Physics and Astronomy Scholarships
Physics and Astronomy majors at UNC Asheville are eligible for numerous local and national scholarships and grants.
UNC Asheville’s Data Analytics Training and Scientific Computing Initiative (DATASCI) Scholars Program prepares students for successful STEM careers. Funding from the National Science Foundation provides scholarships for 31 students over a six-year period. The program fosters self-efficacy, belonging, and career readiness while leveraging UNC Asheville’s strengths in small class sizes, faculty-student collaboration, and a supportive academic culture, ensuring access to high-impact learning opportunities.
The Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP) is a consortium of higher education institutions that seek to transform graduate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in ways that support the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, values, and experiences; that allow scholars to address issues relevant to Indigenous communities; that improve student outcomes and promote a sense of belonging in graduate STEM degree programs; and that prepare students to pursue STEM professions in and beyond the professoriate.
Offered by the Astronomy Club of Asheville, the Carolyn Keefe Scholarship is awarded each year to a STEM major selectd by the Physics Department staff. The recipient receives $4,000 per year and a one year membership to the club.
The NC Space Grant awards annual scholarships to STEM students in fields that support NASA and its Mission Directorates. A minimum of ten students are awarded $8,000 each.
Research and creative activity grants are intended to further the aims and objectives of undergraduate research at UNC Asheville; to increase the research and creative activity skills of our students; to provide increased opportunities for learning; to encourage professional relationships between faculty and students; and, to advance the body of knowledge in the student’s chosen field.
The URCAP Conference and Presentation Grants is available for students traveling to present research results at discipline-specific and undergraduate research conferences. Total award maximum per year is $750. Documentation of an accepted abstract is needed for final reimbursement, but students may apply in advance and supply the documentation at a later date. Applications must be submitted at least four weeks in advance of travel and receipt reimbursement must be submitted within two weeks of return from travel. For applications to be considered, the student’s Faculty Mentor must provide a recommendation of support. The Grant award may go towards ground and air travel, lodging, per diem, registration, and poster printing.
TEAM-UP awards need-based scholarships to physics & astronomy students who can speak to the importance of equal access to STEM fields despite systemic barriers.
The Goldwater Foundation offers financial support to prospective college students wanting to pursue research careers in STEM fields.
Ready for What’s Next?
When you enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree program, you embark on a journey beyond textbooks and equations and explore the fundamental principles that govern our universe. You benefit from expert faculty mentorship and friendly peers as you delve into our rigorous, customizable curriculum. At UNC Asheville, you engage in groundbreaking projects, collaborate with peers, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.