Applying for Scholarships as an English Major

With nearly $50 billion in scholarship money available for the taking, millions of students are vying for the same funds. 

Scholarships are a great way to offset college tuition and expenses, which average around $25,000 for most 4-year universities. 

So, what can you do to put yourself in the best position for getting a scholarship? For starters, figure out what scholarships you're eligible for.

Income, ethnicity, and GPA are common categories to consider. What most students don't realize is that your area of study can also land you a scholarship.

Calling all English majors! That's right -- there are countless scholarships designed specifically for students studying English and related subjects. 

If this describes you, keep reading. Here you'll learn the ins and outs of applying for scholarships as an English major and which ones to go after.

Capitalize on Your Strengths

As an English major, there's one very important factor that sets you apart from other candidates. Your writing skills, of course!

Many English majors are skilled at writing engaging, persuasive, and clear essays. This gives you an advantage over the competition. 

Skilled writers are also intuitive readers. Use your keen eye to carefully read through the scholarship's rules and requirements.

Some applications are tossed aside from the get-go for careless errors or not following directions. Don't let this be you. 

Best Scholarships for English Majors

Are you ready to put those English skills to work? 

If you're an English major looking for the best scholarship based on your need and circumstance, keep reading for some helpful suggestions.

Anne Trabue Scholarship

This scholarship is for all the female English majors out there. And those who enjoy a round of golf from time-to-time. 

Established by the WSCGA (Women's Southern California Gold Association), in honor of its founding mother Anne Trabue, this scholarship is awarded to female graduating seniors and full-time undergraduate students. 

To qualify, you must be enrolled in an accredited institution and major in either English or journalism. You must also be a Southern California resident, play golf, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

If this describes you, you can submit your application along with an essay and your career interests for consideration.

Don't live in Southern California? Check out this scholarship for eligible undergraduates. 

Bill Gove Scholarships

Do you enjoy public speaking as much as you enjoy writing and literature? 

Bill Gove Scholarships are geared toward English majors, as well as communications, journalism, and rhetorical studies, with a concentration in speech.

Sponsored by the National Speakers Association (NSA), this scholarship is given in honor of Bill Gove who is a member of the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. 

These scholarships are $5,000 and available to both full-time undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants are selected based on a written essay, college transcripts, recommendations, and a commitment to the spoken word.

Dorrit A. Sibley Scholarship

Are you an aspiring poet? 

The Dorrit A. Sibley Scholarship awards $2,500 annually to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in English, creative writing, comparative literature, or English education. 

A renewable scholarship is also available. If you qualify, you'll receive the scholarship amount each year for all four years you're enrolled. 

Candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA, be enrolled full-time (taking a least 12 credits per semester), and show promise as a poet.

Go on Girl! Aspiring Writer Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to an aspiring female English major with creative talent and promise.

The Go on Girl! Book Club is a group of spirited women who share a love of reading. To help other creative women succeed, the ladies created the Aspiring Writer Scholarship which awards $1,000 to a full-time college freshman, sophomore, or junior studying English, creative writing, or a related subject.

Qualified candidates must be of African descent, attend an HBCU (historically black college or university), have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and complete an 800-word essay titled "The Power of the Written Word". 

If you're chosen, not only will you receive the scholarship money but an all-expenses-paid trip to NYC to accept your award.

Lambda Iota Tau Literature Scholarships

Lambda Iota Tau is an American international honor society for literature. Who better to offer a scholarship for English majors?

This is just one of several scholarships offered by the organization. 

The first criteria for this scholarship is that you're a member of the literature honor society. Secondly, you must be studying English, literature, or creative writing.

Between 2 and 4 members are awarded $1,000 once they graduate high school and enroll in an accredited college full-time. You must also be sponsored by another member of the association and rank in the top 35% of your class. 

Graduate students can also apply for the Lambda Iota Tau Literature Scholarship after completing one semester and maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher.

The Honor Society also offers its own scholarship for graduate students.

Reader’s Digest Foundation Scholarship

Reader's Digest is one of the most widely-read and esteemed literary magazines in the world. 

This scholarship unites Reader's Digest and the United Negro College Fund (UNF). The two organizations have come together to award an African American college student majoring in English, communications, journalism, or creative writing with $5,000.

Eligible candidates must be juniors or seniors attending a UNCF-member university full-time. You must also maintain a 3.0 GPA.

To apply, candidates have to submit a published writing sample and have plans to pursue print journalism.  

Being an English Major Helps You Stand Out When Applying for Scholarships

Are you worried about paying for college? Do you need some financial assistance outside of FAFSA?

Scholarships are a great way to get a little financial boost while pursuing your education.

Being an English major puts you in a unique position for obtaining scholarship money. Not only are you a skilled writer and communicator, but you're also eligible for scholarships designed specifically for English majors.

Do your research to make sure you meet all of the scholarship's requirements. These scholarships straddle several majors and fields of study including journalism, poetry, and communication so make sure you qualify before applying.

We proudly offer our own scholarships designed exclusively for members. Our Blogger Scholarship is perfect for English majors!

You can also find a full list of our scholarships here, along with guidelines and deadlines.

Click here to donate to the Honor Society fund and help support the education and future of our promising youth.