Diverse Resources that Support LGBTQ Students on Campus
LGBTQ resource centers are popping up on college campuses all over the United States. Even in areas that may lack legal protections for LGBTQ students, academic institutions are providing welcome space and offering LGBTQ-specific scholarships to encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities and create a rich tapestry of college life. There are also regional scholarships for LGBTQ students and various organization, foundation and community funds that students in the spectrum can apply to for aid. In this overview of LGBTQ scholarship opportunities, discover community connections that can support you through your academic career and beyond!
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Scholarships and Financial Aid for LGBTQ Students
There are many colleges who want to cultivate a diverse student body by providing scholarships for LGBTQ students, as well as LGBTQ professional, regional and leadership organizations that fund LGBTQ students working toward their educational and career goals. Take a look at the following scholarship offers designed for applicants who proudly express their unique experiences in the LGBTQ community.
Regional / State Specific
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Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
Amount: unspecified Due Date: Mid-April
These educational grants are offered to LGBT students. This particular fund is designated for students in Austin, Texas however students should check for their local NGLCC chapter for scholarship opportunities close to home.
Specific Requirements:
Open to students in the LGBTQ community in Austin, Texas.
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
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Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Student Educational Loan Fund for LGBTQ Students
Amount: varies Due Date: Mid-March
Recognizing the financial aid need for LGBTQ students whose parents have cut off support, SELF funds are granted to help pay for education for students who became estranged from their parents after coming out.
Specific Requirements:
Open to students in the LGBTQ community in Middle Tennessee and parts of Kentucky.
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Student Educational Loan Fund for LGBTQ Students
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Greater San Diego Business Association Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 Due Date: Mid-June
The Greater San Diego Business Association grants a scholarship to LGBTQ students and persons who have advocated for the lesbian and gay community.
Specific Requirements:
Applicants must be a resident of San Diego County.
Greater San Diego Business Association Scholarship
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Greater Seattle Business Association LGBTQ Scholar Program
Amount: Up to $13,000 Due Date: Mid-January
GSBA’s educational scholarships are granted to LGBTQ and straight-ally students who are advocates for making a difference in the world. The awards renew annually for each year of a student’s undergraduate education.
Specific Requirements:
Applicants must be residents of Washington, although through a partnership with the Pride Foundation, students from Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon are also encouraged to apply.
Greater Seattle Business Association LGBTQ Scholar Program
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Missouri Courage Scholarships
Amount: varies Due Date: Early January
A state-wide LGBTQ scholarship organization, the MCS gives three awards: the Missouri Courage Award for students working to advance LGBTQ and social justice, the Trans Courage Award for students who identify as transgender and the Rural Courage Award for students in rural areas of the state.
Specific Requirements:
Open to LGBTQ college-bound seniors from Missouri, and those who work to positively impact the lives of any other marginalized group, such as people of color, religious minorities, women, immigrants and people with disabilities.
Missouri Courage Scholarships
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Markowski-Leach Scholarships
Amount: $1,250 to $10,000 Due Date: Early January
Open to LGBTQ students who demonstrate leadership potential, the Tom Markowski and Jim Leach scholarship fund was created to help further educational endeavors of applicants.
Specific Requirements:
Applicants must be accepted into San Francisco State University, Stanford University, University of California at Berkeley, University of California San Francisco or the University of California Hastings College of the Law to apply.
Markowski-Leach Scholarships
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Morehead Kentucky Pride Scholarship Award
Amount: $500 Due Date: Early September
Providing up to three annual awards for LGBTQ students or allies living or attending a college in Eastern Kentucky, the Morehead Pride Scholarship is designed to help offset the cost of college tuition, housing and books.
Specific Requirements:
Open to students in high school or college that serve as positive role models in the local LGBTQ community.
Morehead Kentucky Pride Scholarship Award
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PFLAG Chapter Scholarship Programs
Amount: varies Due Date: varies
Self-identified members of the LGBTQ community and straight allies can apply for scholarships through their local PFLAG chapters, which are located in major cities across 20 states.
