Behavioral-science funding often supports a study rather than an entire degree. Begin by identifying whether you need tuition, a summer research experience, or costs for a specific project.
The verified programs below are research opportunities, not unrestricted cash scholarships for every behavioral-science major. Their award type matters as much as the amount.
Compare selected student research funding
Checked October 14, 2026. Complete provider rules apply.
| Program | Who should investigate | Published support/status |
|---|---|---|
| APS Student Research Grant | Eligible APS Student Caucus members proposing research | Up to $500; additional awards up to $300 may support qualifying diversity topics; current deadline must be checked |
| APS Albert Bandura Graduate Research Award | Eligible graduate students proposing applied psychological-science work | Up to $5,000; confirm actual application cycle |
| APA SUPER Fellowship | Eligible undergraduates in summer psychology research | Up to $4,000; March 2, 2026 deadline passed |
A diversity-related supplement is not guaranteed for every project, and the graduate award should not be presented as open to all undergraduates.
Match the grant to a real research plan
APS evaluates whether a small grant enables meaningful research. A useful budget names an expense and its connection to the method rather than requesting the maximum without explanation. APS grant purpose.
A hypothetical applicant might explain an approved study’s material costs and why those costs cannot be met from existing support. Distinguish actual quotes, estimates and other confirmed funding. Do not request the same expense twice without permission.
The Bandura award emphasizes research with potential real-world application. Explain the pathway from question to possible application without claiming a proposed study has already established an outcome. Graduate award purpose.
Summer support needs a mentor and actual research period
APA’s 2026 SUPER cycle supports up to ten weeks of research with a mentor; the program page also describes a separate mentor stipend. That mentor amount is not extra cash for the student. Its 2026 application is closed; an older “apply” announcement does not establish a 2027 opening. APA program · 2026 announcement.
Before a future cycle, ask the mentor about the project, schedule, supervision and materials they must submit. Do not assume an informal conversation is a confirmed placement.
Show methods and limits—not invented impact
Explain the question, approach, your role and what the design can reasonably establish. A hypothetical survey project should distinguish an association from a causal conclusion. A literature-based project should identify the actual sources rather than invent an experiment.
Protect participant data and follow institutional approval requirements. Do not attach identifiable records, raw confidential interviews or unpublished group work without authorization. Credit collaborators and use the provider’s actual assistance/AI policy.
Research support does not replace tuition planning
For every award, record permitted costs, payment recipient, funded dates, reporting and eligibility after enrollment changes. Ask whether funds can cover participant compensation, materials, travel or your time—do not assume every category is allowed.
Ask your department about separate institutional tuition scholarships or assistantships. A behavioral-science degree can span several disciplines, so use the sponsor’s field definition rather than assuming a similar title qualifies.
Keep pending awards separate from confirmed money. Your next step is to choose tuition or project support, verify one current rule set and build a truthful budget with your adviser.
