What do College Grants for Women Pay for?

While amounts may vary, college grants may help women pay for things such as tuition and fees, books and supplies, equipment and tools for a specific program, travel to and from college or career school, and child care while you are in class.

What Other Education Grants are for Female Students?

Organizations such as Google and Society of Women's Engineers offer grants for women. Google’s Women Techmakers’ Scholars Program is another. These awards promote gender equality in computer science fields. Last year, they gave out twenty awards of $10,000 each.

Top College Grants for Women

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Written by Dave Moniz

✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

Pursuing a college education is a significant step toward achieving personal and professional goals. For many women, securing financial aid through college scholarships and grants can make this journey more accessible and less burdensome. This comprehensive guide explores various aspects of college grants and scholarships tailored specifically for women, helping you navigate the opportunities available to support your educational aspirations.

List of Guide to College Grants for Women

Check out our list of 166 Guide to College Grants for Women worth $832K.

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

5 Awards

Aug 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. women 17 years of age or older, with minor children that planned to be enrolled in a skills training, ESL, or GED program; or pursuing a technical/vocational degree, an associate degree, a first bachelors degree, or a professional/master's/doctoral degree. Applicants must be of low-income.

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AAUW Career Development Grant

$60,000 Award Amount

5 Awards

Nov 15 Deadline

This award is available for women who hold a bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the work force. Special consideration is given to AAUW members, women of color, and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

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African-American Entrepreneurs Grant – Female Award

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 11 Deadline

This scholarship is part of the Mechanism Ventures Impact Grants Series. It provides a $1,000 grant to a female Black entrepreneur at any education level who is or wants to launch a new business.

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SWE Central Indiana Section Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This award is open to female college sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and graduate students who are majoring in engineering or computer science at an Indiana college/university. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; students with financial need are given preference.

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Jeannette Rankin Foundation Award

$8,000 Award Amount

4 Awards

Feb 26 Deadline

This award is for U.S. women who are 35 years of age or older as of March 1, 2019. Students must be pursuing a technical/vocational education, an associate's degree, or a first bachelor's degree. The student's family must have an annual income that meets the described financial need guidelines.

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Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women

$8,193 Award Amount

31 Awards

Nov 15 Deadline

This award is available to women who are members of Soroptimist International, provide primary financial support for their family, and have demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be motivated to career and educational advancement, and must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.

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AAUW Research Publication Grant in Engineering, Medicine, and Science

$35,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Nov 15 Deadline

This award if for U.S. women who are preparing research manuscripts for publication. Topics for eligible research grants include in engineering, medicine, and science. Short-Term Research Publication Grants provide help scholars to prepare research manuscripts for publication and independents research for publication.

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Delta Kappa Gamma Recruitment Grant Scholarship Fund

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 21 Deadline

The Delta Kappa Gamma Recruitment Grant Scholarship Fund is available for female Ventura County residents who are college juniors or seniors and majoring in education. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Sault Tribe Higher Education Grant Program

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 31 Deadline

Sault Tribe is a 44,000-strong federally recognized Indian tribe that is an economic, social and cultural force in its community across the eastern Upper Peninsula counties of Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, Schoolcraft, Alger, Delta and Marquette. The tribe is comprised of housing and tribal centers, casinos, and other enterprises that employ both Natives and non-Natives and fund tribal programs. Sault Tribe works hard to be self-sufficient, good stewards of the land and waters, and helpful to the surrounding community.

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Yale Women in Economics Scholarship Program

$60,000 Award Amount

30 Awards

Jan 17 Deadline

2023 Seed Scholars Program in Partnership with Yale Women in Economics We are a non-profit organization that seeks to financially empower young women of color by helping them make better financial decisions starting with college. We help them to apply for college scholarships, teach financial literacy, and professional development skills. Thank you for your interest in the 2023 Seeds of Fortune Inc. Scholars Program in partnership with Yale Women in Economics. elected students will have access to?: -10-month support program in college admission and financing (Meet once a month) -Mandatory 10 Day Summer College Prep Boot Camp -Research Project mentored by Yale Women in Economics and guest Yale professors -$2000 Scholarship to cover cost of attendance to (4) Day Yale residential overnight and admission visit -Meet ambitious young women of color & join our 4-year college network -Learn to Build Scholarship & College application -Interview Prep -Business Plan Competition -Connect to top colleges & universities for admission HBCUs, Private and Public -All majors of interest welcomed

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IJA Strategies Women in Technology Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Aug 15 Deadline

As a woman-owned business and self-proclaimed “die-hard women in tech advocates,” we started the IJA Strategies Women in Technology scholarship program to celebrate those who are pursuing education and careers in technology. This year, two (2) scholarship recipients will be awarded $1,000 each for education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board.

