Scholarships for Students With Disabilities
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College is expensive for anyone — but paying for college can be even more difficult for students with disabilities. Scholarships and other forms of financial aid for students with disabilities can help them access the education necessary to pursue a rewarding career.
Below, learn about scholarships for students with disabilities.
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Scholarships for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Below, you'll find some scholarships specifically for students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Sertoma Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship
Eligibility: The volunteer organization Sertoma works to improve the quality of life of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Applicants with 40dB bilateral hearing loss enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program may apply. Students need a 3.2 GPA or higher.
Deadline: April 1, 2023
Award amount: $1,000
Graeme Clark Scholarship
Eligibility: Cochlear Americas, distributor of implants that treat hearing loss, offers this annual scholarship named in memory of the professor whose research led to the development of the "bionic ear." Applicants must have a Cochlear Nucleus Implant and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Deadline: Mar 31, 2023
Award amount: $2,000 yearly, up to four years
Help America Hear Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors who are hard of hearing may apply for this annual scholarship. The application includes an essay that showcases applicant creativity, life experiences, and research ability.
Deadline: April 2, 2023
Award amount: $2,000 and two hearing aids
Scholarships for Students With Visual Impairments
Find some scholarships that help students with visual disabilities pay for college.
Team See Possibilities Scholarship
Eligibility: Applicants must meet Supplemental Security Income guidelines to be considered legally blind. Students may pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees or a professional trade. In 2022, the organization awarded 19 scholarships. In addition to the financial award, students also benefit from the organization's mentorship program.
Deadline: April 28, 2023
Award amount: $5,000
Lighthouse Guild Scholarships
Eligibility: The organization awards up to 17 scholarships each year to legally blind students across the country. First-year students may apply. The scholarship considers academic merit, and students can use funds for tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and other educational expenses.
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Award amount: Varies
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Scholarships for Students With Developmental Disabilities
If you have a developmental disability, here are some scholarships you might be eligible for.
Ruby's Rainbow College Scholarship
Eligibility: Ruby's Rainbow supports scholarships for students with Down syndrome seeking postsecondary education and training. Applicants must be at least 18 by July 1 of the award year. The scholarship committee considers personal goals, accomplishments, and community impact.
Deadline: April 17, 2023
Award amount: $1,000-$10,000
Adults With Autism Scholarship
Eligibility: Autism Delaware offers this scholarship to adults in the state seeking a college degree or postsecondary certification. Applicants must provide a cover letter discussing career plans, a resume, letters of recommendation, and evidence of an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Deadline: Apr 28, 2023
Award amount: $1,000
Kerry Magro Scholarship Program
Eligibility: Current high school and college students may apply for this annual award to attend a postsecondary institution in the 2023-2024 school year. The application requires a short biography, an Autism Spectrum diagnosis, a resume, a letter of reference, and an essay.
Deadline: April 24, 2023
Award amount: $500
ABC Law Centers Cerebral Palsy Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship welcomes applications from students with cerebral palsy and a 3.0 or higher GPA seeking to enroll in an accredited college or university. The application requires an essay or a creative project.
Deadline: July 31, 2023
Award amount: $1,000
Scholarships for Students With Psychiatric Disabilities
Here are some scholarships for students with psychiatric disabilities, such as anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Jared Monroe Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors and students in their first three years of college diagnosed with and in treatment for bipolar disorder may apply for this scholarship. The application requirements include an essay and student transcripts. Students can use the award for tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses.
Deadline: May 1, 2023
Award amount: $500-$2,300
Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors and college undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Applicants must have personally experienced challenges related to mental health or have had people close to them experience mental health issues. All majors and GPAs considered.
Deadline: April 30, 2023
Award amount: $500
The Center for Reintegration Scholarship Program
Eligibility: Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder may apply for this scholarship, which supports full-time and part-time students seeking a degree or certificate from accredited schools and training programs. The scholarship committee considers the student's essay, recommendations, transcripts, and their cost of tuition and fees.
Deadline: January 31, 2024
Award amount: Varies
Other Scholarships for Students With Disabilities
The following are more scholarships for students with disabilities. You can also find additional scholarship resources through employers, private foundations, or civic organizations. Learn more about additional resources and career planning for students with disabilities.
180 Medical Scholarship Program
Eligibility: Applicants must be under a doctor's care for conditions such as spinal cord injury, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or ostomy. 180 Medical provides home medical equipment to assist patients with spinal cord injuries and other conditions. The scholarship supports undergraduate study at two-year and four-year colleges or graduate study.
Deadline: June 1, 2023
Award amount: $1,000
Microsoft Disability Scholarship
Eligibility: This disability scholarships program welcomes applications from high school seniors living with a disability who plan to study engineering, computer science, business, law, or related fields at a two- or four-year college. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate financial need.
Deadline: March 15, 2023
Award amount: $5,000 renewable up to four years
Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities
Eligibility: Applicants must have an identified disability and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship accepts part-time and full-time students attending accredited two- or four-year colleges. Students may renew the award if they maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
Deadline: April 10, 2023
Award amount: $1,250-$2,500