Specific Requirements:
Open to students in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington.
PFLAG Chapter Scholarship Programs
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Pride Foundation Scholarships (Northwest)
Amount: $4,000 to $12,000 Due Date: Mid-January
Through the Pride Foundation’s common application for scholarships, this fund supports LGBTQ students and allies in the Northwest United States. Their Scholarship List includes opportunities for LGBTQ students related to the following:
- Arts and Humanities
- Business, Law and Political Science
- Health and Wellness
- Science and Technology
- Social Work
- Community and Leadership
- Cultural Identity
- Area of Residency
Specific Requirements:
Applicants must reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington; they do not need to attend college in these states. Some additional regional or city preferences may be assigned by scholarship, please follow the links above for details.
Pride Foundation Scholarships (Northwest)
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Stonewall Foundation Levin-Goffe Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants
Amount: $25,000 Due Date: not specified
LGBTQI students who are immigrants that do not hold a visa or green card and are not U.S. citizens, such as refugees or asylum seekers, can receive monies for their education through this scholarship program.
Specific Requirements:
Must be enrolled in an accredited non-profit school in New York City. Students must be at least sophomores with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher to be eligible.
Stonewall Foundation Levin-Goffe Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants
SCHOOL SPECIFIC
Many schools offer institution-specific funding opportunities specifically for their LGBTQ students. Many are degree based, such as the University of San Francisco’s Social Justice Scholars program for LGBTQ School Counseling majors and the Cornell University’s Anna and Hyman Greenberg Scholarship for LGBTQ students pursuing Veterinary Medicine.
MORE DETAILS ON SCHOOL SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS
DEGREE SPECIFIC
LEADERSHIP / COMMUNITY
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Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund
Amount: $2,000 Due Date: Late December
This community scholarship specifically awards out black lesbian women who are 40 years of age or older and going to college. Applicants should be active within their local LGBTQ community.
Specific Requirements:
Must be registered as full- or part-time students at a technical, undergraduate or graduate school and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund
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Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 Due Date: February 10
The Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community scholarship funds queer API women and transgender people in their pursuit of technical/professional training or higher education.
Specific Requirements:
Asian Pacific Islander queer and transgender women who are high school seniors or current college students and are active members of the API community are encouraged to apply.
Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community Scholarship
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Chinn Scholarships for LGBTQ Atheist Activism
Amount: $500 Due Date: Late March
Two awards are given by the American Atheists organization each year, highlighting LGBTQ student activists who fight to maintain religious freedom and advocate for Atheism.
Specific Requirements:
Applicants do not have to be members of the organization when they apply, but membership is required to accept a scholarship.
Chinn Scholarships for LGBTQ Atheist Activism
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Colin Higgins Courage Awards
Amount: $10,000 Due Date: Early March
LGBTQ and questioning youth activists who are under 20 years old are eligible for this scholarship through the Colin Higgins Foundation. Applicants must be nominated, and can be nominated multiple times.
Specific Requirements:
Applicants also receive a trip to the National Conference on LGBT Equality
Colin Higgins Courage Awards
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Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarships
Amount: $1,000 to $2,500 Due Date: Late March
Gamma Mu offers one scholarships to gay men for college, university or vocational or professional training programs. Their Folisi & Goodwin Scholarship in Memory of Ray Williams, which provides funds to a student from the broader LGBTQ community.
Specific Requirements:
Scholarship funds can only be used for on-campus (not online) education programs, and are reserved for full-time students only.
Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarships
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GAPA Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 to $5,000 Due Date: Late March
Given to students who are making an impact in the LGBTQ and Asian Pacific Islander communities. Several scholarships are awarded per year.
Specific Requirements:
Open to any student who is active within the Asian Pacific Islander and/or the LGBTQ community.
