Our MPH Program aims to attract a student body that is representative of global society and inclusive of race, ethnicity, class, and geography. To ease the impact of financial and socioeconomic barriers, and to recognize exemplary scholarly achievements and commitment to serving vulnerable populations, we award scholarships based on achievement, promise, and/or need.

Admitted students can apply for an MPH scholarship by emailing cornellmph@cornell.edu to request a scholarship application. The brief application requires a one-page essay (maximum) on at least one of the following:

• Detailing their financial situation to include the following: how you are currently paying for college; difficulties that you have in meeting your financial needs; impact a scholarship would have on your education; and/or any special circumstances.
• Explaining that they have: lived and worked (paid or volunteer) in an under-served area (U.S. or international); developed an understanding of inequity and privilege through experience; and developed an appetite for inquiry and a desire to better understand the intersection of sustainability and equity, particularly the social determinants of health.
• Showing how they have been impacted by the following criteria: having to overcome disadvantage and/or being a member of any other priority population, including:
  • Under-served or underrepresented racial and ethnic populations
  • Those from lower-income households
  • First-generation college students
  • Military veterans
  • Single parents
  • Persons who self-identify as having disabilities
  • Persons who self-identify as LGBTQ
  • International students, representative of under-served global communities including refugee populations
  • Rural upstate New York residents, representative of under-served local communities

The Graduate School currently participates in two federally-funded graduate student loan programs: the William D. Ford Direct Loan and the Federal Graduate PLUS loan. These programs are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are matriculated in the degree program. For specific eligibility requirements and application instructions, please visit the Graduate School website. You may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at any time, even before admission to the program. We suggest that you complete this form ASAP.

There are many sources of funding to help offset the cost of education. Consider looking through these resources on financing your public health degree to see if one is a good fit for you.

Other external funding sources:

• Outside sources of funding from the Mailman School of Public Health
• USAID Student Internships
• Scholarships and Funding Opportunities in Global Health from AAFP
• The American Association of University Women (multiple grants and fellowships)
• The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships
• Graduate & Postdoctoral Educational Support (GRAPES) Database
• Public Health Scholarships (from Public Health Degrees)

There are many part-time campus positions that are listed on Cornell’s Student Employment website. Positions can be found in campus libraries, administrative offices, dining, and residential housing.