Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: Your Guide to Freeing Up College Funds

Think back to before 1990. If you were a student with a disability, you might have been facing a world of closed doors, literally. No ramps, no accessible bathrooms, no support in classrooms. It was as if the world had one huge “No Entry” sign. 

Then came the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that made schools (and everywhere else) finally pay attention. Suddenly, those closed doors began to open. 

But while the ADA helped with physical access, it didn’t solve the money problem. College is still expensive. The good news is that there are a bunch of scholarships specifically for students with disabilities that can help cover tuition, books, and more. 

Curious? Let’s find the perfect one for you!

Disability Scholarships: What Are They and How Can They Help You?

A disability scholarship is financial aid just for students with disabilities to help cover the costs of college. And let’s be real, college isn’t cheap for anyone, but for students with disabilities, the financial pressure can be even tougher. These scholarships are designed to take some of the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on getting your degree.

Why do these scholarships matter so much? Because the reality is that 15% of college students in the U.S. have a disability, but too many end up leaving school because they can’t afford it. That’s a huge loss, both for the students and for society.

These scholarships are to make sure students with disabilities don’t just get into college but can actually stay there and succeed. Whether it’s covering tuition, providing adaptive technology, or supporting living expenses, they are tailored to meet these students’ unique needs.

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: What You Need to Apply

Applying for scholarships can feel like jumping through hoops, but it’s a lot easier when you know exactly what’s needed. Scholarships for special needs students often have some unique requirements. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Proof of Disability: Most scholarships ask for documentation that confirms your disability, like a letter from your doctor or a healthcare provider. This is just to verify that you qualify for the award.
• Academic Records: Some scholarships require a certain GPA or academic standing, but don’t worry, there are plenty of options that focus more on your goals and personal story than just your grades.
• Personal Essay: Many scholarships for students with disabilities want to know your story. Why do you need the scholarship? What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
• Letters of Recommendation: A teacher, mentor, or employer who can write a letter on your behalf to highlight your strengths and potential.
• Community Service: Ever volunteered? Been part of a school club? Many scholarships love to see that you’re giving back or involved in your community.
• FAFSA® and Citizenship: A lot of scholarships ask for your FAFSA® (the financial aid form) to check your financial need. And some require you to be a U.S. citizen.
• Leadership Potential: Show off any leadership roles you’ve taken, like being a club president or starting a project.
• Plans to Attend an Accredited Program: Most scholarships want you to attend an accredited college or university. If you have a specific school in mind, make sure it checks this box.

Scholarships for Students with Various Disabilities

When it comes to finding the right scholarship, one size definitely does not fit all. Different disabilities come with unique challenges, so it makes sense that there are scholarships out there that are tailored to support students in all sorts of ways, whether it’s for physical disabilities, learning challenges, or sensory impairments. 

These scholarships for disabled students are creating equal opportunities and making sure everyone gets a fair shot at success. 

1. American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Scholarship

The AAHD Scholarship is perfect for students who want to make an impact in the health and disability fields. It’s open to undergraduate and graduate students with a documented disability who are passionate about health studies or disability advocacy. Whether you’re planning a career in research, policy, or healthcare, this scholarship can give you a boost.

• Amount: Around $1,000
• Deadline: March 3, 2025
• GPA: Minimum 3.0

2. Microsoft Disability Scholarship

The Microsoft Disability Scholarship is designed to help high school seniors with disabilities pursue a college education leading to a career in technology. It’s open to students interested in tech, leadership, and making an impact. The scholarship provides financial support to encourage the next generation of innovators.

• Amount: $5,000 per year (renewable for up to four years)
• Deadline: Exact date TBA
• GPA: Minimum 2.5

You must be U.S.-based and planning to enroll in a college program related to engineering, computer science, or business. 

3. Google Lime Scholarship

The Google Lime Scholarship is aimed at supporting students with visible and invisible disabilities who are pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field. This scholarship is for students in the U.S. and Canada who have a passion for technology and leadership.

• Amount: $10,000 (USD) for U.S. students, $5,000 (CAD) for Canadian students
• Deadline: April, 2025
• GPA: No minimum GPA requirement

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a Bachelor's program and demonstrate a commitment to innovation and leadership in the tech space. 

4. Incight Scholarship

The Incight Scholarship is all about helping students with disabilities from Oregon, Washington, and California reach their education goals. It’s for anyone showing resilience and determination in their education journey. Whether you’re heading to college, university, or a vocational program, this scholarship can help make it happen.

• Amount: Typically $500, renewable
• Deadline: April, 2025
• GPA: No specific requirement

5. Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship is dedicated to helping students with Down syndrome achieve their college dreams and show the world just how awesome they are. It’s all about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for these incredible individuals to pursue higher education and gain independence.

• Amount: Varies (up to $10,000)
• Deadline: April, 2025
• GPA: No specific requirement

6. National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program awards scholarships to legally blind students who show academic excellence, community service, and leadership skills. Every year, 30 students are chosen to receive scholarships ranging from $8,000 to $12,000. Finalists get to attend the NFB National Convention, where winners are announced.

Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes, live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, and plan to attend a U.S. institution full-time.

• Amount: $8,000 - $12,000
• Deadline: March, 2025
• GPA: No specific requirement

7. The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship

The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship is for students with physical or psychological disabilities living in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. It’s here to help cover the costs of college, especially for those dealing with hefty medical bills. Applicants can be high school seniors or current college students looking to further their education.

You just need proof of disability, a personal essay explaining your condition and how it affects your finances, three letters of recommendation, and an academic transcript.

• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Deadline: May 1, 2025
• GPA: Not specified

8. The Lighthouse Guild Scholarship

The Lighthouse Guild Scholarship is there to help legally blind students reach their academic dreams, whether that’s college, grad school, or beyond. It’s open to high school seniors, undergrads, and grad students who want to use education as a tool to create their future.

You’ll need to provide proof of legal blindness, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement talking about your goals and what motivates you.

• Amount: Varies depending on need
• Deadline: March 31, 2025
• GPA: Not specified

9. Baer Reintegration Scholarship

The Baer Reintegration Scholarship supports students diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder who are pursuing a GED, trade school, or degree programs (associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate). It’s designed to help students get back on track academically and vocationally.

You’ll need proof of diagnosis, three letters of recommendation (one from a psychiatrist), transcripts, a personal essay, and involvement in rehabilitative efforts like employment or volunteer work.

• Amount: Varies based on need
• Deadline: January 31, 2025
• GPA: Not specified

10. 180 Medical Scholarship Program

The 180 Medical Scholarship Program helps students with specific medical conditions like spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, neurogenic bladder, or those with an ostomy. It’s for anyone who’s planning to attend a two-year, four-year, or graduate school full-time in the upcoming fall.

You must be a U.S. resident, accepted to a full-time program for the upcoming fall, and under a physician’s care for a listed condition.

• Amount: $1,000 (up to seven scholarships available)
• Deadline: June 1, 2025
• GPA: Not specified

11. American Council of the Blind Scholarship

The American Council of the Blind Scholarship Program is for legally blind students who are either entering freshman, undergraduates, or grad students. It provides support for educational expenses like tuition, fees, and assistive technology. If you’re passionate about your studies and engaged in your community, this could be for you!

You must be legally blind, full-time student (or part-time with 32 hours of work per week), and active in school/community.

• Amount: $2,000 - $7,500
• Deadline: February 14, 2025
• GPA: Minimum 3.0 for most scholarships

12. Sertoma Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf

Sertoma’s Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship is for high school seniors and undergraduates with significant bilateral hearing loss pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any field. It’s one of the top scholarships for hard of hearing and deaf students and can help cover tuition and other educational costs.

As for the requirements, they are simple: minimum 40dB hearing loss in both ears (verified by audiogram), U.S. citizenship, and pursuing a full-time bachelor’s degree.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: March 31, 2025
• GPA: Minimum 3.2

13. Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program

The Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) offers education benefits to spouses and children of qualifying Veterans or Service Members. If you’re a spouse or child of a veteran rated as at least 90% permanently disabled or a service member who was killed or missing in action, this program can help cover tuition and provide a stipend.

You just need proof of relationship to a qualifying veteran, proof of disability, and proof of residency in Virginia.

• Amount: Waiver for tuition and fees for up to eight semesters
• Deadline: December 15, 2024
• GPA: Not specified

14. American Library Association Century Scholarship

This scholarship offers $2,500 to students with disabilities admitted to an ALA-accredited library school. It’s aimed at helping cover expenses like services or accommodations that aren’t provided by law or university policies. If you’re looking to get your Master’s in Library Science, this could be a good option.

• Amount: $2,500
• Deadline: March 1, 2025
• Eligibility: Not specified

15. Elks National Foundation Emergency Educational Grants

The Elks National Foundation Emergency Educational Grants provide financial assistance to undergraduate students who are children of deceased or totally disabled Elks members. These grants are meant to help cover some of the costs associated with college, like tuition and fees, but they won’t cover everything. 

You must be the child of an Elk member in good standing (for at least one year), demonstrate financial need, be unmarried, and be under 24 years old during the academic year.

• Amount: Up to $5,000 (renewable annually)
• Deadline: December 31, 2024
• GPA: Not specified

16. TPA Hearing Trust

The TPA Hearing Trust provides financial aid for people with hearing impairments. It’s been around since 1975, helping fund everything from hearing devices to speech classes and interpreters. If you’re dealing with hearing loss and need assistance with specialized education or treatments, this grant could be a great help.

• Amount: Varies depending on need
• Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31
• GPA: Not specified

17. Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program

The Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program offers a unique opportunity for young musicians (ages 14-25) with disabilities. Participants receive professional mentoring and the chance to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The program is open to soloists and ensembles of any musical genre, from classical and jazz to rock and hip-hop!

You must have a disability, be between 14-25 years old, and submit three video performances.

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline: January 8, 2025
• GPA: Not specified

18. UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship

The UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship is for people lwith epilepsy, their family members, and caregivers pursuing higher education. It’s a recognition of their academic and personal achievements, and a way to support their education journey.

Applicants must have epilepsy or be a family member/caregiver of someone with epilepsy, show academic achievement, and demonstrate community involvement or advocacy.

• Amount: Up to $5,000 for 30 recipients and up to $10,000 for three special awards
• Deadline: Applications open in January 2025
• GPA: Not specified

19. Beth Carew Memorial Scholarship Program

The Beth Carew Memorial Scholarship is for undergraduate students living with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or another inherited bleeding disorder. It was established in honor of Beth Carew, a strong advocate for families affected by bleeding disorders. 

You must have a bleeding disorder, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have done unpaid community service outside of school activities.

• Amount: $500 - $6,000
• Deadline: Opens January 2025
• GPA: Not specified

20. SFM Foundation Scholarship

The SFM Foundation Scholarship helps make college more affordable for students who have a parent injured or killed in a workplace accident while working for an employer based in Minnesota or Iowa. 

You must be a dependent of a worker injured or killed in a workplace accident in Minnesota or Iowa, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and demonstrate financial need.

• Amount: Up to $15,000 annually
• Deadline: March 31, 2025
• GPA: Minimum 2.0 (C average)

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