GAPA Foundation Scholarship
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Gayborhood Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 Due Date: Mid-April
Gayborhood, a guide to finding LGBTQ-supportive businesses and events, offers scholarships to students who have a proven service and passion for the LGBT community.
Specific Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 17 years old and be enrolled or accepted into an accredited, full-time college program.
Gayborhood Scholarship
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Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
Amount: $1,250 to $10,000 Due Date: Early January
A scholarship designed for individuals from groups that are underrepresented in study abroad programs, including LGBTQ students. A variety of different scholarships are offered, and applicants are automatically considered for all.
Specific Requirements:
Scholarship are selected based on financial need.
Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
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LEAGUE Foundation LGBT Scholarship
Amount: various awards Due Date: April
Openly LGBTQ students with a 3.0 GPA and proven community service are eligible for scholarships through the LEAGUE Foundation. Applicants who have worked with and held leadership roles in the LGBTQ community receive special attention. Awards include the Laurel Hester Memorial Scholarship, Matthew Shepard Memorial Scholarship, Stonewall Empowerment Scholarship and LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship.
Specific Requirements:
Students must be currently attending a college, university or vocational school in the United States or Canada to participate.
LEAGUE Foundation LGBT Scholarship
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My First Blush LGBTQ Leadership Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 to $1,500 annually Due Date: June 30
This scholarship is available to an honor student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who is at least 17 years old and has acted to support or advance the rights of the LGBTQ community.
Specific Requirements:
Applicants must be accepted into or attending an accredited university full-time.
My First Blush LGBTQ Leadership Scholarship
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PFLAG National Scholarship Program
Amount: not specified Due Date: not specified
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) offers scholarships to LGBTQ students and allies who are graduating seniors. PFLAG chapters across the United States also offer local scholarships.
Specific Requirements:
Scholarships are open to both U.S. citizens and international students attending an accredited college or university in the United States.
PFLAG National Scholarship Program
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Point Foundation Scholarships
Amount: varies Due Date: Late January
Point Foundation awards scholarships to 72 Point Scholars and 25 Community College Scholars based on academics, leadership, financial need, personal goals and LGBTQ community involvement.
Specific Requirements:
Preference is given to students who have lost family and/or community support due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Point Foundation Scholarships
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Stonewall Foundation Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship
Amount: $1,500 to $3,000 Due Date: not specified
Through the Stonewall Community Foundation, this scholarship provides tuition assistance to LGBTQ women. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic achievement, community service, leadership and a commitment to making an impact advocating for LGBTQ issues.
Specific Requirements:
Students who are be graduating high school or currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate school are eligible to apply.
Stonewall Foundation Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship
“Should I Say I’m Out When Applying for Scholarships?” and other FAQs
As LGBTQ students navigate the college process—from filling out applications to seeking financial aid to experiencing campus life—there are many questions that can come up surrounding identity, privacy, safety and family. The questions below are some of the most frequently asked by LGBTQ students as they apply for college and scholarships. Take a look to get answers and tips to help navigate the process.
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Should I say I’m out in my application or essay?
Fast Answer: optional
Disclosing your personal identity is always a choice, and universities who ask about sexual orientation and gender identity will present these questions as optional. Many scholarships directed at LGBTQ students also allow allies of LGBTQ causes to apply, which removes the pressure to be out if a student is not comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
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What do I put in the “Gender/Sex” category on my application?
Fast Answer: what you are comfortable disclosing
The “Common Application” only offers two gender identities for students to choose from— ‘male’ or ‘female’ —but some colleges may include more inclusive identity questions in their supplemental materials. Answers to these questions are required to be kept confidential. Some colleges may permit students to change their pronouns and gender identities on campus records during their academic careers if those identities change over time, or allow students to use a first name different from their legal name in class or on certain records. A student accepted into college can contact their professors ahead of time to clarify the correct pronouns to use in class.
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When I came out, my parents disowned me. Can I apply for financial aid as an independent?
