Scholarships for Students With Disabilities

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 26% of adults in the United States, or 61 million adults, have some kind of disability. Disabilities can include mobility or physical disabilities, loss of hearing or vision, learning disabilities, or intellectual disabilities.

In 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that individuals living with disabilities were less likely to complete a bachelor's degree program. Scholarships and other forms of financial aid can help students with disabilities access the education necessary to pursue a rewarding career.

Below, learn about scholarships geared toward learners with disabilities, as well as general scholarships and grants.

Scholarships for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 4% of college students with disabilities were deaf or hard of hearing during the 2008-2009 academic year. These students may find it difficult to follow instructors during class when adequate accommodations are not available.

Colleges can provide various accommodations to help students who are deaf and hard of hearing succeed in the classroom, including sign language interpreters, real-time captioning of lectures, or scribes.

Sertoma Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: March 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Graeme Clark Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: September 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $2,000 yearly, up to four years

Cheryl D. Conkling Memorial Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: The Baton Rouge Area Foundation manages this memorial award for students living in targeted areas of Colorado, Texas, Mississippi, or Louisiana. Applicants must enroll full time at an accredited college with a preference for those with hearing or other physical disabilities.
• Application Deadline: June 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,500 per semester, up to eight semesters

Help America Hear Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: May 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000 and two state-of-the-art hearing aids

Scholarships for Students With Visual Disabilities

The National Federation of the Blind estimates about 7.7 million people in the United States were living with a visual disability in 2016. But only about 16% had earned a bachelor's degree and 30% had earned an associate degree or some college education. About 30% of people with a visual disability worked full time.

Schools can help students with visual disabilities succeed by providing class accommodations and assistive technology, as well as making campus easier to navigate.

American Council of the Blind Scholarship Program

• Who Is Eligible?: Applicants must be legally blind with a 3.0 GPA or higher. The scholarship accepts full-time students and part-time students working 32 hours or more each week. The application must include two letters of recommendation and details of community involvement. Winners attend ACB's annual conference.
• Application Deadline: February 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $2,000-$7,500

Blind Service Association Scholarships

• Who Is Eligible?: The organization presents 20-30 scholarships each year to students seeking college or professional education. The scholarship guidelines consider academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. Students must live in one of the six counties in the Chicago area served by the organization.
• Application Deadline: April 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $750-$3,000

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

• Who Is Eligible?: The foundation supports more than $120,000 in scholarships each year for legally blind students enrolled in postsecondary study. Scholarships reward academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership. Finalists must attend the national convention in July.
• Application Deadline: Varies
• Scholarship Amount: $3,000-$12,000

Team See Possibilities Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: Applicants must meet Supplemental Security Income guidelines to be considered legally blind. Students may pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees or a professional trade. In 2021, the organization awarded 18 scholarships. In addition to the financial award, students also benefit from the organization's mentorship program.
• Application Deadline: May 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $5,000

Lighthouse Guild Scholarships

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: March 2022
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

Scholarships for Students With Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities can interfere in learning, problem-solving, or judgement, and impact daily activities like communication and independent living. About 1% of the population has a diagnosed intellectual disability, the American Psychiatric Association reports. Conditions include Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.

Ruby's Rainbow College Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: Varies
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$10,000

Adults with Autism Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: April 2022
• Scholarship Amount: Typically $1,000

Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship Program

• Who Is Eligible?: The Hydrocephalus Association awards 12 scholarships each year to support students living with the challenges of hydrocephalus: excess fluid in the brain's cavities. The application must include letters of recommendation and acceptance at a college, trade school, or accredited training program.
• Application Deadline: Varies
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Kerry Magro Scholarship Program

• Who Is Eligible?: Current high school and college students may apply for this annual award to attend a postsecondary institution in the 2022-2023 school year. The application requires a short biography, an Autism Spectrum diagnosis, a resume, a letter of reference, and an essay.
• Application Deadline: April 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $500

ABC Law Centers Cerebral Palsy Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: July 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Scholarships for Students With Learning Disabilities

About 1 in 5 elementary and high school students have a learning disability, the most common form of disability diagnosed in students under 18. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, these students attend four-year college at half the rate of their peers.

Many students with learning disabilities also may not disclose their disability to their college, disqualifying them from accommodations that could help them succeed. Find learning disability scholarships below.

Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: The National Center for Learning Disabilities offers scholarships for students with learning disabilities who wish to attend community college or trade school. The online application requires documentation of a diagnosed learning disability, recommendation forms, and academic information.
• Application Deadline: April 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $2,500 for two years

Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award

• Who Is Eligible?: Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities offers this youth award to a student 19 or younger who demonstrates talent, determination, and initiative within any field. The program seeks to recognize the accomplishments of young people with learning disabilities and ADHD.
• Application Deadline: January 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: Named in honor of artist P. Buckley Moss, this scholarship seeks to assist students with language-related learning differences, such as dyslexia, or differences in central auditory processing. Applicants must aspire to a career in the visual arts and take art classes each semester.
• Application Deadline: March 2022
• Scholarship Amount: Up to $1,000

Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Awards

• Who Is Eligible?: Part of Learning Ally's National Achievement Awards program, the Marion Huber award recognizes high school seniors with learning disabilities for academic achievement, leadership, and service. The selection committee selects top winners and special honors winners.
• Application Deadline: December 2021
• Scholarship Amount: $2,000-$6,000

INCIGHT Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: Open to students in Washington, Oregon, and California, INCIGHT assists students with speech, language, and learning disabilities attending a university, college, or trade school. The scholarship rewards applicants with demonstrated community involvement. Recipients complete 30 hours of community service.
• Application Deadline: April 2022
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

Scholarships for Students With Physical Disabilities

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mobility disabilities impact 1 in 7 adults, but physical disabilities can include a variety of conditions. Physical disabilities can impact a person's motor skills or can include limb or bone formations that limit movement.

