Communication

Scholarships for Communication Students

Each year, the Department of Communication offers scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $1,500 to help students cover the costs of tuition, books, and living expenses. These scholarships recognize the dedication, creativity, and community involvement of our Communication majors who are working hard to complete their degrees.

Communication Scholarship

The Department of Communication Scholarship Fund provides direct support for juniors and seniors majoring in Communication. This general scholarship is designed to be accessible and open to all students in our department who demonstrate commitment to completing their degree.

  • Open Date: November 1
  • Deadline: March 1
  • Amount: $500 - $1,500
  • Major: Must be a Speech Communication, Communication Studies, or Communication major.
  • Level: Must be a Junior or Senior
  • Applicants must address how their Communication degree connects to their intended career goals. See prompt below.

Cynthia-Lou Coleman Scholarship

This scholarship honors Professor Emerita Cynthia-Lou Coleman, who recently retired after many years of exemplary service to our students and community.

Dr. Coleman’s research focused on the intersection of science, communication, and social change, especially around environmental and Indigenous issues.

This scholarship supports junior or senior Communication majors who wish to use their degree to advance social change through their academic or career goals.

  • Open Date: November 1
  • Deadline: March 1
  • Amount: $500 - $1,500
  • Major: Must be a Speech Communication, Communication Studies, or Communication major.
  • Level: Must be a Junior or Senior
  • Essay: Applicants must address how their Communication degree supports their interest in social change in their career goal essay. See prompt below.

How to Apply

General Information and Timeline

  1. Both scholarships are awarded through PSU’s Scholarship Universe.
  2. Students can apply to both scholarships.
  3. Scholarships are for the upcoming academic year.
  4. Scholarships open November 1.
  5. The deadline to apply is March 1.
  6. Award notifications will be send out in late April.

Application Details

  1. To apply to the Communication Scholarship and/or Cynthia-Lou Coleman Scholarship, visit the Office of Financial Aid's Scholarship Universe page between November 1 and March 1.
  2. Please prepare the following documents to submit
    1. Your unofficial transcripts for PSU and any other college or university that you have attended. Please combine all of your transcripts into a single file to upload.
    2. Essay prompt: Describe your educational and long-term career goals and the difference you intend to make in your field. Please elaborate on how your college education will help you achieve these goals and share supporting evidence that illustrates your determination to achieve these goals. (500 word maximum)

If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, contact the Financial Aid Office at (503) 725-3461 or askfa@pdx.edu. 

Scholarships