Fast Answer: yes and no
Young adults are legally considered “dependents” of their families until they turn 24, and it can be difficult to go through the process of emancipation. Instead, disowned LGBTQ students can indicate on their FAFSAs that they are “homeless” or “at risk of homelessness” and request to change their status to “independent.”
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Can colleges or scholarship organizations discriminate against me because I’m LGBTQ?
Fast Answer: yes
If a college is exempt from Title IX, which prevents admission discrimination based on sex, it may disallow LGBTQ students from attending. Colleges that can apply for exemption include privately-funded, religious institutions. If the college receives any financial assistance from the federal government, all other programs and activities of that college must adhere to Title IX and allow LGBTQ students to participate, and any scholarships that the college offers cannot restrict LGBTQ students from applying. Federal scholarships such as the Pell grant do not discriminate against LGBTQ students, but private scholarship foundations and organizations may choose not to award funds to LGBTQ students.
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I am the child of a same-sex couple, what kind of financial aid benefits can I receive?
Fast Answer: private scholarships
Some organizations offer scholarships for students who are LGBTQ or have parents in the LGBTQ community. The Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund and the Joseph Towner Fund for Gay and Lesbian Families are two examples, and the organization COLAGE is a potential resource for connecting students who have LGBTQ parents with mentors to help guide them through the process of applying for scholarships.
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Where should I look on campus for LGBTQ community resources?
Fast Answer: college-sanctioned or student-run organizations
Many colleges have a diversity center or an office of student diversity that can provide resources for LGBTQ students. There may also be LGBTQ resource centers, a gender center, a pride center or student-run organizations that bring LGBTQ students together and build community. These organizations will be advertised on the college’s website.
My Family Doesn’t Know, But I Want to Apply for LGBTQ Scholarships
There are many resources that promote diversity in schools by funding LGBTQ students, but what if a student has not come out to their family? If you want to apply for LGBTQ-specific scholarships and financial aid without letting your family know, here are a few ideas to maintain your confidentiality while still receiving the funds you need to attend your ideal college.
Consider scholarships that are aimed at LGBTQ allies as well as LGBTQ students.
NMU ALLIES Scholarship
This scholarship through Northern Michigan University is available to full-time students who have documented leadership or involvement in organizations, activities or issues that promote awareness and acceptance of the NMU LGBTQ community. Recipients do not have to identify as LGBTQ to receive the scholarship.
Apply for LGBTQ scholarships that will keep your information private if you receive the scholarship.
eQuality Scholarships
Students residing in northern or central California who have demonstrated service to the LGBTQ community are eligible for this scholarship, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This scholarship also protects the identity of any recipient who does not want to appear publicly on their website.
Look for LGBTQ scholarships that do not require letters of recommendation.
Hampton Roads Pride Business Scholarship
This scholarship for LGBTQ students and allies attending college in Virginia only requires an essay and official transcripts. Students do not need to request recommendation letters from members of their community.
Exercise your right to educational privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
FERPA Protections
This federal law protects the privacy of student educational records, including financial aid and scholarship information. Once a student turns 18 years old, parents do not have access to these records unless the student grants permission.
LGBTQ Scholarship Opportunities at Colleges
All students should consider their individual situations, career plans and the location of the schools they are applying to when beginning their college search, but many colleges also offer on-campus resources and financial aid for LGBTQ students. These scholarships are a signal that a college values the safety, strength, and education of their LGBTQ community. Below are some examples of what on-campus resources to look for when seeking scholarships and support as an LGBTQ student.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR AT A SCHOOL
Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center
Washington State University
The Dlugosh-McKee GIESORC Scholarship is provided in partnership with the Washington State Scholarship Office, awarding students who are active in the GLBTA culture and community on campus.
Center for LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services
Ithaca University
The Marc S. Wigler ’87 Scholarship for Ithaca College LGBT Students is awarded to students with academic promise and financial need who demonstrate service to and/or leadership within the LGBTQ community, with preference given to self-identified LGBTQ students.