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CustomersFirst Academy Scholarship For Moms

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Nov 15 Deadline

At CustomersFirst Academy, we understand the financial challenges many mothers face when pursuing their education. To support hardworking moms, we’re delighted to announce our annual CustomersFirst Academy For Moms Scholarship. This scholarship offers a cash award of $1000. This money can be used to offset tuition costs, purchase books, cover transportation expenses, or secure reliable childcare. Our goal is to help you focus more on your education and less on how to pay your bills.

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BAFTX Women in STEM Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

50 Awards

Mar 31 Deadline

BAFTX enables financially challenged, Texas-based students that excel academically to fulfil their exceptional potential by supporting their US college education. We also provide a unique student learning experience in the UK, giving an early opportunity to broaden perspective and personal vision. Together these support their aspirations to become leaders in their chosen fields, changing their lives and communities by increasing access to education and meeting the needs of tomorrow’s STEM and business workforce.

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Newcombe Scholarships for Students

$1,385 Award Amount

10 Awards

Mar 31 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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Women’s Independence Scholarship Fund

$2,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Mar 31 Deadline

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Fund is available for women who have left an abusive domestic situation. They are also pursuing an education that aims to help them to provide economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their children. The Scholarship Program was established in 1999.

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What Are College Grants for Women?

College grants for women are financial aid designed to support women in their pursuit of higher education. Unlike loans, grants typically do not need to be repaid, making them a great option for reducing the financial burden of tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. These grants can come from a variety of sources, including the federal and state governments, educational institutions, companies, and non-profit organizations dedicated to empowering women through education.

Types of Education Grants for Women

Diverse group in a friendly discussion with documents.

There are several types of education grants available to women, each catering to different needs and circumstances:

Federal Grants: Programs like the Pell Grant offer financial assistance based on financial need and are available to eligible women pursuing undergraduate degrees.
State Grant Programs: Most states provide grants that can help fund your education. These grants often have unique eligibility criteria based on residency, field of study, or academic performance. Many state grant programs are focused on undergraduate studies, however, some are available for graduate studies as well.
Institutional Grants: Colleges and universities may offer grants to women based on merit, need, or specific fields of study. These grants can vary widely between institutions.They can be merit or need-based or both.
Private and Non-Profit Grants: Numerous organizations, foundations, and corporations offer grants to support women in higher education. These grants may focus on specific demographics, such as for women of color, women pursuing STEM fields, or single moms.
Specialized Grants: Some grants target women who are adult learners, returning to school after a hiatus, women pursuing specific careers, or women facing unique challenges that impact their education.

Am I Eligible For A College Grant For Women?

Eligibility for college grants depends on various factors, including financial need, academic achievement, field of study, and personal circumstances. Common eligibility criteria include:

Financial Need: Many grants require applicants to demonstrate financial need through forms like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Academic Performance: Some grants are merit-based, requiring a minimum GPA, test scores, or strong academic achievements.
Field of Study: Grants may target women pursuing specific majors, such as STEM fields, education, healthcare, or the arts.
Demographic Factors: Certain grants are available to women from specific backgrounds, including women of color, veterans, single parents, or women over a certain age.
Enrollment Status: Applicants may need to be enrolled at least part-time or full-time in an accredited institution and in certain cases specific types of schools such as a public college or university.

What’s Unique About School Grants For Women Going Back To School?

Confident young woman smiling gently at camera.

Women returning to school often face unique challenges, such as balancing education with family responsibilities, overcoming financial hurdles, and navigating career changes. School grants designed for returning women typically offer:

Flexible Funding Options: Grants may cover part-time studies, allowing women to continue working while pursuing their education.
Support Services: Some grants come with additional resources like counseling, career services, or networking opportunities tailored to non-traditional students.
Targeted Criteria: These grants often consider the unique experiences of returning women, such as previous educational gaps, work experience, and personal resilience.
Encouragement for Lifelong Learning: Emphasizing the value of continuous education, these grants support women in achieving their long-term career and personal goals.

Is There An Age Limit To Get Pell Grants?

Federal Pell Grants are primarily based on financial need and do not have a strict age limit. However, eligibility is determined by several factors:

Enrollment Status: Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program.
Dependency Status: Generally, Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.
Satisfactory Academic Progress: Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in their educational institution.

