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.
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