Scholarships for Women in College 2021
By Tessa Cooper
Published on September 2, 2021
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College Scholarships for Women
The gender pay gap still exists. According to 2018 Census Bureau data, women of all races earned an average of 82 cents for every $1 men of all races made. These numbers emphasize the importance for women to take advantage of scholarship opportunities to help avoid incurring student loan debt.
Colleges and universities offer academic and extracurricular scholarships, but these funds do not always cover all education expenses. In this article, we highlight several scholarships for women funded by nonprofits, private companies, and professional organizations.
Most of these awards feature application requirements like recommendation letters, writing essays, and official transcripts. For this reason, we suggest starting the application process at least two months before the noted due date to ensure candidates have ample time to complete the application.
What is the Difference Between a Grant and Scholarship?
Grants and scholarships are both forms of gift aid meaning students who receive a grant or scholarship do not need to pay back any money received. A grant is awarded based on a student's financial need. Typically grants are awarded by a government agency or a trust. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, including academic or athletic. Private scholarships are awarded by private foundations or philanthropic organizations.
The Importance of Women's Education
Progress of Women Attending School
From 2007 to 2017 the number of women in school has increased by seven percent, according to NCES. Although men have higher rates of attending college, women made up 57 percent of students attending college in 2017. In an article published in 2019, NPR found that 29.5 million women in the workforce had bachelor's degrees, while only 29.2 million men had the same degree, with women accounting for 50.2% of the workforce in America. These findings show that women are more likely to attend college now more than ever. While the wage gap is still an issue in America, the number of women seeking college degrees is encouraging.
With the number of women attending college has increased, the funding available to women through scholarships has increased as well. With more women entering the workforce in fields like STEM and business, women can take advantage of scholarships within those fields.
Scholarships for Women
Scholarships often include competitive applicant pools. Learners can increase their chances of earning an award by applying for scholarships catered to their background and career focus. The following sections outline scholarships for women.
Who Can Apply: Women ages 35 and older earning a technical, vocational, associate, or bachelor's degree qualify for this award. The recipient must possess U.S. citizenship and attend a nonprofit-accredited university.
Who Can Apply: Female high school seniors can apply for this scholarship. A judging panel selects winners based on academic merit, leadership skills, positive citizenship demonstration, and extracurricular activities.
Industry-Specific Scholarships
Industry specific scholarships are a great way for applicants to find financial assistance for their major. Many women entering the STEM field can benefit from finding scholarships from companies and foundations that aim to support women working in typically male dominated industries. Women who are entering the fields of engineering, technology, science, or business should seek out organizations or school scholarships that support their future career.
Who Can Apply: Entry-level female professionals with a Ph.D. in physics can apply for this award. The scholarship offers a lump sum of $3,000 plus travel expenses so the recipient can present research findings at events.
Who Can Apply: Any student earning a bachelor's in a STEM subject may apply for this award. However, underrepresented STEM students, like women, receive preference. This scholarship awards students with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or a minimum 4.0 GPA on a 5.0 scale.
Who Can Apply: Any female-identifying student working toward a career in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science can apply for these funds. Undergraduate and graduate students both qualify.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship funds students attending a graduate program and planning to teach a STEM subject. Applicants must attend an accredited U.S. institution and hold U.S. citizenship.
Who Can Apply: College students aiming to teach postsecondary mathematics can apply. This award reserves funds for individuals in their sophomore year with at least a 3.0 GPA.
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Scholarships for Special Groups
Women looking for scholarships should consider applying for a special group scholarship. Special groups and organizations highlight socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds among others. Women can look for scholarships like organizations like The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology and American Veteran association.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship assists Black students pursuing a scientific or technical major at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A judging panel selects a winner based on academic achievement and an essay.
Who Can Apply: U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents with African American, Hispanic, Latino, or American Indian heritage can apply for this scholarship. These funds support learners studying a science-related field.
Who Can Apply: American Veterans provides scholarships for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Their spouses, children, and grandchildren may also qualify for funds. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate financial need.
Who Can Apply: Women ages 17 and older with minor children can apply. The scholarship committee selects recipients based on financial need, vocational goals, and activist goals.
Finding Scholarships for Women Going Back to School
When looking for scholarship opportunities, students should first consider looking for scholarships specific to their school and program. If a student is entering a bachelor's in biology, they should consider seeing if the school they are attending offers any scholarships. The more niche a scholarship the fewer students can apply. Women should also look for scholarships available through organizations or community groups they are involved in.
More College Scholarships for Women
Who Can Apply: This scholarship assists working professionals seeking their first degree. The recipient must demonstrate financial need. Each year, the award-granting organization aims to increase the scholarship amount.
Who Can Apply: Women ages 35 and older who have never been members of the National League of American Pen Women can apply for this scholarship. The organization selects three recipients each year.
Who Can Apply: Each year, this company provides 500 students with a $20,000 scholarship, a laptop, and $500 to use on textbooks. Recipients also receive access to teletherapy services.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship program offers funds to high school students who receive high scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Who Can Apply: High school seniors who earn the Girl Scout Gold Award can earn a $1,000 scholarship from Girl Scouts Nation's Capital. A judging panel selects winners based on interview performance.
Who Can Apply: Women attending a graduate program in the U.S. or Canada can apply for this award. The amount awarded varies based on the recipient's financial need.
Tessa Cooper
Tessa Cooper is a freelance writer and editor who regularly contributes to international and regional publications focused on education and lifestyle topics. She earned a bachelor’s in public relations from Missouri State University and is passionate about helping learners avoid high student loan debt while pursuing their dream major. Tessa loves writing about travel and food topics and is always planning her next meal or vacation.
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