Students with disabilities have access to a variety of scholarships designed to help them afford college, vocational training, and other educational programs. These scholarships can help cover tuition, fees, books, and other academic expenses, reducing the financial burden of pursuing a college of education. Explore the various scholarships for students with disabilities below.
Check out our list of 1,073 Disability Scholarships worth $6M.
$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship is a $500 scholarship open to college students who have experienced challenges with mental health or had those close to them who have.
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$90,000
Award Amount
18
Awards
Jul 15
Deadline
Dedicated to continuing the legacy of AIDS educator and activist Pedro Zamora, the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship supports the undergraduate academic pursuits of young activists (27 years of age or under) working in their communities who carry Pedro's torch forward in pursuit of a bold vision that never again will a community be harmed because of fear, silence, discrimination, or stigma.
Using the HIV/AIDS activism movement as an example, the scholarship supports students taking up social justice work in its many forms and whose activism and work is inspired by their own passions, insights, originality, and conviction.
When the National AIDS Memorial launched the program in 2009, its focus was on selecting scholars who were pursuing careers and community work around HIV/AIDS. Today, the program has evolved, to support young students who are actively engaged in health and social justice issues in a variety of ways.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who either have, or have a loved one, who as been affected by leukemia.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 21
Deadline
This scholarship is provided by the Feldman Law Firm and is available to U.S. students who have been diagnosed with autism.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 10
Deadline
The Whitfield, Bryson & Mason Autism Scholarship is available for students in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with autism.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Aug 15
Deadline
The City of Boston Disability Scholarship Contest is available for current college students who have a family member with a disability. Applicants or one of their family members must be employed in the public sector.
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$14,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
Apr 16
Deadline
These military dependent scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit through an application process that is evaluated by a committee. Gruber and Miller scholarships for veterans’ dependents are for one year only. But recipients can re-apply and receive the award up to four times. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a two to five-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming semester.
Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.
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$2,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Jul 15
Deadline
The Shaundrika Taylor Cancer Foundation, Inc. Scholarship was established to support of young adults affected by cancer, and are pursuing higher education. Recipients are selected by a committee based on applicants' personal hardship and financial need. Must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited institution.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jul 15
Deadline
Adoption STAR offers a confidential, reliable, experienced, passionate and compassionate authorized and licensed non-profit adoption agency. Since 2002, Adoption STAR has provided prospective adoptive parents with scholarships to adopt children with disabilities, who they fondly refer to as Shining Stars.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 17
Deadline
The Jason Kulpa Special Needs Scholarship was created to assist parents or siblings of special needs children or adults. Parents and siblings of special needs children or adults are encouraged to apply.
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$2,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
Rent A Knee Walker wishes to support students with financial needs who must continue their education during one of the most challenging times we have faced collectively as a whole. All students are welcomed to apply but students with disabilities will be given priority.
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$3,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
If you are a current resident of New York or New Jersey, and you have experienced a traumatic brain injury, you are eligible to apply to the Ricigliano & Filopei Scholarship for TBI Survivors. The scholarship is open to current college students, as well as prospective students.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 30
Deadline
Test Prep Insight is an online education company that helps individuals make more informed decisions about the test prep products they purchase through detailed reviews, comparisons and best lists, covering all major entrance and professional exams. The company’s ultimate goal is to help students and professionals achieve their educational and career goals.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 30
Deadline
The Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship is for any level of student who has personally experienced the challenges of mental health.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to students residing in NY, N J or PA seeking to further their education and who have a physical or psychological disability.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
JED’s Student Voice of Mental Health Award is an annual award for an undergraduate college student who raises awareness for mental health issues.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
The INCIGHT Scholarships help eligible students with disabilities from Washington, Oregon and California to attend post-secondary studies at colleges or trade/professional schools
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$45,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
May 20
Deadline
If you have a disability and are interested in pursuing a career in communications, media or entertainment, click to learn more and apply to this scholarship!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
Current undergraduate U.S. or Canadian citizens who have disabilities are eligible for this award. Students must pursue a master's degree in library science at an ALA-accredited institution. The ALA provides more than $300,000 annually for study in a master's degree in library and information studies from an ALA accredited program.
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$2,538
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available to Texas resident students who are blind and/or deaf who attend public colleges or universities in the state of Texas. The student must provide certification from the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services of status as a blind person or a deaf person.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
This award is available to Arkansas resident undergraduate students who are attending an Arkansas state-supported college or university. Students must be the natural child, adopted child, or spouse of an Arkansas resident who is/was one of the following: a prisoner of war, missing in action, killed in action, killed on ordnance delivery, or disabled during the course or result of active military duty after Jan. 1, 1960.
Applications are available from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) website. Accessing the application requires students to register for an account using the electronic Arkansas Universal Financial Aid System.
As part of the application, students must also submit the following eligibility documentations: a death certificate or Report of Casualty from the appropriate branch of the U.S. military; a Statement of Award for Special Monthly Compensation by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs for service-connected, 100 percent total and permanent disability (VA Form 20-5455); a copy of the veteran's DD214 form showing service dates; a copy of his/her birth certificate or a copy of legal adoption or guardianship appointed certificate (if apply as an eligible dependent child) or a copy of his/her marriage license (if applying as an eligible spouse).
The application deadline is July 1 annually.
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$26,512
Award Amount
812
Awards
May 15
Deadline
This award is available to Ohio residents who are children of deceased or severely disabled veterans that served during a time of declared war or conflict. Students must be under the age of 25 and be enrolled full-time at an eligible postsecondary institution in Ohio.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are residents of and plan to attend college in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Vermont or Washington, D.C. Students must be legally blind and registered with the State Commission for the Blind.
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General Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Some scholarships are open to students with any disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or other governing bodies. These scholarships typically have broad eligibility criteria and support students across various disciplines and educational levels.
Scholarships for Specific Disabilities
Many scholarship programs focus on students with particular disabilities. Examples include scholarships for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing or vision impairments, diabetes, or learning disabilities.
Additional Eligibility Criteria for Disability Scholarships
Beyond having a qualifying disability, many scholarships require applicants to meet additional criteria, such as demonstrating academic achievement (e.g., maintaining a minimum GPA), demonstrating commitment to personal and educational goals, community service participation, and leadership skills. You will also often need to write an essay and possibly provide references as well as other documentation.
How Disability Scholarships Can Help Pay for College
According to the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO), over 3.5 million college students have at least one disability. This represents about 20% of all students enrolled in higher education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which defines a disability as a physical or mental condition that limits one or more major life activities. A disability can affect how we move, communicate, and learn.
If you are a college student with a disability, a scholarship could be particularly helpful. Unlike taking out a student loan, it is financial aid you typically do not pay back. As a result, it may help finance your college education.
How to Find and Apply for Disability Scholarships
If you are a student with a disability looking for scholarships, these are the key steps to take:
- Research Scholarships: Look for disability-specific scholarships from non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, religious organizations, and educational institutions. Unigo.com is also a great resource to search for scholarships for disabled students.
- Evaluate Eligibility Requirements: Review the scholarship eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you qualify.
- Gather Required Documentation: Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and other documentation that may be required when you apply.
- Write a Compelling Personal Essay: Share your experiences, challenges, and educational/career goals. Make sure your essay is personal and representative of your voice and motivation.
Apply On Time: Keep track of deadlines and apply for each scholarship as early as possible to increase your chances.
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff