Through the generosity of our donors, the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) is able to offer scholarships to assist continuing students with the cost of education. Available scholarships are listed below. Click on the scholarship name to review details.
NUNM 2025-26 Scholarship Application is now open!
Application Deadline: July 6, 2025
Recipients Announced: Early September, prior to Financial Aid distribution.
Available Scholarships
| Award | Amount | Awards available | Available to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 Friends of NUNM Scholarship | $5,000 | Multiple | All full-time, current, need-based |
| Alumni and Friends Scholarship | $4,000 | Multiple | All full-time, current, need-based |
| Innovation in Wellbeing Scholarship | $5,000 | Multiple | All full-time, current, need-based |
| Percy & Adrienne Frazier Scholarship | $10,000 | Multiple | All full-time, current, need-based |
| Peterson Family Scholarship | $5,000 | Multiple | All full-time, current |
| Dr. Robert Sklovsky Memorial Scholarship | $5,000 | Multiple | All full-time, current |
| Gary Weiner Integrative Gastroenterology Scholarship | $10,000 | One | ND; full-time, current; focus in Integrative Gastroenterology |
| NCMIC Scholarship | $3,000 | One | ND; full-time, current; within one year of graduation |
| Bob Moore Memorial Scholarship | $5,000 | Multiple | All full-time, current |
| Friends of Dr. Martin Milner Scholarship | $4,000 | One | ND or CCM; full-time, current |
| David H. Greenberg Memorial Scholarship for Naturopathic Dermatology | $2,000 | One | ND; full-time, current; interest in treating skin conditions |
| Diane Greenberg Memorial Scholarship for Naturopathic Gerontology | $2,000 | One | ND; full-time, current; interest in treating elderly patients |
| Dr. Diipali Barrett Memorial Scholarship | $4,000 | One | ND or MSCR; full-time, current |
| Dr. Todd A. Schlapfer Memorial Scholarship | $2,000 | One | ND; full-time, current |
| Dr. Ed Alstat Memorial Scholarship for Botanical Medicine | $2,000 | One | ND; full-time, current; focus on botanical medicine |
How to Apply
To apply, follow these steps:
- Students should first review the Core Eligibility Criteria, then each individual scholarship criterion below.
- Eligible applicants review the Essay Format Requirements below, and then complete the essays for each scholarship to which they will apply.
- Complete ONE scholarship application for the first 10 scholarships you are applying to, and then a second application for any scholarships beyond 10. Students may apply to as many scholarships as they wish if they are eligible.
- Applicants will be asked to upload scholarship-specific essays as well as a resume or CV at the end of the application.
- Curriculum Vitae/resumes should include, in addition to work and educational history, volunteerism, leadership roles, committee and professional association memberships, ND preceptorships if applicable, Nutrition internships if applicable, etc.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact either the Advancement Office at advancement@nunm.edu (for questions about specific scholarships) or the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@nunm.edu (for questions about financial aid in general or eligibility).
Core Eligibility Criteria
- Students must meet NUNM enrollment requirements for a full-time course of study.
- Students must meet NUNM’s academic achievement standards and be in good standing (undergraduate SAP or graduate SAP).
- Additional eligibility requirements, including specific program of study, year in school, or other criteria may apply to individual scholarships.
- Students applying for a financial need-based scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students with SAI in the range of -1500 to 10,000 are eligible to apply for need-based scholarships. If you have questions about your eligibility for need-based scholarships, please contact the Financial Aid office.
Essay Format Requirements
- If you apply for more than one scholarship, complete ONE application for the first 10 scholarships and check the boxes for each scholarship you are applying to. ONLY check scholarships for which you are eligible. Submit a second application if you wish to apply for more than 10 scholarships.
- Even if the essay questions are the same or similar, you must submit an essay for each scholarship you apply to.
- All essays, unless otherwise instructed, must be no less than 500 words and no more than 750 words.
- Essays must be uploaded in Word format.
- The document should be saved as the name of the scholarship (i.e., “Peterson Family.doc”), unless otherwise instructed.
- The applicant’s name should NOT be placed anywhere in the name of the document, the title of the essay or body of the essay in order to ensure a blinded process. While applicant’s name and email address is captured in the upload process, it will be separated from the essay prior to committee review.
- Essays must be double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font.
- The name of the scholarship and the essay question should be placed at the top of the essay.
- Using the Word Count feature, place the total Word Count of the essay at the top, below the title and essay question. Do not include the essay title, essay question or any references in the word count.
- All essays must contain only original content written by the student applicant. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not be used to assist in the writing of scholarship essays with the exception of grammar and spell-checkers.
