Scholarships are free money to help cover the cost of going to college, and they don’t need to be paid back like student loans. There are many scholarships and other forms of financial assistance that can help students with disabilities pay for college.
Below, we’ve outlined a list of disability scholarships, including their eligibility requirements and tips for applying.
What Is a Disability Scholarship?
A disability scholarship is a form of financial aid that’s intended specifically for students with a disability. Scholarships for students with disabilities may be used to cover the cost of support services in addition to tuition and room and board.
Scholarships and grants for college are a type of financial aid that you don’t need to pay back, making them a helpful resource to pay for college and school-related expenses.
It’s important to review the eligibility requirements before applying for a scholarship or grant. Some scholarships may be open to all students with a documented disability, while others are reserved for applicants with certain types of physical, learning, or emotional disabilities.
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American Association on Health and Disability Scholarship
One notable scholarship for students with disabilities is the Frederick J. Krause Scholarship, which is funded by the American Association on Health and Disability. It provides multiple awards of $1,000 to students with a disability who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a field related to disability and health.
To be eligible to apply, students must have completed at least one full year of college or be enrolled in a graduate degree program.
10 Scholarships for Students With Disabilities
In addition to the scholarship mentioned above, there are many other scholarships for students with disabilities to continue their education.
Scholarships can come from a variety of sources, including charitable foundations, nonprofit organizations, and private companies. Awards can be based on financial need, academic merit, or both.
There may be additional eligibility requirements, such as location or field of study. For instance, scholarships may be open to all levels of higher education or specific to students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or vocational programs.
Below is a list of 10 scholarships that are available exclusively to students with disabilities.
1. Microsoft Disability Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Application deadline: October 1
The Microsoft Disability Scholarship is awarded to up to 10 current high school seniors with disabilities who plan to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or vocational/technical school in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate leadership experience and a passion for technology, as well as be planning to pursue a degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field.
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2. Anne Ford Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $10,000 ($2,500/year over four years)
Application deadline: April 21
The Anne Ford Scholarship, by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, gives a $10,000 award to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability. To be eligible, students must be planning to enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program.
3. Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $5,000 ($2,500/year over two years)
Application deadline: April 21
The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship, also offered by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, awards one scholarship to a graduating high school senior who will enroll in a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with disabilities. To apply, students must have a documented learning disability.
4. John Lepping Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship amount: Up to $5,000
Application deadline: May 1
The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship provides awards to support disabled youth in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania in attending college. Recipients must be able to provide proof of a physical or psychological disability with a letter of confirmation by a physician.
5. Musicians With Disabilities Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $1,500
Application deadline: March 15
Sigma Alpha Iota offers the Musicians With Disabilities Scholarship of $1,500 to a member of the international music fraternity with a qualifying disability. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in music, or studying to become a teacher or therapist in this field.
6. American Council of the Blind’s Scholarship Program
Scholarship amount: Up to $7,500
Application deadline: February 14
The American Council of the Blind’s Scholarship Program provides educational scholarships between $2,000 and $7,500 for incoming freshman, undergraduate students, graduate students, and students attending technical college. To be eligible, applicants must be legally blind, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, and either study full-time or be a part-time student who works at least 32 hours per week.
7. Wells Fargo Stacey Milbern Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $1,250-$2,500
Application deadline: March 20
The Wells Fargo Stacey Milbern Scholarship provides 25 awards to help students with disabilities pursue education at a two- or four-year college on a full-time or part-time basis. Scholarships are renewable, and full-time students are eligible for a $2,500 annual award, while part-time students are eligible for a $1,250 annual award.
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8. Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Awards
Scholarship amount: $2,000-$6,000
Application deadline: December 31
The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening® Award grants multiple scholarships to high school seniors with a learning disability who are planning to study at a two- or four-year college or vocational school. Applicants must be an active Learn Ally member and graduating from a high school in the U.S. to be eligible.
9. Yellow Ribbon Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Application deadline: April 1
The American Bus Association offers a Yellow Ribbon Scholarship to undergraduate, graduate, and training school students who have a declared major or course of study relevant to transportation, travel, or tourism. Students with a physical or sensory disability, veterans, and children of a wounded military veteran are eligible to apply. Applicants must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
10. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Students With Disabilities Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $500-$1,000
Application deadline: December 1
The Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Students With Disabilities Scholarship is awarded to two students with disabilities based on an essay competition, with the winner receiving a $1,000 award and second place receiving a $500 award. To apply, students must be completing their first semester of college and continuing their studies.
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For a chance to win SoFi’s monthly $2,500 Scholarship Sweepstakes, simply let us know your name, email address, and school.
How to Apply for Disability Scholarships
Application requirements vary by scholarship opportunity, so it’s recommended to plan ahead. Taking note of submission deadlines can help prioritize which scholarships to apply for and ensure you stay on track for preparing and submitting materials.
Often, students have to write a personal statement or submit an essay as part of the application. It’s important to pay attention to the instructions, including prompts, word limits, and other criteria used to select scholarship recipients.
Submitting school transcripts and a letter of recommendation are two other common requirements. Think about who can best attest to your strengths and achievements when selecting a reference.
Keep in mind that some scholarships require that recipients submit documentation of their disability to accept the award.
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Can I Apply for Scholarships for Disabled Students if I Have a Learning Disability?
Yes, if you have a learning disability, you can apply for scholarships for disabled students. Many scholarships are geared toward students with one or more disabilities, including physical and learning disabilities. For some scholarships, having a learning disability is an eligibility requirement.
The Takeaway
There are many scholarships that are specifically designated for students with disabilities. Scholarships and grants are a useful way for students with disabilities to pay for college and reduce student loan debt.
Many students use multiple funding sources, including federal student loans and private student loans, to help cover the cost of college.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
What types of scholarships are available for students with disabilities?
There are many scholarships for students with disabilities, including those based on specific disabilities, academic achievements, or financial need. Some scholarships are offered by disability advocacy organizations, while others are provided by colleges, nonprofits, or government programs to support educational success and accessibility for disabled students.
How can students with disabilities find scholarships?
Students with disabilities can find scholarships by researching online databases, consulting with school counselors, or reaching out to disability advocacy organizations. Websites like Disability.gov or the National Center for Learning Disabilities also offer scholarship listings tailored to specific needs.
Do students with disabilities need to provide documentation when applying for scholarships?
Yes, most scholarships for students with disabilities require documentation of the disability. This might include a letter from a medical professional or educational accommodations documentation. Additionally, other materials like transcripts, essays, and recommendations may be required, depending on the scholarship’s criteria.
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