Scholarships in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering - Grants, Student Loans, & Fellowships

Bioengineering is a unique educational program because it combines two major areas of study: biology, and engineering. With this degree, students can find careers in medical facilities creating medical devices, developing medical techniques, conducting research, and more.

Alongside bioengineering is biomedical engineering in which many colleges and universities offer academic programs. Both major disciplines are very much the same. Biomedical engineering also prepares students for careers within medical facilities; however, this field is also based on electrical or mechanical engineering.

Whether it is bioengineering or biomedical engineering, students can find financial assistance to help defray the cost of higher education. Becoming an engineer of this type requires a good quality education. Therefore, most colleges and universities offer a number of scholarships to aid students in reaching their career goals.

Where to Find Scholarships for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Students

Scholarships are a great addition to a student’s financial aid package because they don’t have to be repaid. Bioengineering and biomedical engineering programs are no different. In fact, most colleges and universities offer departmental scholarships specific to the student’s engineering program. Here are examples:

At the University of Wisconsin—Madison the College of Engineering offers several engineering scholarship opportunities, which includes students majoring in biomedical engineering.

• Freshman Academic Achievement Award—this scholarship is offered to 120 incoming freshmen pursuing any engineering specialty who have been admitted to the College of Engineering. Award amounts range from $500 to $3,000.
• Department Scholarships—awarded to students at the sophomore, junior, or senior level enrolled in an engineering program through the College of Engineering. Award amounts vary.
• Polygon Awards—is given to upperclassmen ranging from $300 to $5,000. Must be an outstanding student with a good academic record to apply.

Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan offers the Drs. Anthony and Joyce Kales Scholarship to students majoring in biomedical engineering also referred to as BME. This scholarship awards $2,000 to qualifying BME students, based on academic achievement, personal statement, and advisor recommendation.

The University of Utah offers scholarships to biomedical engineering majors at the freshman level, for transfer students, and continuing students.

• Joseph Beam and Questar Scholarships—awarded to degree-seeking students enrolled in the College of Engineering, including biomedical engineering majors. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed and submitted for consideration. Amount awarded is up to $2,000.
• Program for Diversity in Engineering (PDE) Scholarship—awarded to any engineering majors or computer science majors who are from a minority group such as African American, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, or are women. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Amount awarded is up to $1,000.

The University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering offers the Seymour and Faye Wolf Endowed Scholarship in Bioengineering. This is a competitive scholarship awarded to an undergraduate student admitted in the School of Engineering. Scholarship is based on merit and financial need. Award amounts vary each year.

At the University of Texas—San Antonio students enrolled and admitted into the College of Engineering have several scholarship options:

• M.S. Competitive Dean’s Scholarship —five scholarships are awarded each year in the amount of $1,000 each. M.S. students must be enrolled full-time in the College of Engineering, majoring in any engineering specialty, including biomedical engineering. An excellent academic record and competitive GRE scores are required. Applicants must also possess some research experience.
• Judy and James Adams Endowed Scholarship—this scholarship is awarded to engineering students majoring in any engineering specialty, including biomedical engineering. Must be an undergraduate student enrolled full-time in good academic standing. Award amount is $1,000, payable in $500 increments for two semesters. International students are not eligible.

Tips on Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Scholarships

• When checking out departmental scholarships, keep in mind some colleges and universities may have a bioengineering department, a biomedical engineering department, or both.
• Don’t rule out general scholarships. Most colleges and universities offer merit- and need-based scholarships through the financial aid office. Be sure to check with staff for availability and qualifications.
• Look into outside scholarships funded by organizations locally, regionally, or nationwide. Check with engineering societies to see if bioengineering and/or biomedical engineering fall into ‘general’ engineering scholarships.