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The Public Trust Graduate Scholarship

The Public Trust Graduate Scholarship is offered to high achieving, newly admitted master’s students in Criminal Justice, Public Administration or Security Studies programs who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the public good in their local community evidenced by previous or current roles in public service. While UMass Lowell’s tuition and fees are competitive with other top graduate schools, the purpose of this award is to make our excellent master’s programs even more affordable for those who are committed to community stewardship. The $4,000 Public Trust Graduate Scholarship provides $1,000 in financial assistance per semester for four semesters.

All eligible applicants will be automatically considered for the scholarship. No additional application is required. However, because there is a limit to the number of Public Trust Graduate Scholarships awarded, applying early will increase your chances of receiving this scholarship.

Awardee Requirements

  • Statement of purpose must include details on previous or current employment focused on improving community safety, security and well-being.
  • Must confirm enrollment by the given deadline.
  • Enrollment must be in one of the following programs: Master’s in Criminal Justice, Master’s of Public Administration or Master’s in Security Studies (applicable to any of the concentrations.)
  • Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester to be eligible for the scholarship award. Courses can be completed online or on campus.

Terms and Conditions

By accepting the Public Trust Graduate Scholarship, you agree to the following conditions:

  • Recipients must remain in good academic standing.
  • The award will apply as a credit against tuition and fee charges during the first four semesters the recipient is enrolled in at least two 3-credit courses. This award is non-renewable.
  • Students who receive other tuition-based awards such as NIOSH, Fulbright scholarships, Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant appointments, or employee benefits may not be eligible for the Public Trust Graduate Scholarship. UMass Lowell can only apply one tuition benefit per student per semester, and this will always be the tuition benefit that is most advantageous to the student.
  • This scholarship does not cover housing and meal plan costs.
  • You must register for your first semester classes as soon as possible. 
  • This scholarship award will be administered according to federal financial aid guidelines. If the scholarship is combined with other merit-based or need-based aid, the total cannot exceed the cost of education or the amount of defined need as applicable.