As the worlds of law enforcement, digital privacy, and cyber defense continue to evolve, careers in criminology and cyber security have become some of the most critical—and in-demand—paths for students to pursue. Whether you're drawn to uncovering criminal behavior, investigating cybercrimes, or defending online systems from real-world threats, a solid education is the key to breaking in. Fortunately, there are growing scholarship opportunities aimed specifically at students who want to make a difference in these fields.
From government-sponsored awards to private sector support, scholarships in criminology and cyber security are more accessible than ever. Many are offered by universities with strong programs in justice studies, computer science, or homeland security. Others are backed by companies or nonprofits looking to build the next generation of ethical hackers, investigators, and digital defenders.
One notable example comes from Guaranteed Removals, Canada’s largest online image management company. While their core mission focuses on helping individuals and businesses remove negative or defamatory content from the internet, they also invest in education.
Each year, Guaranteed Removals awards five $1,000 scholarships to post-secondary students in the U.S. and Canada who are studying fields related to internet safety, cyber security, or community impact online. “It’s about supporting students who are working to make the internet a safer, more ethical place,” says the company. With over 58 employees and thousands of successful removals across five continents, GR is uniquely positioned as both a career path and a scholarship sponsor in this space.
So where else can aspiring criminology or cyber security students look for support?
Top Scholarships in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- The Alpha Phi Sigma Scholarship – Offered by the national criminal justice honor society, this scholarship supports undergrads and graduate students excelling in criminology and forensic sciences.
- The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Scholarships – Aimed at students pursuing careers in law enforcement and justice reform, with an emphasis on leadership and diversity.
- ACJS Juvenile Justice Section Award – For students focusing on juvenile justice, a key part of the criminal system that intersects with social work and community advocacy.
Scholarships in Cyber Security and Tech Defense
- SANS Technology Institute Scholarships – Includes programs like the Women’s Immersion Academy and VetSuccess Academy, which train cyber professionals and often come with full-tuition awards.
- (ISC)² Foundation Scholarships – This global organization offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing cyber security degrees. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- The CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) – A U.S. government initiative that provides full tuition, stipends, and job placement in exchange for service in federal cyber security roles.
Where Criminology and Cyber Security Degrees Lead
Degrees in criminology and cyber security aren’t just academic—they translate directly into roles that impact real lives and real systems. Graduates in these fields often find themselves working in law enforcement, corporate security, digital forensics, policy analysis, or private sector roles focused on online risk and data protection. With cyber threats on the rise and online reputations under constant scrutiny, the demand for professionals who understand both criminal behavior and digital environments is only growing.
Companies like Guaranteed Removals are a strong example of how these degrees apply outside of traditional paths. As a leading online reputation management firm, they deal daily with the consequences of cyber defamation, privacy breaches, and digital harm. Recognizing the value of these skillsets, Guaranteed Removals supports students in both criminology and cyber security through annual scholarships, helping prepare the next generation of experts to handle the complexities of online life—ethically, responsibly, and with real-world impact.
If you’re passionate about making the world safer—whether through investigating criminal behavior or securing data systems—there’s a place for you in criminology and cyber security. And thanks to the growing support from educational institutions and companies like Guaranteed Removals, there are more ways than ever to fund that journey.
