Scholarships
All M.S. students are eligible to receive scholarships and are invited to apply each August. Scholarships are awarded by a faculty committee based on each student's application, academic achievement and need.
Fall 2026 New Student Scholarships
We are extending a special scholarship, usually available only to VCU alumni, to ALL our Fall 2026 new Master's in Gerontology students: a $500 scholarship and a waiver of the application fee!
In addition, newly accepted students can receive up to $2,500 in scholarships in Fall 2026 based on your enrollment status. Multiple scholarships are available. Apply today and submit your application by May 1 to automatically receive the $500 scholarship.
The Walters-Wilkerson Memorial Gerontology Scholarship
William and Patricia Wilkerson generously fund this scholarship to ensure that more recent undergraduates who demonstrate exemplary academic skills have access to Gerontological scholarship and its practical application in aging services.
Marion Cotter King Memorial Scholarship
Dr. J. James Cotter endowed this scholarship for students studying elder leisure in honor of the memory of his mother and in recognition of her love of travel, recreation, leisure and overall personification of optimal aging.
Theresa Thomas Health Professional Scholarships
The Theresa A. Thomas Memorial Foundation was established nearly 30 years ago by the late George Thomas to honor his wife, who was a nurse. Upon his death in 1975, Thomas left virtually his entire estate to the Foundation, with the hope that the money would make a difference in many aspects of healthcare.
The Theresa Thomas Health Professional Scholarships were established as a means of carrying out Mr. George D. Thomas' desire to promote and develop medical specialists, and education for medical practitioners who plan to practice family medicine in rural Virginia. (No plaque presented)
Iris A. Parham Scholarship
The Iris A. Parham Scholarship was created by alumni in honor of Dr. Iris A. Parham and the Department of Gerontology 25th year anniversary. This award is given to a candidate who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the field of Gerontology.
Guy M. Kinman, Jr. Scholarship Award for Inclusive Gerontology
The Guy M. Kinman, Jr. scholarship is awarded to a Master of Science in Gerontology student who endeavors to study diversity and aging. The scholarship was created in honor of Mr. Kinman, a pioneer in LGBT advocacy, continuing up to and beyond his 100th birthday, December 23, 2017.