically $2,500 each
- Eligibility: Female undergraduate or graduate students majoring in criminal justice or related fields; U.S. citizens with GPA ≥ 3.0.
- Deadline: May 1, 2025 (awards announced May 26, 2025)
3. Thurgood Marshall Scholarship (NABCJ)
Link: Thurgood Marshall Scholarship
- Award: $3,500
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students in criminal justice or related fields; must maintain at least a “B” average and show financial need.
- Deadline: Applications open Jan 31 and close Mar 1 annually
4. C2RR Criminal Justice Scholarship – Waukegan Township, IL
Link: C2RR Criminal Justice Scholarship
- Award: Amount varies each year
- Eligibility: Residents of Waukegan Township, IL, who are high school seniors, graduates, or college students pursuing criminal justice or related fields.
- Deadline: October 24, 2025
5. Sieben Edmunds Miller Criminal Justice Scholarship
Link: Sieben Edmunds Miller Scholarship
- Award: $1,000 (awarded each spring and fall)
- Eligibility: National scholarship open to undergraduates and law students pursuing careers in criminal justice; financial need considered.
- Deadline: December 31, 2025 (Spring 2026 awards)
6. Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship (ACFE)
Link: Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
- Award: $2,000–$10,000 plus ACFE student membership
- Eligibility: Full-time undergrad/grad students majoring in criminal justice, fraud examination, or related fields; undergrads must be beyond sophomore year.
- Deadline: February 7, 2025
7. Murray Rossen Criminal Justice Scholarship
Link: Murray Rossen Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Eligibility: Students who submit a video describing their vision for criminal justice reform or improvement.
- Deadline: June 30, 2025
8. Robert P. Houston & UNO/UNL Criminal Justice Education Scholarships
Link: UNO/UNL Criminal Justice Scholarships
- Award: Up to $4,000
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice at University of Nebraska Omaha or Lincoln campuses.
- Deadline: February 1, 2025
9. Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
Link: Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship
- Award: $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester)
- Eligibility: North Carolina residents enrolled full-time in criminal justice programs at UNC system schools or private nonprofit colleges in NC. Priority given to students connected to law enforcement families.
- Deadline: Varies; administered through school financial aid offices
10. Florida Sheriffs Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
Link: Florida Sheriffs Association Scholarship
- Award: $2,000 (at least 10 scholarships awarded annually)
- Eligibility: Dependent children (including stepchildren) of full-time sheriff’s office employees in Florida pursuing criminal justice–related degrees.
- Deadline: April 30, 2025
Final Thoughts
Criminal justice students are preparing for careers that protect communities, uphold justice, and create opportunities for reform. These scholarships provide financial support while honoring academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to public service. Whether your interest lies in law enforcement, criminology, corrections, or reform advocacy, these awards can help you achieve your educational and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Scholarships
Do I have to be a criminal justice major to qualify?
Most scholarships on this list require you to be enrolled in a criminal justice or closely related field such as criminology, law enforcement, forensic science, or corrections. However, some broader scholarships may also consider applicants with majors connected to law, social work, or public safety.
Can graduate or law students apply for criminal justice scholarships?
Yes. While many awards are for undergraduates, some—such as the Sieben Edmunds Miller Criminal Justice Scholarship or the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Foundation Scholarship—accept graduate or law student applicants pursuing advanced degrees in criminal justice or related fields.
Are scholarships available for students interested in reform and advocacy, not just law enforcement?
Absolutely. Scholarships such as the Murray Rossen Criminal Justice Scholarship encourage applicants to share ideas for reform and improvement. Many programs welcome students pursuing careers in rehabilitation, legal advocacy, or community-based justice, not just policing.
Do I need to be in an honor society to apply?
Not always. The Alpha Phi Sigma Scholarships are specifically for members of the Alpha Phi Sigma criminal justice honor society, but most other scholarships are open to all students who meet academic or personal eligibility requirements.
Can family members of law enforcement officers qualify for scholarships?
Yes. Programs such as the Florida Sheriffs Association Criminal Justice Scholarship and the Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship provide awards specifically for children of law enforcement employees pursuing criminal justice careers.
What GPA is required for most criminal justice scholarships?
Requirements vary. Some programs require at least a 3.0 GPA (e.g., WIFLE Foundation Scholarship), while others accept students with a “B” average or 2.5 GPA minimum. Always review each scholarship’s guidelines before applying.
How competitive are criminal justice scholarships?
Competition can range from national programs, which are highly competitive, to local or regional scholarships, which often have fewer applicants. Applying to local opportunities (like the C2RR Criminal Justice Scholarship in Waukegan Township, IL) can significantly increase your chances.
