Data science is transforming healthcare by leveraging large datasets to improve patient care, optimize operations, and drive innovation. As the demand for skilled professionals in this interdisciplinary field grows, scholarships play a crucial role in supporting USA students pursuing degrees in data science with a focus on healthcare. This detailed survey note explores available scholarships, their eligibility criteria, application processes, and additional resources, ensuring a thorough understanding for aspiring students.
Data Science in Healthcare and Scholarship
Data science in healthcare involves analyzing vast amounts of data to enhance medical research, patient outcomes, and healthcare system efficiency. Fields like health informatics, biomedical data analysis, and clinical data science are at the forefront, requiring specialized education often supported by scholarships. These financial aids reduce the burden of tuition costs, which can range from $54,000 to $73,000 for master’s degrees, and help diversify the workforce by supporting underrepresented groups.
Scholarships not only cover tuition but also offer access to conferences, mentorship, and professional networks, crucial for career development. Given the high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 1.8 million healthcare job openings yearly between 2022 and 2032, securing funding is essential for students to focus on their studies and research.
Detailed Scholarship Listings
Below is a comprehensive list of scholarships identified for USA students in data science for healthcare, categorized by type and level, with detailed eligibility and application information. Each entry includes the official website for further exploration.
1. HIMSS Foundation Scholarship
- Description: The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Foundation awards two scholarships annually, one for undergraduates and one for graduates, focusing on health information and technology leadership.
- Amount: $5,000 each
- Eligibility: Must be a HIMSS student member, pursuing a degree in healthcare information and technology, at least a first-term junior for undergraduates, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Application Requirements: Resume/CV, one letter of recommendation, and online application.
- Deadline: Typically in September, with the 2026 application opening in August 2025 (as of March 18, 2025, the 2025 application is closed).
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary access to the HIMSS Global Health Conference and Exhibition.
- Official Website: HIMSS Foundation
2. NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
- Description: Offered by the National Institutes of Health, this program supports undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research, which can include data science applications.
- Amount: Up to $20,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four years.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen, national, or qualified non-citizen, from a disadvantaged background with exceptional financial need, minimum GPA of 3.5 or top 5% of class, and enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year institution.
- Application Requirements: Detailed application process, including proof of financial need and academic records.
- Service Obligations: Ten-week summer laboratory experience with an NHGRI investigator and one full year of research in an NHGRI lab per scholarship year.
- Deadline: Varies; check the official website for updates.
- Official Website: NIH UGSP
Also Apply : USA Scholarships for Computer Science Students Focusing on Machine Learning
3. Great Minds in STEM Scholarship
- Description: This scholarship supports students in STEM fields, including health services, aiming to increase representation of Hispanic and community-leading students.
- Amount: Ranges from $500 to $5,000, with both merit-based and non-merit-based awards.
- Eligibility: Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program in a STEM field, minimum GPA of 3.0, and of Hispanic descent or showing significant leadership or service within the community.
- Application Requirements: Online application, personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, official transcript, photo, and biography.
- Deadline: Varies; check the official website for specific dates.
- Additional Benefits: Transportation to the annual GMiS Conference for recipients.
- Official Website: Great Minds in STEM
4. AHIMA Foundation Scholarships
- Description: The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation offers multiple scholarships for students pursuing degrees in Health Information Management (HIM) or Health Informatics (HI), fields closely related to data science in healthcare.
- Amount: Varies by type:
- Bachelor’s Degree/Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: $5,000
- Master’s Degree: $7,000
- Doctoral Degree: Up to $10,000
- Veteran’s Scholarship: Amount not specified
- Merit Scholarship: Amount not specified
- Dissertation Grant: Amount not specified
- Eligibility: Must be an AHIMA member, enrolled in a CAHIIM-accredited program, with a minimum GPA of 3.5, and at least one semester remaining after the award date. Specific criteria for veterans and doctoral candidates apply.
