SAA Scholarships and Grants

Consistent with its mission to assist professional growth, the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) is committed to expanding access to the field of archaeology through a robust scholarship program. These monetary awards reduce student debt, provide moral and financial support, and ensure that today’s students become tomorrow’s archaeologists.

Research grants help archaeologists advance their careers and produce transformative knowledge about the study of ancient Americas.

Scholarship applications open in October and are due on January 31 each year. SAA donors made these scholarships possible. And in fact donations are the only funding source for these scholarships. Consider making a donation to support future archaeologists.

Scholarships for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Historically Underrecognized Student Archaeology Scholarships (HUSAS)

This scholarship supports underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in archaeology, especially aiming to reduce barriers to field school training. Funding helps recipients enhance their education and prepare for careers in archaeology and heritage management.

Native American Scholarships

These scholarships reduce barriers to training and increase opportunities for Native people from the United States, including Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Indigenous Pacific Islanders. The Native American Scholarship Fund fosters collaboration between archaeologists and Native Americans, and the interest from the endowment provides SAA Native American Undergraduate and Graduate Archaeology Scholarships. The Arthur C. Parker Scholarship for Archaeological Training for Native Americans is funded by a Silent Auction. Note: employees of tribal cultural preservation programs are eligible to apply for the Arthur C. Parker Scholarship in addition to Native Americans. The Bertha Cody Parker Scholarship supports museum- or collection-based study by a Native American woman. In all, these scholarships accelerate the ability of Indigenous archaeologists to complete training and degrees in archaeology and heritage management.

Cheryl L. Wase Memorial Scholarship for the Study of Archaeology 

This scholarship supports women who are residents of New Mexico pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in anthropology with a specialization in archaeology at accredited New Mexico institutionsUniversity, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Highlands University, or University of New Mexico).    

Scholarships for Graduate Students Only

Matthew Tobin Cappetta Archaeological Scholarship Endowment

Established by Patricia and Les Cappetta in memory of their son, these scholarships support graduate students (master’s or PhD) to help them complete a graduate degree in archaeology or anthropology. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, or other course materials.

Research Grants

H. and T. King Grants for Archaeology of the Ancient Americas
The application period is closed.

These grants support site-based or collections-based research across Latin America that shows promise for a transformative contribution to the understanding of the Indigenous cultures from Mesoamerica, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Join the SAA

Help the Society ensure that more of today’s students become tomorrow’s archaeologists by joining the SAA.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Please note: Prior to any award recommendation being finalized and publicly announced, applicants must certify:

(a) I am not and have not ever been the subject of a discrimination or harassment lawsuit or related administrative complaint that resulted in an adverse finding; and

(b) I do not have and have not had a current or pending disciplinary action such as suspension or termination of registration resulting from a Register of Professional Archaeologists’ grievance investigation.