Scholarship Rubric
To understand how returning student applications will be scored, students may review the scholarship rubrics:
Scholarship Details
1,000 Friends of NUNM Scholarship
This need-based scholarship will be awarded to full-time current students in any degree program at NUNM. This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of many donors to the 1,000 Friends of NUNM fund.
Amount: $5,000 (need-based, multiple awards available)
Additional Scholarship Criteria: This is a financial need-based scholarship. In addition to the core eligibility criteria, students applying for this scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). Scholarships will be awarded based on the results of a FAFSA financial-need analysis in combination with essay content.
Essay Requirement: In 500-750 words, discuss your past and present leadership experiences and/or service to the community, and then expand on how you will use your education and career to give back to your community.
Alumni and Friends Scholarship
This need-based scholarship will be awarded to full-time current students in any degree program at NUNM. This scholarship was made possible through the generosity of NUNM alumni and friends who believe deeply in the power of natural medicine and the importance of giving back.
Amount: $4,000 (need-based, multiple awards available)
Additional Eligibility Criteria: This is a need-based scholarship. In addition to the core eligibility criteria, students applying for this scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). Scholarships will be awarded based on the results of a FAFSA financial-need analysis in combination with essay content.
Essay Requirement: In 500–750 words, share a personal story that illustrates what inspired you to pursue a degree at NUNM and how your experience here is shaping your future as a healthcare practitioner or professional. How do you hope to carry forward the values of community, mentorship, and service that our alumni have modeled through their gift?
Innovation in Wellbeing Scholarship
The “Innovation in Wellbeing” scholarship will be awarded to full-time current students in any degree program at NUNM. The purpose of these scholarships is to spark creativity in future natural health professionals to do their part in creating a healthier community. This scholarship is made available through the generosity of Michael Chilton, a long-time supporter of NUNM, through the Michael and Simone Chilton Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.
Amount: $5,000 (need-based, multiple awards available)
Essay Requirements: In 500-750 total words, discuss first what you see are current barriers or challenges for individuals and communities to achieve desired levels of health and wellbeing. If financial and other barriers were non-existent, discuss the innovative (i.e., original and creative) way you would overcome one or more of these barriers to serve your community and help to create a healthier society.
Percy & Adrienne Frazier Scholarship
The Percy & Adrienne Frazier Scholarship is a need-based scholarship and will be awarded to current full-time students in any degree program at NUNM. It is made possible by a generous donation from the Frazier family.
Amount: $10,000 (need-based, multiple awards available)
Additional Eligibility Criteria: This is a need-based scholarship. In addition to the core eligibility criteria, students applying for this scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). Scholarships will be awarded based on the results of a FAFSA financial-need analysis in combination with essay content.
Essay Requirement: Every healer’s journey is shaped by lived experience. In 500-750 words, tell us the story of what brought you to pursue your degree at NUNM. How have your experiences—before and during your time here—shaped your vision for the kind of practitioner or professional you want to become? We encourage you to reflect on the people, moments, or challenges that have influenced your path, and to share what drives your commitment to this work.
Peterson Family Scholarship
The Peterson Family Scholarship will be awarded to a current full-time student in any NUNM academic program. It is made possible by a generous donation from the Peterson family. The scholarship will be evenly distributed over Fall, Winter and Spring terms from the Financial Aid Office.
Amount: $5,000 (multiple awards available)
Essay Requirement: Every healer’s journey is shaped by lived experience. In 500-750 words, tell us the story of what brought you to pursue your degree at NUNM. How have your experiences—before and during your time here—shaped your vision for the kind of practitioner or professional you want to become? We encourage you to reflect on the people, moments, or challenges that have influenced your path, and to share what drives your commitment to this work.
Dr. Robert Sklovsky Memorial Scholarship
The Dr. Robert Sklovsky Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to current full-time students in any degree program at NUNM with the goal of enriching NUNM’s learning community by recognizing and supporting outstanding students with unique life experiences and backgrounds. It is made possible by a generous donation from Kathy Davis.
Amount: $5,000 (multiple awards available)
Essay Requirement : In 500–750 words, share a personal story that illustrates how your unique life experiences, personal journey, or cultural background have shaped your path toward a degree at NUNM. How have these experiences influenced your values, your perspective as a healer, and your commitment to learning and serving others? In what ways do you hope to contribute to and enrich the NUNM community through your presence, perspective, and future work?
Dr. Gary Weiner Integrative Gastroenterology Scholarship
The Dr. Gary Weiner Integrative Gastroenterology Scholarship is awarded to one 4th, 5th, or 6th year student enrolled in the Naturopathic Program with a focus in Integrative Gastroenterology. It was founded in honor of Gary Weiner, ND, by Ellen Goldsmith, LAc (’99) and made possible by generous donations from Dr. Weiner’s family, friends, and NUNM alumni. The scholarship recipient will also have the opportunity to expand upon their essay for publication in the Townsend Letter. The scholarship will be evenly distributed over fall, winter and spring terms from the Financial Aid Office.