- Application Requirements: Online application, transcripts, resume, and letters of recommendation. Veteran’s Scholarship requires additional military service documentation.
- Deadline: Applications open March 1 and close May 31, with awards announced August 15, 2024, and distributed September 30, 2024.
- Official Website: AHIMA Foundation
5. Charlotte Lefert Memorial Scholarship (AHIMA)
- Description: A specific scholarship from AHIMA for students in health informatics, focusing on long-term or post-acute healthcare practice.
- Amount: $2,000
- Eligibility: Completed at least 24 credits, AHIMA membership, minimum GPA of 3.0, enrolled full-time or part-time, and committed to informatics practice in long-term or post-acute healthcare.
- Application Requirements: Contact the AHIMA Foundation for application details.
- Deadline: Varies; check with the foundation via email.
- Contact: bonnie.aguda@ahimafoundation.org
6. American Dream Scholarship (College of Health Care Professions)
- Description: Offered to students enrolling in online health informatics programs at the College of Health Care Professions, supporting career changes into healthcare data fields.
- Amount: $2,000 to $3,500 annually
- Eligibility: Enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s program in health informatics, medical assisting, radiologic science, or healthcare management, with specific IT certification and experience requirements.
- Application Requirements: Resume with three-plus years of experience, hold transferable IT certifications earned in the last five years, and pass the WGU Readiness Assessment.
- Deadline: Varies; check the official website for updates.
- Official Website: CHCP Scholarships
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Beyond the above, students can explore general healthcare scholarships that may apply to data science in healthcare, such as those listed on Fastweb and Scholarship.com. For example, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship for military veterans and dependents, up to $30,000, could be relevant for STEM fields including data science. Check Fastweb for more options.
Application Tips and Strategies
Applying for scholarships requires strategic planning:
- Start Early: Begin researching and preparing applications well before deadlines, especially for competitive programs like NIH UGSP.
- Tailor Applications: Customize personal statements and resumes to highlight relevant coursework, research, and experiences in data science and healthcare.
- Meet Eligibility: Ensure all criteria, such as GPA, enrollment status, and membership requirements (e.g., AHIMA, HIMSS), are met.
- Seek Recommendations: Choose recommenders who can attest to your academic and professional potential, such as professors or healthcare professionals.
- Proofread: Review all materials for accuracy and completeness to avoid disqualification.
Apply Also: Scholarships for Law Students Specializing in Intellectual Property (Canada)
Unexpected Detail: Professional Network Access
An unexpected benefit of many scholarships, such as the HIMSS and Great Minds in STEM, is access to professional conferences and networks. These opportunities can significantly enhance career prospects by connecting students with industry leaders and potential employers in data science for healthcare.
Tables for Clarity
Below is a table summarizing key scholarships for quick reference:
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Level | Key Eligibility | Deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIMSS Foundation Scholarship | $5,000 | UG/Grad | HIMSS member, healthcare IT focus | Sept (varies) | |
| NIH UGSP | Up to $20,000 | UG | Disadvantaged, health research | Varies | |
| Great Minds in STEM Scholarship | $500–$5,000 | UG/Grad | STEM, Hispanic/community leader | Varies | |
| AHIMA Foundation Scholarships | $5,000–$10,000 | UG/Grad/Doctoral | AHIMA member, HIM/HI focus | May 31 | |
| Charlotte Lefert Memorial Scholarship | $2,000 | UG/Grad | Health informatics, 3.0 GPA | Varies | |
| American Dream Scholarship | $2,000–$3,500 | UG | Health informatics program | Varies |
This table aids in comparing options based on financial need, academic level, and specific requirements.
Conclusion
This survey note provides a comprehensive overview of scholarships for USA students in data science for healthcare, covering eligibility, application processes, and additional benefits. By leveraging these opportunities, students can pursue their educational and career goals without the burden of excessive financial stress, contributing to the growing field of healthcare data science.