In most cases, applicants will need to have a documented disability as an eligibility requirement to receive a disability scholarship. It’s important to note that there are many disability scholarship opportunities. Different groups offer these scholarships based on varying criteria.
Applicants may have chances to apply for one or more of these scholarships before they receive a diagnosis. Still, an applicant will generally need proof of a disability before they can find scholarships, financial aid for students with disabilities, or anything like free college tuition for disabled students.
The nature of the disability will play a strong role in what kind of scholarships, grants, or financial aid for students with disabilities is available. Some scholarship or grant providers do offer free college tuition for disabled students, while some others may only offer help in different ways.
The Best Scholarships for Disabled Students
Scholarships are presented in alphabetical order. Note, the means of awarding scholarships and grants varies greatly between organizations. If you are interested in a scholarship, please review their requirements and awards in depth on the organization’s website.
1
1800wheelchair.com Scholarship
The 1800wheelchair scholarship is given to students who use wheelchairs, scooters, and powerchairs for mobility. Students who win the award are asked to work through their mobility obstacles, find areas on campus where mobility may be an issue, and explore what types of conveniences are available to them on campus. Students must meet a general list of eligibility requirements that must be completed before a scholarship is given. There are two $500 disability scholarships awarded each year. The deadline for submission is May 31.
Award: $500
Key Dates: May 31 deadline
2
AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability
The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship is available to undergraduate/graduate students who are at the sophomore level or above. They must be enrolled in studies associated directly associated with disabilities and healthcare. They must also be attending an accredited university. Students who have a strong record that includes community service or volunteering will get special consideration. Applicants must also be living in or residents of the United States. Each disability scholarship is limited to $1000 with the deadline to submit an application being March 3. Scholarships will be awarded in August.
Award: $1000
Key Dates: March 3 deadline
3
AbbVie Immunology Scholarship
The AbbVie Immunology Scholarship was created to provide scholarships for students with disabilities who are dealing with one or more inflammatory diseases. Students who have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other types of inflammatory disease are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. By providing this scholarship to students with these disabilities, the ultimate goal is to allow them more opportunities to become active and productive members of society. The scholarship is for $15,000 and submissions must be received before the December 5th deadline.
Award: $15,000
Key Dates: Dec 5 deadline
4
American Council of the Blind Scholarship
The American Council of the Blind Scholarship is now a joint effort between the Council of the American Foundation for the Blind and the Council of the Blind. Scholarships are offered to help students in post-secondary programs cover various financial needs. This includes fees, tuition, the cost of room and board, as well as other costs they may incur during the process of getting their education. Students must be legally blind, attend school full time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0. They must also be active within their community. Scholarships range in amount from $20,000 for undergraduates and $28,000 for graduate students. The deadline to submit an application is March 21st.
Award: $20,000-$28,000
Key Dates: March 21 deadline
5
American Speech Language Hearing Foundation
The disability scholarship offered by the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation is for graduate students only and is intended to be given to a student with a Student With a Disability Scholarship pathway. Students must be enrolled full time and pursuing either a Master’s degree or a doctorate. Candidates in both the research and clinical programs are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. There are 15 general graduate scholarships valued at $5,000 each and nine scholarships that will be awarded for special purposes. These are also worth $5,000 each.
Award: $5000
Key Dates: May 21 deadline
6
Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Champions Scholarships
The Arthritis Foundation offers the Arthritis Champions Scholarship for college students with arthritis or a related rheumatic condition. Applicants should show a history of acting as positive role models and leaders within the arthritis community. Students interested in the scholarship should submit a written essay describing how their condition has impacted their life; their educational and career goals; and their community impact. The Arthritis Champions Scholarship is funded by the Dr. and Mrs. Walter J. Winterhoff Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Dr. Smriti Bardhan Scholarship Fund.
Award: $5000 per year
Key Dates: March 3 deadline
7
Boomer Esiason Foundation’s General Academic Scholarships
The Boomer Esiason Foundation General Academic Scholarships are for students who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or who have parents with the disease. The disability scholarships/grants are given out four times a year. Applicants must demonstrate both need and accomplishment in academic studies. The grants are provided directly to the student’s chosen school and are used to cover their room and board. The student’s overall character, community service, scholastic achievement, and potential as a leader are all considered in the decision to award the scholarship. The amount of the scholarship is $10,000. There are several deadlines throughout the year based on what time the student applies.
