At the Harris School, we are committed to supporting our students' academic and professional journeys through a variety of donor-funded scholarships, internships, and fellowships. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, we proudly offer many opportunities to fund full-time graduate studies and provide valuable experiences to prepare students for successful careers in public policy.

More than two-thirds of our master’s degree students receive competitive, merit-based scholarships and fellowships. Every applicant to Harris is automatically considered for these awards—no additional application is needed. Award recipients are notified of their scholarships and fellowships when they receive their admission offers. 

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Named Scholarships

Named scholarships at Harris reflect the generosity of alumni and friends who invest in the next generation of public policy leaders. These scholarships offer essential assistance to students, expanding educational opportunities and empowering them to pursue their studies and contribute meaningfully to public policy.

Harris Alumni Scholarship

The Harris Alumni Scholarship was established in 2012 by the Harris Alumni Council to support students with scholarship funding. Made possible through contributions from the Harris alumni community, this scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, significant professional experience, and a strong academic record.

Christos Scholarship

The Christos Scholars Fund, established through the generosity of two distinguished UChicago alumni, honors the legacy of a dedicated legal professional who devoted his career to public service in New York State. This Fund annually awards scholarships to students who are committed to careers in public or nonprofit service. 

Cheistha Kochhar Scholarship

The Cheistha Kochhar Scholarship honors Cheistha Kochhar (1990-2024), AM’20, whose legacy of excellence and social impact continues to inspire. Cheistha’s work creating the National Behavioral Insights Unit (BIU) of India, leveraging her Harris education built the first BIU in the Global South. Her legacy continues throughthe Cheistha Kochhar Scholarship and is awarded to students who, like Cheistha, demonstrate exceptional intellect and commitment to global innovation.

Irving B. Harris Fellowship

Funded by Irving B. Harris, a pivotal supporter in the founding of the Harris School of Public Policy, and his family, the Irving B. Harris Fellowship provides substantial financial resources to cultivate the next generation of policy leaders. Awardees should demonstrate a strong interest in or background in child and family policy and are expected to actively contribute to the Harris community.

King Harris Fellowship

Select students are annually awarded fellowships supported by King Harris, Chairman of Harris Holdings, and an Emeriti Trustee of the University of Chicago. King Harris Fellows are selected based on their passion to pursue careers in public policy, and for their strong academic records. Additionally, King Harris Fellows may receive the special opportunity to network directly with Mr. Harris.

Knas Family Scholarship Fund

Funded by two UChicago alumni, the Knas Family Scholarship Fund bolsters access for college graduates seeking to advance their education at two top-tier professional schools. Emily (Modlin) Knas, MPP ’14 and Kraig Knas, MBA ’19, generously established the fund in 2021 to students interested in combining policy formation and analysis with leadership and management skills with a dual degree from the Harris School of Public Policy and the Chicago Booth School of Business.

Knoll Scholarship

Jerry Knoll, AB’47 had a robust career in public policy, retiring as deputy director, Medical Programs Division, of the International Rescue Committee. As a long-time supporter of Harris and a member of the Harris Council, Knoll established a fund to provide financial support for students interested in international relations. The Knoll Scholarship is awarded to applicants who demonstrate a strong interest or background in international affairs, economics, and national defense policy or federal education policy.

Koplow-McAdams Family Scholarship

Funded by the generous support of Hilarie Koplow-McAdams, AM’87 and Steven McAdams, the Koplow-McAdams Family Scholarship supports students pursuing either a dual or joint degree from the Harris School of Public Policy. Joint degree programs include: Five Year Master in Public Policy with the College (BA/MPP), Five Year MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy with the College (BA/MSCAPP), Chicago Booth School of Business (MPP/MBA), Law School (MPP/JD), Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (MPP/MA), and Committee on International Relations (MA/MA).

Andrew W. Mellon Scholarship

The Andrew W. Mellon Scholarship was established through a generous gift from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and supports Master of Public Policy (MPP) students at Harris who are interested in focusing on and researching policy analysis. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation seeks to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive.

The Harrison I. Steans Scholarship Fund

The Harrison I. Steans Scholarship Fund is generously supported by the Steans Family Foundation and was established in memory of Harrison I. Steans. Mr. Steans was a generous philanthropist and believed strongly in giving back to his community. Mr. Steans started the Steans Family Foundation in 1988 with his wife, Lois, and three daughters, which benefits and supports the North Lawndale community. The Harrison I. Steans Scholarship is awarded to a top student with demonstrated leadership skills, a strong academic record, and high-level past professional experience.

