Scholarships &
Funding Opportunities
ACU awards over $8 million in psychology-specific scholarships annually. Every admitted student is automatically reviewed for merit aid — no separate application required.
Presidential Clinical
Awarded to the most exceptional incoming doctoral students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, significant supervised clinical hours, and deep alignment with ACU's acceptance-based training philosophy.
Eligibility
- —500+ documented clinical hours
- —Published or presented research
- —Interview with the President's Council
Dean's Clinical Excellence
Recognizes doctoral students with strong academic records and proven commitment to equity in mental health care through community-based clinical work.
Eligibility
- —300+ clinical hours preferred
- —Evidence of multicultural competency
- —Maintained 3.5 GPA each semester
Merit Achievement
Our most widely awarded scholarship, ensuring that a career in clinical psychology remains financially accessible to high-achieving students from all backgrounds.
Eligibility
- —Strong academic record
- —Two letters of recommendation
- —Personal statement on psychological practice
Mental Health Equity
For students from underrepresented communities committed to serving underserved populations. Preference given to applicants with lived experience of mental health challenges.
Eligibility
- —FAFSA completion required
- —Essay on community mental health impact
- —Demonstrated financial need
Research Fellowship
Supports PhD students with active research agendas in clinical psychology. Recipients work 10 hours/week in a faculty lab and present findings at one national conference annually.
Eligibility
- —PhD program enrollment
- —Active faculty research mentorship
- —Annual renewal with continued progress
Practitioner Diversity
Celebrates students who bring non-traditional pathways into clinical psychology — career changers, first-generation graduate students, and those who've worked in direct-care roles.
Eligibility
- —Personal narrative essay required
- —Interview with Diversity Committee
- —Demonstrated commitment to clinical service
All scholarships are automatically renewable through graduation
Maintain your GPA requirement and satisfactory clinical progress, and your award renews each year. The Financial Aid office reviews all students each May in partnership with the Director of Training.