Award: $10,000
Key Dates: April 18 deadline
8
C.A.R.E.S. Scholarship
The C.A.R.E.S. (Cultural and Recreational Enrichment Scholarship) Program is offered by the Kentucky Hemophilia Foundation. The scholarship program strives to offer students with hemophilia opportunities to continue their education and participate in cultural and recreational activities. It is hoped that through the use of these disability scholarships, the student will find renewed self-esteem and the physical, mental, and emotional development they need to have the highest possible quality of life. Four $500 scholarships are awarded each year to students who either have hemophilia or are the immediate family member of someone with the disease. Deadlines are January 15 and July 15.
Award: $500
Key Dates: Jan 15 and July 15 deadlines
9
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International – The Fred Scheigert Scholarship
The Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program is offered by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International. It awards three competitive scholarships each year to students who have been diagnosed with low vision and are attending school full time. Students must meet the visual acuity required to be considered. They must also meet the academic guidelines. If selected as a finalist, the student will be interviewed over the phone and notified of their acceptance the following spring. Each disability scholarship is worth $3,000. The deadline for filing is Februrary 15th. The earliest date for submission is January 1st.
Award: $3000
Key Dates: Feb 15 deadline
10
Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship
The Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship provides scholarships for students with disabilities, primarily those who have been diagnosed with spina bifida or hydrocephalus. The goal is to encourage students with these two conditions to pursue their education and become independent and productive adults who are responsible for their own future. The disability scholarships can be used at any technical/trade school or accredited college/university. Career institutes and schools of business are also acceptable. The number of scholarships and their overall amounts will change from year to year. Scholarships are for one year only. The deadline to submit an application is April 30.
Award: $5000
Key Dates: April 30 deadline
11
DREAM Institute HEAP Scholar Award Scholarship
Dream Institute HEAP Scholar Award Scholarship provides financial awards to Oklahoma residents in high school that have a learning or physical disability. The scholarship is for in-state colleges and universities and can be applied to tuition, dorms, fees, books and supplies, or tutoring if the student requires assistance for full-time enrollment. Eligibility for the disability scholarships is reviewed annually. Students that qualify are required to take an orientation provided by HEAP/DREAM Institute Scholarship Fund. Students learn valuable skills with note taking, goals, scholastic expectations, career and personality assessments, and techniques to transition from high school to post-secondary school.
Award: Varies
Key Dates: N/A
12
Elaine Chapin Fund
The Elaine Chapin Fund (MS) provides financial support for post-secondary education of St. Louis students affected by multiple sclerosis. This may be either directly or as a family member of someone with MS. Students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours and live within a 125-mile radius of the office with proof of residency. Students must turn in an essay and 2 letters of reference for consideration. Applications open November 1.
Award: $1000
Key Dates: April 30 deadline
13
FSD Science Graduate Student Grant Fund
The FSD Science Graduate Student Grant Fund is for students that are in their fourth year of undergraduate study. Students must be searching for scholarships for students with disabilities that extends to their graduate study project or thesis in the science field. Students pursuing Mathematics, Science, Medicine, Computer Science, or Engineering qualify. Students must write a 250 word essay describing what the grant will be used for. Two letters of recommendation are required. One of the letters should be from their academic research advisor.
Award: $1000
Key Dates: Dec 1 deadline
14
Guthrie-Koch Scholarship
The Guthrie-Koch Scholarship is one of the few scholarships for students with disabilities related to PKU diagnosis and a follow a low protein PKU diet. Any student that is enrolled in a post-secondary college or a freshman, sophomore, or junior is considered eligible for the Guthrie-Koch Scholarship. Applications open mid October and no certain GPA is required. Students may be from any part of the world, but they must write their application in English.
Award: Varies
Key Dates: March 15 deadline
15
Incight
INCIGHT Scholarship has provided more than 850 scholarships for students with disabilities since 2004. Students may be enrolled in any post-secondary institution or graduate school to be eligible. Disabilities qualify as anything covered under ADA including 504s and IEPs. A new requirement since 2019 is that students must permanently reside in Washington, California, or Oregon. Students will receive notice of confirmation or award by June. Financial need is not a factor in selection. Academics are not a deciding factor in the process, rather community involvement and motivation to attend higher education. Funds are sent bi-annually directly to the school’s financial aid office. All INCIGHT Scholars are required to complete 30 hours of community service or volunteer at one INCIGHT event.