TC Young Foundation Scholarship

The TC Young Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a candidate with with at least three years of professional work experience and a demonstrated interest in and commitment to public policy and social innovation with a global focus. 

Class Scholarships

Alumni class gifts reflect the enduring impact of Harris and a shared commitment to supporting future policy leaders. These scholarships ensure that generations of students have the resources to pursue their goals and shape the future of public policy.

Class of 1994 Scholarship Fund

To commemorate 30 years since graduation, the Class of 1994 joined forces to create an endowed scholarship that will offer future generations of Harris students lasting financial support as they pursue their academic goals. Driven by the significant influence Harris has had on their personal and professional growth, the class united to make a generous philanthropic contribution aimed at empowering future policy leaders. As a result, the Class of 1994 now holds the distinction of raising the highest amount of funds ever contributed by a single class at the Harris School.

Class of 1993 Scholarship Fund

In honor of their 30th Reunion, the Class of 1993 united to create an endowed scholarship that will provide lasting financial support to Harris students for generations to come. Inspired by the transformative role Harris played in their personal and professional journeys, the class made a remarkable philanthropic commitment to nurture future leaders in policy. This milestone achievement also establishes the Class of 1993 as the first to create an endowed fund at the Harris School, setting a new precedent for class giving.

The University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholar Program

The University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholarship Program is a collaborative effort by the University and the Obama Foundation to bring together an interdisciplinary cohort of University second-year graduate students, which may include, but is not limited to, students from the Harris School; the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice; and the Booth School of Business. The purpose of the program is to expose these students to the education, skills, relationships, and perspectives necessary to address complex social challenges through impactful careers in fields including, but not limited to government, nonprofit and social organizations.

Learn more about the University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholar Program

Public Sector Scholarship

In order to break down access barriers and support the essential work of the public sector, Harris offers a Public Sector Scholarship. Admitted applicants who have completed at least 3 years of full-time, professional work in the US public sector will be eligible for this scholarship, which includes at least 60% tuition scholarship for all master’s programs.

Learn more about the Public Sector Scholarship

Internships

Internships are an invaluable part of the Harris education. Through the Career Development Internship Program, Harris offers exclusive, paid internships in the public and nonprofit sectors for Harris students. These real-world opportunities allow you to apply classroom learning, develop new skills, and expand your professional network. Each internship begins in June, requiring a minimum commitment of 340 hours over 10 to 12 weeks, with full details provided in each job description.

Learn more about the Career Development Internship Program

Additionally, Harris offers donor-funded internships, completely made possible by the generous support of Harris alumni. These unique placements not only help you build practical experience but are a living testament to the ongoing impact of our alumni community.

The Harris Internship Fund 

Established in 1991, the Harris Internship Fund provides essential financial support for student internships. With a $6,000 stipend, students can pursue unpaid or underfunded opportunities without financial stress, covering costs like salary, rent, and travel expenses. These paid, substantive internships enable students to apply their data-driven skills outside the classroom, develop critical policy impact skills, and build professional networks for their future careers. 

Class of 1991 Internship 

In appreciation of their time at Harris and in celebration of their 25th Reunion, the Class of 1991 Reunion Committee established a fund to support one Harris student each year with a $6,000 stipend, for pursuing a substantive, unpaid summer internship. This initiative enables students to apply their Harris training in real-world settings, gaining valuable policy experience beyond the classroom.

Fellowships

Bartlett Fellowship

Thanks to the generosity of Harris alumnus John Bartlett, SM’08, and the Bartlett family, the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), in conjunction with Harris, offers paid fellowships to Harris Master’s students interested in gaining hands-on experience in energy, environment, and climate economics and policy research. Students are paired with EPIC-affiliated faculty to garner a better understanding of the research process on a part-time basis during the academic year ($8,250 stipend for the academic year) or a full-time basis during the summer ($6,500 stipend). Additionally, Harris students can apply for a $6,500 stipend to support themselves during an unpaid summer internship opportunity with an organization doing work in the energy and environment fields.

Learn more about the Bartlett Fellowship