Christina Skoski, MD, Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: The Amputee Coalition offers this scholarship to undergraduate students with either an acquired amputation or congenital limb difference. The application requires a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, ACT or SAT scores, and high school or college transcripts with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
• Application Deadline: June 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Anne M. Fassett Memorial Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: The Southwest Florida Community Foundation manages this annual scholarship for students with physical disabilities attending a Florida community college, university, or vocational school. The scholarship considers applicants' academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement.
• Application Deadline: March 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $4,000

180 Medical Scholarship Program

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: June 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Scott Decker, MD, Memorial Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: Students with either a congenital limb difference or amputation may apply for this scholarship that rewards overcoming adversity. The scholarship requirements include a 2.5 or better GPA and a personal statement discussing career goals and inspiration.
• Application Deadline: June 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Students With Psychiatric Disabilities

Psychiatric disabilities encompass a range of mental health and behavioral health conditions. These conditions may include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, or personality disorders. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 42% of college students reported experiencing anxiety in 2013.

Drake Davis Foundation Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: The foundation awards 15 scholarships each year to high school seniors who demonstrate character, leadership, and community service. The foundation works to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention, particularly among young people.
• Application Deadline: Varies
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Jared Monroe Foundation Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: May 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $500-$2,300

Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: November 2021
• Scholarship Amount: $500

RCA Hope for Addiction Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: The scholarship program supports individuals entering addiction treatment careers, with students pursuing any major encouraged to apply. The application asks for an essay, short biography, and information on your college, university, or trade school.
• Application Deadline: January 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000

The Center for Reintegration Scholarship Program

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: January 2022
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

General Scholarships for Students With Disabilities

The following scholarships assist 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.

Microsoft Disability Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: March 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $5,000, renewable up to four years

Mays Mission Scholarships

• Who Is Eligible?: Mays Mission offers undergraduate students with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to apply for scholarships. Students must score a 20 or better on the ACT or 970 or better on the SAT and be working toward an undergraduate degree. Students may renew their scholarships provided they maintain full-time enrollment with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Application Deadline: June 2022
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship

• Who Is Eligible?: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. and Canada studying business, computer science, engineering, math, or a related field. Applicants must have a visible or non-visible disability that impacts one or more daily functions. The application process includes an essay response, a copy of transcripts, and a current resume.
• Application Deadline: February 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $10,000 for students in the U.S., $5,000 for students in Canada

disABLEDperson, Inc. National Scholarship Competition for College Students with Disabilities

• Who Is Eligible?: To support students with disabilities in their educational pursuits, disABLEDperson, Inc. offers two scholarships each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Applicants register online with a 1,000-word essay. Students must attend an accredited two- or four-year college as full-time students unless their disability prevents full-time enrollment.
• Application Deadline: Varies
• Scholarship Amount: $2,000

Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities

• Who Is Eligible?: 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.
• Application Deadline: July 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $1,250-$2,500, renewable

Grants for Students With Disabilities

Grants typically consider student financial needs. Several federal grant programs can assist students with disabilities with limited budgets afford their college education. Programs such as federal work-study can also help students gain valuable work experience for their future careers.

Federal Pell Grants

• Who Is Eligible?: Undergraduate students may receive a Pell Grant based on their financial need. The government determines needs by using information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which must be completed each year.
• Application Deadline: June 2022
• Scholarship Amount: $6,495 maximum

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

• Who Is Eligible?: This federal grant considers students with exceptional financial need and a low expected family contribution. Each school administers the grant program for its students.
• Application Deadline: Varies by school
• Scholarship Amount: $100-$4,000

Federal Work-Study

• Who Is Eligible?: This federal program provides part-time employment to students during the school year. Schools administer the program and assist with job placement, either on campus or at community work sites. Students must meet financial need, but can attend school full or part time.
• Application Deadline: Varies by school
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

Maryland Community College Tuition Waiver for Students with Disabilities

• Who Is Eligible?: Students with a disability who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance payments qualify for a tuition waiver at Maryland community colleges. The waiver pays the balance of tuition after other grants and scholarships are applied.
• Application Deadline: March 2022
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

Tennessee Tuition Reduction

• Who Is Eligible?: Tennessee residents with a permanent total disability can qualify for reduced tuition at Tennessee colleges and universities. College disability service offices can assist students with the application and coordinate with the bursar's office.
• Application Deadline: Prior to the beginning of the semester
• Scholarship Amount: Varies

Reviewed by:

Angelique Geehan

Angelique Geehan works to support and repair the connections people have with themselves and their families, communities, and cultural practices. A queer, Asian, gender binary-nonconforming parent, Geehan founded Interchange, a consulting group that offers anti-oppression support. She organizes as part of several groups, including the National Perinatal Association's Health Equity Workgroup, the Health and Healing Justice Committee of the National Queer and Trans Asian and Pacific Islander Alliance, QTPOC+ Family Circle, and Batalá Houston.

Angelique Geehan is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education freelance review network.

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