Award: $500
Key Dates: April 15 deadline
16
John Lepping Memorial Scholarship: Education Assistance for Disabled Youth
The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship: Education Assistance for Disabled Youth from LEP Foundation offers disability scholarships to anyone with a disability living in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. The first requirement is a desire to continue their education to a post-secondary institution. Physical or psychological conditions are given consideration to scholarship recipients who provide proof of their disability with a note from a physician. Students must provide proof of residency and official documentation of attendance in a vocational school, college, or university for the upcoming year. A one-page essay is required to show the nature of your condition and how the scholar or their family has been financially challenged due to their disability. Three letters of recommendation and official school transcripts are required. Only award recipients will be notified due to the high volume of applicants.
Award: $5000
Key Dates: June 1 deadline
17
Karman Healthcare Mobility Scholarship
The Karman Healthcare Mobility Disability Scholarship for students with disabilities related to mobility that use a mobility device. Scholars must excel academically and have a high regard for disability awareness in America.Every year applicants are asked to write an essay on a chosen theme. The theme is to pick an experience from your own life and explain how it has influenced your development. Students must be 16 years old and enrolled in an accredited university or college in the US. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. Applicants must provide an image of themselves and a doctor’s note that offers proof of a mobile disability that requires use of a daily mobility device. Winners will be contacted by phone or email. Funds will be managed directly through the scholar’s financial aid office and Karman Healthcare.
Award: $500
Key Dates: September 30 deadline
18
Landmark College – Vocational Rehabilitation Grants
Landmark College — Vocational Rehabilitation Grants are packaged financial aid opportunities for disability scholarships based upon need. The college participates in private and federal grant programs. An application to Landmark college should include a $75 application fee, transcripts, and a diagnosis of a learning disability, ADHD, or autism as determined by a professional. If there is not an official diagnosis, applicants may write an essay or provide psycho-educational evaluation within the past 3 years of applying. Students must complete a personal interview with at least one counselor’s or instructor’s recommendation.
Award: $10,000-$30,000
Key Dates: Jan 15 deadline
19
Lime Connect – BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship
The BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship from Lime Connect is designed specifically to help students interested in a career in Financial Services. BMO Capital markets provides scholarships to students with disabilities with the purpose to support a diverse workforce.The scholarship is open to current undergraduates or graduate students interested in business/commerce school, computer science, engineering, physics, math, statistics or any related major. Students must have a 40% course load to qualify. Students must apply with a current CV or resume, letter of reference from a teacher, advisor, or manager, and current transcripts.
Award: $10,000
Key Dates: April 8 deadline
20
Lime Connect – Pathways Scholarship for HS Seniors
Lime Connect offers the Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors. The scholarship is available to US or Canadian residents applying to a four-year college. Students are allowed to say that they don’t know what college that they’re going to yet and update the application before decisions are made for reward. Scholarships are based on school grades and merits but financial need is also taken into consideration. An essay and resume must be provided upon application. Letter of reference must be provided and final verification of acceptance to a four-year institution is required before receiving the award mid to late July.
Award: $1000
Key Dates: April 15 deadline
21
The Johnson & Johnson Access-Ability Lime Scholarship
The Johnson & Johnson Access-Ability Lime Scholarship provides assistance for STEM students with invisible disabilities. Recipients are chosen mid July and issued to winners by the end of August. Students who show academic strength and devotion to health care are required to submit current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate school. Transcripts, resume, and current enrollment must be provided with an essay expressing the student’s passion for healthcare. Letters of recommendation from an advisor, professor or supervisor are required and may be submitted as late as one week after the deadline. Scholarships are paid directly to the scholar.
Award: Varies
Key Dates: N/A
22
Lorraine Nelson Herrick Scholarship in Arts and Sciences
The Lorraine Nelson Herrick Scholarship in Arts and Sciences is offered to UC Boulder students searching for disability scholarships only. Students may be enrolled to attend, a current undergrad, or enrolled in graduate school. Students will receive special consideration if they are a resident of Colorado, have multiple sclerosis, and have declared an anthropology major–none of the former listed are requirements. Students are required to supply documentation of their disability. Incoming freshman will be notified of awards in early April. Continuing students are notified in mid April. Transfer students are notified in mid July. Graduate students may contact the school if needed. If no word is received by May, the student most likely did not receive an award.
