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.
$11,000
Award Amount
11
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
The Hydrocephalus Association’s Scholarship Program was established in 1994 to provide financial assistance to capable and promising young adults who live with the ongoing challenges and complexities of hydrocephalus. They offer a total of eleven scholarships annually in the amount of $1000 each.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 26
Deadline
KFM Making A Difference is an organization focused on spreading disability awareness and giving scholarships for students with autism to pursue a post-secondary education. The organization hopes to “make a difference” in the lives of all of those with special needs. The winner will receive a $500 award.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
The Adults with Autism Scholarship was created to provide financial support for eligible adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are pursuing a post-secondary education. The number of scholarships available depends upon the amount of funding available and the assessment of the scholarship review committee. $1,000 is awarded.
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$1,385
Award Amount
10
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
There are four different scholarships. Newcombe Scholarships for Students with Disabilities?support completion of degrees by students with disabilities who need financial assistance at selected colleges and universities. During 2015-16, Newcombe Scholarships averaging $1,385 were awarded to 387 recipients at ten institutions.
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$20,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 23
Deadline
This award is available to current high school seniors planning to major in electrical engineering or computer science from underrepresented groups (women, African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and disabled students). Eligible applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, be U.S. residents, and demonstrate financial need.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Microsoft Disability Scholarship will be awarded to promising high school seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry.
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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
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Edited by Unigo Staff