While there is no explicit age limit, eligibility criteria such as enrollment in a qualifying program and financial need play a more significant role. Therefore, women of any age, including those over 50, can potentially qualify for Pell Grants if they meet the necessary requirements.

Financial Aid for Women Over 50

Women over 50 returning to college can access several grants and scholarships tailored to their unique needs:

Encore.org Scholarships: Provides fellowships to individuals pursuing second careers in the nonprofit sector or social enterprises.
AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship: Targets women over 50 who are re-entering the workforce or pursuing higher education to enhance their career prospects.
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation: Offers scholarships to low-income women with children, including those over 50, to pursue higher education.
Local Scholarships: Many community organizations and local foundations offer scholarships specifically for older women seeking education.

These grants recognize the diverse experiences and contributions of older women, providing financial support to help them achieve their educational and career goals.

How To Apply For College Grants

Smiling businesswoman with a tablet against a gray wall.

Applying for college scholarships or grants for women involves several steps to ensure that you meet eligibility requirements and submit a competitive application:

Research Available Grants: Identify grants that align with your background, field of study, and personal circumstances. Utilize resources like Unigo.com, Fastweb, and the College Board to find relevant opportunities.
Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather required documents such as transcripts, financial statements, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Complete the FAFSA: Many grants require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need. Submit the FAFSA early to maximize your eligibility for federal, state, and institutiinal grants.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Highlight your academic achievements, career aspirations, and how the grant will help you achieve your goals. Tailor your statement to each specific grant application.
Request Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Provide them with ample time and necessary information to write strong endorsements.
Meet Deadlines: Keep track of application deadlines for each grant and ensure all materials are submitted on time.
Follow Application Instructions Carefully: Adhere to guidelines regarding format, word count, and required information to avoid disqualification.

Tips for Applying

Maximize your chances of securing school grants for women by following these tips:

Start Early: Begin researching and preparing your applications well in advance of deadlines to ensure you have ample time to complete all requirements.
Stay Organized: Keep track of different grant opportunities, their criteria, deadlines, and required materials using a spreadsheet or planner.
Tailor Each Application: Customize your personal statement and application materials to align with the specific goals and values of each grant provider.
Highlight Unique Qualities: Emphasize what sets you apart, such as leadership experiences, community involvement, or overcoming challenges.
Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure your applications are free from errors and clearly communicate your qualifications and aspirations.
Seek Feedback: Have mentors, advisors, or peers review your application materials to provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Apply Widely: Increase your chances by applying to multiple grants and scholarships that you are eligible for, rather than focusing on just one or two.

Other Available Education Grants For Women

Beyond the primary grants mentioned, numerous other education grants cater to diverse groups of women:

National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants: Support women pursuing degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships and Grants: Offer various grants for women pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as research fellowships.
The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP): Provides scholarships to women survivors of intimate partner abuse to pursue higher education.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: Support women studying engineering and related disciplines.
The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Provide scholarship awards of up to $10,000 to women in computer science and technology relate fields, promoting diversity in the tech industry.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarships: Provides educational scholarships to women committed to public service and academic excellence.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Awards scholarships to women from other countries pursuing graduate studies in the United States and Canada.

These grants reflect the broad spectrum of opportunities available to women, addressing different needs, interests, and backgrounds to support their educational journeys.

Other Financial Aid Opportunities to Consider

Joyful woman with curly hair smiling brightly in green blouse.

In addition to grants and scholarships, women can explore various other financial aid options to fund their education:

Federal Student Loans: Offer low-interest loans with flexible repayment options. While loans require repayment, they can bridge the gap between grant funding and total educational costs.
Work-Study Programs: Provides part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while gaining work experience.
Employer Tuition Assistance: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for employees pursuing higher education related to their job.
Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter can be used to raise funds for educational expenses from a broader community.
Military Benefits: Women serving in the military or as dependents may be eligible for education benefits through programs like the GI Bill.
Savings Plans: Utilizing education savings accounts like 529 plans can help manage and fund future educational expenses through tax-advantaged savings.
Local Scholarships: Many local businesses, community organizations, and civic groups offer scholarships to residents or members pursuing higher education.

Exploring a combination of these financial aid options can provide a comprehensive strategy for women to finance their education, reducing reliance on loans and personal funds while maximizing available support.

Pursuing higher education as a woman is an empowering journey, and numerous grants and scholarships are available to support your ambitions. By understanding the types of grants, eligibility criteria, and application processes, you can effectively secure the financial assistance needed to achieve your academic and career goals. Remember to research thoroughly, apply diligently, and leverage all available resources to make the most of the opportunities that await you!