Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships

Apply for a graduate scholarship or fellowship

O’Neill Indianapolis offers scholarships and fellowships to incoming and current graduate students based on academic achievement, civic engagement, and financial need. Graduate research assistantships are also available to full-time students. The application deadline for all scholarships is March 18, unless otherwise noted in the description.

The Bill and Mairin Foley Military Service Scholarship was created to honor Senior Lecturer Emeritus and Retired United States Army Colonel Bill Foley’s 14+ years of service to the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI. This scholarship is awarded to student(s) who are current or former military service members. Preference will be given to students who have high financial need or are from underrepresented populations.

This award was established in memory of C. Michael Pitts, who served as an associate professor for O’Neill in labor relations and mediation for many years before his death in 2002. It is for O’Neill IUPUI students seeking an MPA and who have an interest in pursuing a career in public service or the nonprofit sector. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, be a resident of the state of Indiana, and demonstrate financial need.

Two scholarships will be awarded to MPA students in good academic standing.

The Cory R. Elson Scholarship was established for fallen Indiana State Trooper Cory Elson by his wife, Amy.  This scholarship provides recognition and financial support to criminal justice students who wish to pursue a career in policing. To apply, students must demonstrate financial need and have at least a 2.6 cumulative IU GPA.

The First Generation and Diversity Scholarship supports first-generation students and/or underrepresented students. The number, amount(s), and recipient(s) of the scholarship are determined by the scholarship committee. This scholarship is available to both graduate and undergraduate students at O'Neill.

Established to honor former O’Neill IUPUI Executive Associate Dean Greg Lindsey. The Greg Lindsey Academic Scholarship supports an undergraduate or graduate O’Neill student. To apply, students must demonstrate financial need and have at least a 3.0 cumulative IU GPA.

Current full-time and retired police officers and firefighters in the state of Indiana are eligible to receive money to support undergraduate or graduate coursework at IUPUI. 

The Indy Chamber’s HobNob Policy Internship is offered to an O'Neill graduate student with an interest in public policy, advocacy, political action, and civic engagement. The spring semester internship includes a $5,000 stipend and requires 3035 hours per week. The HobNob Intern is expected to attend the Chamber’s annual HobNob Event each fall. For more information, please contact O'Neill Scholarships.

The John & Susan Graham Diversity Scholarship supports O'Neill graduate and undergraduate students on both the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses who are first-generation college students, international students, and/or students from underrepresented minorities. The scholarship alternates annually between campuses and can be renewed.

Awarded to a graduate student at O’Neill IUPUI. Recipients will have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrated financial need, interest in pursuing a career in public service or not-for-profit sector, and is a current resident of the state of Indiana. Students must demonstrate their record of community service and complete an internship (approved by an O’Neill faculty member) with a community nonprofit organization or governmental agency.

This unique fellowship provides financial support for an internship for a graduate student or Accelerated Master's Program student at the O'Neill School. The recipient will intern with the Indiana Senate Majority Finance Committee or other group designated by Senate leadership. This two-semester experience requires a commitment of 20 hours per week during the fall semester with a scholarship of $5,000. The spring semester requires a 3035 hour per week commitment, and the Senate will pay a biweekly stipend of $900. Partial tuition remission is available for up to 9 credit hours in the fall and 6 credit hours in the spring. To apply, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and an interest in learning about the state finance and budget process.  For more information, please contact O'Neill Scholarships.

Scholarships for students enrolled in the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and are current or retired Indiana State Police officers or the children, step-children, grandchildren, or step-grandchildren of a current or retired Indiana State Police Officer. The Scholarship is renewable as long as recipients continue to meet the criteria.

The Matthew Crenshaw Public and Environmental Affairs Scholarship supports O'Neill graduate or undergraduate students. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Special consideration will be given to underrepresented populations and undergraduate students.

The O'Neill Alumni Association is proud to sponsor $1,000 scholarships for current O’Neill students. The scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who meet the qualifications. Current O’Neill students returning for the next academic year with a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible to apply.

The O’Neill Dean's Council is proud to sponsor scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for current O’Neill IUPUI students. The scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students based upon major.

Scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students in the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI who have secured unpaid or low-paying internships at nonprofit, public, or private organizations lasting a minimum of eight weeks or 80 hours. A low-paying internship would be defined as a wage and/or stipend that is lower than minimum wage, verified by a letter from their internship supervisor. Preference will be given to students participating in an unpaid internship. The scholarship is not renewable.

Scholarships and fellowships for students in the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI.

Fellowships established by Paul H. O’Neill support a cadre of master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral students who are known for and highly sought after for their leadership and superior problem-solving skills. Recipients will have demonstrated scholarly achievement as evidenced by an excellent academic record, leadership, and initiative through academic and/or extra-curricular achievements, and a commitment to public service and/or environmental science.

This three-semester fellowship provides financial support for a talented O’Neill graduate student to gain experience with the Indianapolis Mayor's Office, IndyGo, and Indianapolis International Airport. Peterson Fellows work in partnership with all three municipal agencies to address specific challenges and opportunities that impact our Indianapolis community. The rotation will begin in the fall and ends in the summer. The selected fellow will receive $15,000 during the three semesters. Students must be interested in a career in public service and in good academic standing. This scholarship is not renewable. O'Neill Career Services staff and community partners will interview finalists for this scholarship. For more information, please contact O'Neill Scholarships.

The Philip Rutledge Fellowship supports graduate students from traditionally underrepresented groups who wish to pursue a master's and/or doctoral degree at O'Neill on either the Bloomington or IUPUI campuses. The student must have a record of academic excellence supported by academic and professional reference letters, and indicate promise in teaching, research, and public service.

Scholarships will be awarded to graduate students at O'Neill IUPUI. This award is for students who have an interest in public management and/or financial management. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, represent and embody the spirit of IUPUI, and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to residents of Indiana.

Award supports a graduate student at O’Neill IUPUI. Student may be attending full or part time. Preference given to a single mother or father.

Graduate research assistantships

O’Neill Indianapolis hires graduate students to work with our faculty members in a research capacity every academic year. Graduate research assistants work 20 hours per week ($15/hour) and receive a scholarship to cover their tuition, excluding fees. The deadline to apply for the 2024–25 academic year is February 4, 2024.

Apply for a graduate research assistantship