The Brown Master of Public Affairs Program considers admitted students for a variety of scholarship opportunities, and all admitted MPA students receive some level of merit-based financial aid.

There is no additional application process to be considered for our scholarships, as our scholarships committee will utilize all information provided in the admissions application to make scholarship decisions through holistic review. You can find examples of our MPA scholarships below.

Watson MPA Full Tuition Scholarships 2024-25

To support the MPA program's ongoing efforts to recruit and enroll a diverse and talented MPA student cohort, the Watson Institute will award a limited number of Full-tuition scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year. These scholarships will cover 100% of a student's tuition for the Brown MPA. These will be awarded to students based on outstanding academic and personal achievement, leadership potential, strong interest or dedication to public affairs or public policy, as demonstrated in the admissions application.

Watson Equity in Policy Scholars Program

The Watson Equity in Policy Scholars program is a scholarship and leadership development opportunity for academically-excellent students admitted into and entering the Master of Public Affairs at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs who demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the public affairs space. Participants receive generous financial support, leadership development, mentorship, and enriching community building experiences to complement their experience as students in the MPA program. Learn more >

Half-Tuition Scholarships

Half-tuition scholarships will cover 50% of a student’s tuition for the Brown MPA. The program awards a limited number of Half-tuition scholarships to students based on outstanding academic and personal achievement, leadership potential, strong interest or dedication to public affairs or public policy, as demonstrated in the admissions application. 

HBCU/HSI Scholarships

HBCU/HSI scholarships cover 50% of a student’s tuition for the Brown MPA. To be considered for these scholarship awards, students must be enrolled or graduates of a Historically Black College or University or Hispanic Serving Institution, as well as demonstrated outstanding academic and personal achievement, leadership potential, strong interest or dedication to public affairs or public policy, as demonstrated in the admissions application. The program expects to be able to offer at least two HBCU/HSI scholarships each year.

Public Service Scholarships

Public Service Scholarships are partial tuition scholarships. Students with exceptional interest, experience and/or leadership in public service in the U.S or abroad are eligible for consideration for these awards. 

Global Policy Scholarships

Global Policy Scholarships are partial tuition scholarships. Students with exceptional interest, experience and/or leadership in global or international affairs are eligible for consideration for these awards. 

MPA Merit Scholarships

MPA Merit Scholarships are our traditional Brown MPA scholarships that range in amount of tuition covered. All admitted Brown MPA students are considered for these scholarships. 

MPA students typically fund the cost of their program through a combination of sources, such as and not limited to our MPA scholarships, loans, savings, and/or outside funding. Admitted students should therefore research various potential funding sources when planning to finance their degree. Student loans are available through Brown’s Office of Financial Aid to eligible U.S. applicants who submit a FAFSA. The Office of Financial Aid also provides information to help students searching for graduate funding and worksheets to calculate the cost of attendance.