Diversity / Gender / Pride Center
San Diego State University
Cotton-Metzger Gay and Lesbian Scholarship is a financial aid option for students who are active in and supportive of San Diego State University’s LGBTQ community.
University of Texas at Dallas
The Keith – Huckaba Endowed Student Support Fund Award is a scholarship for students who show significant financial need, have a record of academic excellence, and demonstrate service or advocacy for LGBTQ communities.
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
The UWGB Pride Center Scholarship Fund is offered through the University of Wisconsin for undergraduate or graduate students.
LGBT Resource Center
Augsburg University
The Karen Neitge Scholarship is awarded to an Augsburg University student who demonstrates academic achievement and a commitment to social justice issues of gender expression, identity, and sexual orientation.
Indiana University
The GLBT Alumni Association awards academic and emergency scholarships to students attending Indiana University.
Pennsylvania State University
The Barry H. Marshal Scholarship provides recognition and financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate students who have a demonstrated financial need and who advocate for or contribute to the LGBTQ community, with preference given to students from New York state.
Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick
The LGBTQA Leadership Scholarship is awarded to support and recognize outstanding Rutgers – New Brunswick undergraduate students who have a demonstrated financial need, high academic achievement, and promote LGBTQ rights and/or have worked to empower the LGBTQ community.
University of California San Diego
The Russ Ty Scholarship is given to a current gay and lesbian undergraduate student at UC San Diego based on academic achievement and financial need.
University of Louisville
The Ken Terrill Memorial Award gives annual funds to an enrolled student who demonstrates leadership in the LGBTQ community.
LGBT Greek Life
Gamma Rho Lambda
The LGBTQIA Commission Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for LGBTQ students in need, was chosen by the Theta chapter of Gamma Rho Lambda at Northern Arizona University.
Project Gutenberg List of LGBT Fraternities and Sororities
This list of LGBTQ sororities and fraternities offers opportunities for community, service, and academic recognition to LGBTQ students interested in joining Greek life on campus.
NOT ALL STATES ARE EQUAL
Title IX Exemptions for Private and Religious Institutions
States Included: National. Colleges can apply for a Title IX exemption, including privately-funded, religious institutions.
Campuses fighting back:
Georgetown University
This private, Catholic/Jesuit liberal arts college in Washington D.C. affirms Title IX nondiscrimination policies on its website and offers a Lavender Graduation ceremony for LGBTQ and allied graduates in addition to other LGBTQ student resources.
University of Dayton
Based in Ohio, this private, Catholic college adheres to Title IX and offers LGBTQ support services on-campus.
The State of California
In 2016, California was the first state to attempt to pass a bill to eliminate religious exemptions to California’s Equity in Higher Education Act. This would require equal treatment for all in education regardless of gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.
Censoring LGBT Topics in Schools
States Included: Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas
Campuses fighting back:
Arizona State University
ASU offers students gender-inclusive housing as well as staff trainings to ensure that employees are sensitive to LGBTQ topics.
University of Texas at Dallas
The UT Dallas Student Counseling Center (SCC) includes LGBTQ student comfort and safety in their values and offers a Sexual and Gender Identity and Expression Group where LGBTQ students can gather. UT Dallas’ SCC also has a Gender and Sexuality Consultation Team trained to serve transgender and gender-nonconforming students.
Non-Discrimination Laws Protecting LGBTQ Students
States Included: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Washington DC provide protection on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Wisconsin prevents discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation only.
Title IX Protections Allowing Trans, Gender Non-conforming and Nonbinary Students to Attend Single-Sex Colleges
States Included: National
Campuses supporting:
Smith College
This all-female college allows any student who self-identifies as female to apply, enroll and graduate.
Mount Holyoke College
While historically a women’s college, Mount Holyoke accepts any student who is not a cisgender man and supports them throughout their academic career, even if their identity changes over time.