Amount: $10,000
Additional Scholarship Criteria:
In addition to the core eligibility criteria, applicants must be students in their 4th, 5th, or 6th year of the Naturopathic Medicine program.
Applicants must have a demonstrated focus on and passion for Gastroenterology, i.e., they must have been accepted into or completed the GI Mentorship clinical rotation, volunteer or have membership in the GastroANP, or show other specific training or preceptorship experience in naturopathic/integrative gastroenterology.
Essay Requirement (2 parts):
Applicants must address the following in 750-1000 words:
- Part 1 (approximately 250 words): Provide a BRIEF introductory statement demonstrating your experience in naturopathic/integrative gastroenterology. Examples include, but would not be limited to: gastro-specific preceptorships, GI mentorship clinic rotation, additional training/education in integrative gastro, specialty association memberships, etc. .
- Part 2: (approximately 500-750 words): Part II should be a short research-based essay which includes three clear objectives focusing on a particular treatment for a functional GI condition. Cite sources on a second page (references are not included in total word count).
Bob Moore Memorial Scholarship
The Bob Moore Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to current, full-time students enrolled in any program at NUNM. It is made possible by a generous donation from Bob’s Red Mill. Bob Moore and his wife, Charlee, were long-time supporters of NUNM beginning in 2010 with the annual Bob’s Red Mill Scholarship Cup. This scholarship is a continuation of their legacy of giving to NUNM. The scholarship will be evenly distributed over Fall, Winter and Spring terms from the Financial Aid Office.
Amount: $5,000 (multiple awards available)
Essay Requirement: In 500–750 words, tell us a personal story that illustrates how whole foods have played a meaningful role in your own health journey, or in the health of someone close to you. What did this experience teach you about the connection between food, health, and healing? How has it shaped your values and goals as a future healthcare provider? Be specific about how you plan to incorporate whole food principles into your work with patients or communities, and why it matters to you.
Friends of Dr. Martin Milner Scholarship
The Friends of Dr. Martin Milner Scholarship will be awarded to a current full-time student enrolled in the College of Naturopathic Medicine or College of Classical Chinese Medicine. It is made possible by a generous donation from the Shirley Shaffer Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. Dr. Milner was a long-time member of the NUNM faculty, teaching cardiopulmonary medicine. He has hosted residents at his clinic, the Center for Natural Medicine in SE Portland for many years. Now retired, Dr. Milner’s patients have espoused his compassionate nature, and the offering of this scholarship is designed to inspire that same level of compassion in students as they embark on their careers as healthcare practitioners.
Amount: $4,000
Additional Eligibility Criteria: Enrolled full-time in Naturopathic Medicine or Classical Chinese Medicine programs
Essay Requirement: In 500–750 words, share a personal story that reveals how you’ve come to understand the role of compassion in healthcare. Reflect on how this experience has shaped your values and how you intend to carry those values into your future as a healthcare professional. Be specific—focus on moments that moved you, challenged you, or changed you. We’re not looking for generic statements; we want to hear your voice and your journey.
David H. Greenberg Memorial Scholarship for Naturopathic Dermatology
The David H. Greenberg Memorial Scholarship for Naturopathic Dermatology will be awarded to a current full-time student enrolled in the College of Naturopathic Medicine with a specific interest in treating skin conditions. It is made possible by a generous donation from Julie Greenberg, ND. Note that students may apply for either the David Greenberg Memorial Scholarship OR the Diane Greenberg Memorial Scholarship, but not both.
Amount: $2,000
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Currently enrolled in Naturopathic Medicine program
- Minimum GPA of 3.25
- Specific interest in treating skin conditions
Essay requirement: In 500-750 words, describe your vision for integrating naturopathic principles and practices into dermatology, highlighting how you intend to contribute to the field’s advancement and patient care. Detail your experiences, passions, and specific areas of focus within naturopathic dermatology that motivate you to pursue this specialized path within the healthcare system.
Diane Greenberg Memorial Scholarship for Naturopathic Gerontology
The Diane Greenberg Memorial Scholarship for Naturopathic Gerontology will be awarded to a current full-time student enrolled in the College of Naturopathic Medicine with a specific interest in treating elderly patients. The minimum GPA to apply is 3.25. It is made possible by a generous donation from Julie Greenberg, ND. Note that students may apply for either the David Greenberg Memorial Scholarship OR the Diane Greenberg Memorial Scholarship, but not both.
