Disability Scholarships

Going to college is a big step in many students’ lives. It gives young adults the chance to live away from their parents and learn more about themselves and the world. It also offers the ability to earn a college degree, which can significantly increase your earnings potential.

One of the primary problems with high education is its cost. Luckily, scholarships are one way in which students can offset some of those costs.

Seven disability scholarships

There are many different scholarships available, some of which are targeted at specific people and communities. If you have a disability, there are lots of scholarships you might be eligible for. Below is a list of scholarships available to students with disabilities.

AG Bell Scholarship

The AG Bell Scholarship is a scholarship for students who have hearing loss. To qualify, you must have been diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss before turning four, and listening and speaking as your primary method of communication.

The program is competitive but awards money to about 15% of applicants. The amount awarded varies, but this program can be a good way for students with hearing loss to get money to pay for school.

• Value: Varies
• Grade Eligibility: High school seniors and college freshmen
• GPA Requirement: 3.25+
• Essay: Yes
• Deadline: March 8^th
• Other Requirements:
  • Must have been diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss before age four
  • Use listening and speaking as your primary form of communication
  • Submit contact information for three people who will provide a letter of recommendation

American Council of the Blind Scholarship

The American Council of the Blind has awarded scholarships to blind students since 1982. The money you receive from this scholarship can be used toward things such as tuition, fees, room and board, and necessary technology such as a laptop computer.

Students must be legally blind to be eligible. The scholarship is also available to students in school part-time so long as they work 32 hours or more per week at a full-time job.

• Value: $2,000 – $7,000
• Grade Eligibility: Graduating seniors and college students
• GPA Requirement: 3.0+
• Essay: Yes
• Deadline: February 14^th
• Other Requirements:
  • Must be legally blind
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Full-time student or part-time student working 32+ hours per week

Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation Scholarships

The Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation offers multiple scholarships to students who have bleeding disorders. The awards can help pay for tuition at college or college preparatory classes. The largest scholarship is The Jacob N. Shanberge, M.D. Memorial Scholarship.

To qualify, students must live in Wisconsin or receive care for their condition at a Wisconsin Hemophilia Treatment Centers.

• Value: $2,500 – $5,000
• Grade Eligibility:  Graduating seniors and college students
• GPA Requirement: None
• Essay: Yes
• Deadline: March 15th
• Other Requirements:
  • Student must have a bleeding condition
  • Student must live in Wisconsin or have received care at a Wisconsin Hemophilia Treatment Center
  • Student must be pursuing a degree in science, medicine, or a related field
  • Three letters of support

Jackson-Stricks Scholarship

The Jackson-Stricks Scholarship is offered by the National Council of Jewish Women New York. This scholarship is available to any student with a physical challenge that impacts their mobility, vision, or hearing and studies in the New York Metropolitan area.

• Value: $5,000 – $10,000
• Grade Eligibility: Graduating seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students
• GPA Requirement: None
• Essay: Yes
• Deadline: March 13th
• Other Requirements:
  • Student must have a physical challenge that impacts their vision, hearing, or mobility
  • Student must attend a program in the New York Metropolitan area
  • Letters of recommendation

Pine Cone Foundation Scholarship

The Pine Cone Foundation Scholarship is a multi-year scholarship for California students with a learning disability who want to attend community college. The program offers up to six scholarships each year based on academic promise and achievement.

• Value: Up to $3,500
• Grade Eligibility: Graduating seniors
• GPA Requirement: 2.5+
• Essay: Yes
• Deadline: May 1st
• Other Requirements:
  • Student must have a learning disability and plan to attend community college
  • Student must live in California
  • Letter of reference

The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation Scholarship

The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation Scholarship is available to students who have diabetes and manage it through exercise and diet. The program is open to students across the United States.

• Value: $10,000
• Grade Eligibility: Graduating seniors
• GPA Requirement: 3.0+
• Essay: Yes
• Deadline: April 15th
• Other Requirements:
  • Student must have a childhood diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
  • Student must participate in athletics on an organized team
  • Student must be a US citizen

AbbVie Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship

The AbbVie Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship awards up to $25,000 to exceptional students who have cystic fibrosis. Forty students will win $3,000, with two winning an additional $22,000 toward college costs.

• Value: $3,000 – $25,000
• Grade Eligibility: Graduating seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students
• GPA Requirement: None
• Essay: Yes
• Deadline: April 30th
• Other Requirements:
  • Students must have cystic fibrosis
  • Awards based on academic achievement, essay quality, public voting, and creative presentation of the application
  • Student must be a US citizen

Recap of disability scholarships

Next steps

Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for college because they’re money you don’t have to pay back.

There are thousands of scholarships out there, each with unique eligibility requirements. If you’re not eligible for any of the scholarships above or want more options, check out these lists for opportunities that might work for you.

• College Scholarships
• Mental Health Scholarships
• Scholarships for Students With Disabled Parents
• Scholarships for Students With Disabilities