College Scholarships for Students With Disabilities

Earn free money for college with scholarships. Here, we list top scholarships for students with disabilities.

Updated February 22, 2024 · 5 Min Read

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According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition, fees, and housing at four-year institutions was $28,775 for the 2019-2020 academic year. The average cost at public colleges and universities was slightly less ($21,035), while the cost at private institutions was considerably higher ($48,965).

Paying for college can be especially challenging for students with disabilities. Scholarships, which do not require repayment, can play a significant role in helping students with and without disabilities fund their college education.

This guide features a list of scholarships for students with disabilities. The scholarships represent only a small sampling of financial aid programs available to students with disabilities such as autism and blindness. The guide also highlights resources, such as federal agencies and advocacy organizations, that students with disabilities may find useful in their search for financial assistance.

Disability Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

Most learners, including students with disabilities, begin their search for financial aid by completing the FAFSA. Colleges and universities use the FAFSA results to determine students' eligibility for scholarships and need-based aid. Many private nonprofits, professional organizations, and state and federal agencies also use the FAFSA results to allocate resources to eligible applicants.

The National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) provides financial aid information and resources for students, parents, educators, and program administrators. The NCCSD recently launched a campus directory, which lists disability services available at many U.S. colleges and universities.

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Scholarships by Disability

Many advocacy organizations, local and state government agencies, and colleges and universities offer scholarships for students with disabilities. These programs support learners with disabilities who are pursuing a technical, associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. The scholarships briefly described below represent a few of the many programs delivering financial aid for students with disabilities.

Acquiring a Disability Post-Graduation

Students with federal loans who become disabled after graduation may qualify for a loan discharge. A total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge relieves graduates from needing to make any further payments on their Federal Perkins Loan, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan, or Federal Family Education Loan. A TPD also releases graduates from the service obligations of a TEACH Grant or similar scholarship-for-service program.

TPD applicants must provide documentation of their post-graduation disability from one of three sources: the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration (SSA), or a physician qualified to practice in the U.S.

Individuals who receive a TPD discharge based on SSA documentation or a physician's certification undergo a three-year post-discharge monitoring period. During this period, recipients must fulfill certain requirements concerning their income or further disbursements from a federal loan program. Failure to meet the requirements during the three-year monitoring period may reinstate the individual's obligation to repay loans or fulfill service obligations.

Federal Aid, Assistance, and Advocacy Resources

ODEP develops policies and workplace practices that increase and improve the number and quality of employment options for individuals with disabilities. The office works to enhance future professional opportunities for students with disabilities. ICDRI presents an extensive and exhaustive list of services, products, literature, technology, and activities relevant for students and professionals with disabilities. College students with disabilities can use this resource to locate Canadian universities offering financial aid programs for which they may qualify. The website also features information about disability services on various campuses and links to online newsletters and a video library. U.S. Client Assistance Program" content="CAP helps students and individuals with disabilities stay apprised of their rights and learn about services to which they may be entitled. CAP also provides advocacy and representation services for individuals experiencing workplace and campus discrimination based on disability.

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