Amount: $2,000
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Currently enrolled in Naturopathic Medicine program
- Minimum GPA of 3.25
- Specific interest in the geriatric patient population
Essay Requirement: In 500-750 words, describe your vision for integrating naturopathic principles and practices into gerontology, highlighting how you intend to contribute to the field’s advancement and patient care. Detail your experiences, passions, and specific areas of focus within naturopathic gerontology that motivate you to pursue this specialized path within the healthcare system.
NCMIC Scholarship
The NCMIC Scholarship will be awarded to current, full-time students enrolled in the Naturopathic Program with the goal of enriching NUNM’s learning community by recognizing and supporting outstanding students from the Naturopathic Program within one year of graduation with the goal of enriching NUNM’s learning community by recognizing and supporting outstanding students with unique life experiences and backgrounds. It is made possible by a generous donation from long-time NUNM partner, NCMIC.
Amount: $3,000
Additional Scholarship Criteria: In addition to the core eligibility criteria, registered Naturopathic Medicine program students who are within one year of graduation qualify for this scholarship.
Essay Requirement: In 500–750 words, share a personal story that illustrates how your unique life experiences, personal journey, or cultural background have shaped your path toward a degree at NUNM. How will these experiences allow you to “pay it forward” and give back to your community after graduating?
Dr. Diipali Barrett Memorial Scholarship
The Dr. Diipali Barrett scholarship will be awarded to one student enrolled in the Naturopathic and/or Master of Science in Clinical Research programs. This scholarship was established to honor the life and work of Diipali (Deborah) Barrett, ND. Dr. Barrett was an NUNM alumna and faculty member and was dedicated to the building of a social and cultural framework of equality that promotes ecological awareness – a framework that supports the fulfillment of the mental, physical, and spiritual needs of all. The scholarship will be evenly distributed over fall, winter and spring terms from the Financial Aid Office.
Amount: $4,500
Additional Scholarship Criteria:
- In addition to the core eligibility criteria, applicants must be current registered full-time students in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and/or Master of Science in Clinical Research programs demonstrating social responsibility working individually and in collective effort.
- Student must show a record of demonstrated service:
- projects supporting ecologically sustainable efforts;
- support of the spiritual, mental, and physical needs of individuals or populations.
Essay Requirement:
In 500-750 words, describe your service to the community. Describe how these efforts support the spiritual, mental, and physical needs of individuals or populations. Discuss how you envision the continuation and/or expansion of your efforts in these areas once you have completed your degree.
Dr. Todd A. Schlapfer Memorial Scholarship
The Dr. Todd A. Schlapfer scholarship will be awarded to one student enrolled in the Naturopathic Medicine program. This scholarship was established to honor the life and work of Todd Schlapfer, ND. Dr. Todd helped thousands of people heal and gain greater knowledge of their true self in over three decades of clinical practice in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He had deep confidence and trust in the healing power of nature. His lineage of vitalistic naturopathic medicine is carried forward by Dr. Hunter Peterson, ND and provider team, who gratefully honor his enduring legacy of cultivating the healer within. The scholarship will be evenly distributed over Fall, Winter and Spring terms from the Financial Aid Office.
Additional Scholarship Criteria:
In addition to the core eligibility criteria, applicants must be currently enrolled, full-time students in the Naturopathic Medicine program.
Essay Requirement:
In 500-750 words: Think back to a time when your own emotional, physical, or psychological challenges mirrored those of someone you were caring for—or hope to care for as a physician. What did this experience reveal about the connection between your personal healing and your ability to hold space for others? How might this insight shape the kind of physician you are becoming?
Dr. Ed Alstat Memorial Scholarship for Botanical Medicine
The Dr. Ed Alstat Memorial Scholarship for Botanical Medicine is need-based, and will be awarded to a current full-time student enrolled in the College of Naturopathic Medicine with a specific interest in botanical medicine. It is made possible by a generous donation from Christine Alstat, President of Eclectic Herb. Dr. Ed Alstat, a pharmacist and 1981 ND graduate of NUNM (then NCNM), founded Eclectic Herb with a deep-rooted passion for plants and medicine. Dr. Alstat was inducted into the NCNM Hall of Fame in 2011 for helping to establish the first NCNM clinical Medicinary, and for the instrumental role he played in helping NCNM become financially secure during a difficult economic period for the college.
Amount: $2,000
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- This is a financial need-based scholarship. In addition to the core eligibility criteria, students applying for this scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). Scholarships will be awarded based on the results of a FAFSA financial-need analysis in combination with essay content.
- Currently enrolled in Naturopathic Medicine program
- Specific interest in botanical medicine
Essay Requirement:
In 600-750 words, please share your personal experiences with botanical medicine and how they have influenced your journey in naturopathic medicine. Discuss how you plan to integrate botanical medicine into your future practice and why ensuring the quality and safety of botanical medicines is essential for patient care and the integrity of the profession.