Award: $2000-$3000
Key Dates: March 15 deadline
23
Microsoft Disbility Scholarship
The Microsoft Disability Scholarship anchored through the Microsoft Global Diversity and Inclusion program offers disability scholarships for high school students exploring careers in the technology industry, including vocational and academic colleges. To be considered, students must live with a disability as defined by WHO. Students must demonstrate a financial need and have a GPA of 3.0. They must declare a major in engineering, law, business, or related fields. When students apply, they must include extracurricular activities, work experience, unofficial transcripts, three essays, and two letters of recommendation.
Award: $20,000
Key Dates: March 13 deadline
24
Nicholas J. Deleonardis Scholarship of The American Sign Language Project
The Nicholas J. Deleonardis Scholarship of The American Sign Language Project does not necessarily fall into the category of scholarships for students with disabilities. It is designed for students enrolled in full-time college with a proposal for noninvasive technology to improve communication between Deaf and hearing people. Students must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 during their scholarship period. US residency or citizenship is required. A 500-1000 word letter of recommendation from a teacher is required with a 3-5 page description of the student’s proposed project along with a 1-page personal statement.
Award: $6000
Key Dates: July 1 deadline
25
Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship
Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship awards disability scholarships to students over 18 years with Down syndrome. Students must be graduating from high school, have a high school diploma, or be in a post-secondary institution. Scholarships must be used within one academic year. Decisions for Spring applications are made in June and all applications are confirmed by email. Students must apply the scholarship toward the Fall semester. Students must reapply every year. Scholarship applications open in January for the Spring deadline. Students may only apply the scholarship towards housing, transportation, or food if the cost is a part of the tuition fee. Scholarship funds may apply 10% of scholarship to textbooks and supplies with a receipt provided for reimbursement. Ruby’s Rainbow has over 35 prominent sponsors including Whole Foods, major hotels, clinics, and law firms.
Award: $10,000
Key Dates: April 14 deadline
26
Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation
The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation provides renewable annual college scholarships for students with disabilities pertaining to Type 1 Diabetes up to $10,000 for tuition, fees, and books. Students must renew their application every year. A GPA of 3.0 is required and commitment to extracurricular activities. The application process begins in January and ends April 15. Students will know that their applications are complete when the online submission is accepted. A Supplemental Survey and Budget process may be requested during the time of review.
Award: $10,000
Key Dates: April 15
27
Sertoma’s Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf
Sertoma’s Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf offers scholarships for students with disabilities to high school and graduate students pursuing a 4-year degree in a four-year college. Community college, vocational schools and graduate degrees don’t qualify. Students must have a minimum 40dB bilateral hearing loss. US citizenship is required. A cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required. Over 800 scholarships have been provided in the past 10 years. Sertoma operates nationwide while still transforming lives for hearing health on the local level with services and clubs. They provide an additional scholarship for graduate students, too.
Award: $1000
Key Dates: March 31 deadline
28
Soozie Courter Hemophilia Scholarship Program
Pfizer Hemophilia Scholarship Program offers the Soozie Courter Hemophilia Scholarship Program for students with hemophilia to assist their educational needs. Scholarships are provided to students with type A or type B hemophilia. Students must have a high school diploma or GED and be currently enrolled in community, undergraduate, graduate or vocational school. Pfizer does not require students to be using any of their treatments to be considered. It is recommended that transcripts for application are requested by May 31.
Award: $5000
Key Dates: May 31 deadline
29
The Ability Center
The Ability Center Disability Scholarships only require that you have a disability of any type that may require additional assistance not provided to a traditional student. Scholarship recipients must be from Lucas, Wood, Fulton, Henry, Ottawa, Defiance or Williams county in Ohio or Monroe or Lenawee county in Michigan. They must have a GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in a post-secondary degree program. Students must write an essay and provide past activities or employment records to qualify. Three references and transcripts are required.
Award: $5000
Key Dates: March 2 deadline
30
UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship
The UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program provides disability scholarships to students with disabilities. They offer over 33 one-time scholarships to students. Thirty students will be awarded $5,000 each. Two students will receive $10,000 each through The Epilepsy Leader Scholarships. One student receives $10,000 through the Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship. Students must be US residents and enrolled in an associate, undergrad, grad or trade school to qualify. A physician letter is required. Students that exhibit extracurricular activities and positive role model qualities receive consideration. The application process includes a one-page essay and three letters of recommendation.
Award: $10,000
Key Dates: Marcy 15 deadline
31
Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships
Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships offers a variety of scholarships with two scholarships for students with disabilities focused on autism and Down syndrome. Recipients must demonstrate an interest in law or criminal justice. These scholarships for students with disabilities vary slightly because they are for students younger than 15 years of age. The may be submitted by a teacher, friend, relative, or parent. The scholarship can be used for educational or recreational opportunities. Applicants should include the name, photo, and a video letter or story submitted on the website to qualify. Applicants must agree to allowing the student to be featured on the website.
Award: $500
Key Dates: April 1 deadline
32
Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities
The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities requires the applicant to identify with a long-term and recurring disability that affects their life in a major way. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and plan to enroll in undergrad studies. Full-time students are eligible to reapply for another 3 years and part-time students may apply for an additional 7 years. Renewal requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Students are notified in March of their application status. Payments are made August 1. Only the first 700 applications will be considered every year.
Award: $2500
Key Dates: N/A
Do I Have to Have a Documented Disability to Get a Disability Scholarship?
People who receive assistance for their disabilities already, such as those receiving SSI benefits or vets receiving VA assistance, may wonder will disability pay for college. SSI doesn’t directly cover college costs, but those on disability can often find state or local programs that will help them save for college or attend.
The GI Bill is still in effect for vets, so they can still look to those benefits to help them. In all cases, students and prospective students will have to do research to find the national, state, and local programs that offer financial aid for students with disabilities.
Those programs exist, and there’s a lot of them, so applicants shouldn’t waste any time trying to find solutions that can lead to low cost or free college tuition for the disabled.
What are Some Disabilities that Have Special Scholarships?
Practically every named disability has a scholarship, grant, or other opportunity associated with it. Students who search for these scholarships can narrow the lists down by specific disabilities. Some examples of disabilities with special scholarships include:
Autoimmune disease scholarships exist to help applicants and students meet the challenge of attending school while dealing with their specific illness. As there are many types of autoimmune diseases, applicants should also consider looking for autoimmune disease scholarships by the name of the specific disease as well.
For example, Lupus, MS, Psoriasis, and Graves’ disease are all very different types of illnesses. Some scholarships or grants may only go towards people with a specific illness. For example, applicants can look for things like:
- Crohn’s disease scholarships
- Arthritis scholarships
- Cerebral palsy scholarships
- Chronic pain scholarships
Applicants can also go as far as looking for scholarships by drilling down to very specific ailments. For example, arthritis scholarships or chronic pain scholarships are out there, but there are various types of arthritis and chronic pain can stem from any of several illnesses.
At the same time, applicants should understand that they’re not limited to scholarships for a particular type of disability, just that it’s a good place to start. It can help for applicants to work backward by looking for their very specific illness, then the larger category of that illness, and then for general disability scholarships, followed by more traditional grant and scholarship opportunities.
Examples here focused on illnesses, but these tips for finding scholarships apply to every type of disability, whether they’re physical, psychological, genetic, or anything else. For example, applicants with mobility issues can look for scholarship opportunities specifically for those with that condition.
Are there Government Grants for Disabled Adults to Go to School?
College grants for disabled adults exist at the federal and state level. In some cases, these grants exist at the local level as well. For federal grants disabled adults can look to the Federal Student Aid program which offers numerous types of assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, loans, and various other forms of aid.
However, states also offer college grants for disabled adults in various forms. Federal grants disabled adults obtain can supplement state grants or vice versa. Applicants should thoroughly check their official state websites and do some research online to see if they can find anything specifically tied to disabilities, such as rare disease scholarships or parent disability scholarships.
Some opportunities exist for people who suffer a disability but are also in a specific type of living situation. For example, parent disability scholarships tend to focus on people who have a named disability but also have children to raise.
Some states also partner with colleges to create opportunities for students with disabilities. All of this points to the fact that applicants will need to do heavy research to find all the grants, aid, and scholarships available to them.
Many colleges will have this type of information as well, so applicants who want to attend a specific school can ask for suggestions from that school’s financial aid office. Some government grants for disabled adults may only apply to certain schools or programs.
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