Did you know there are specific financial aid programs for students with disabilities? You may qualify for federal aid, scholarships, state assistance, or additional school aid designed for you as well as other sources of financial aid. Below, we’ve outlined some ways you can make college more affordable, including several scholarships dedicated to future and current college students with disabilities.
Financial Aid Programs for Students with Disabilities
The federal government, most state governments, and many institutions, including colleges and universities, have financial aid programs available for students with disabilities and others.
Federal
In your senior year of high school, if you’re going to college the following year, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education uses these forms to determine who is eligible for federally funded grants, loans, and other programs.
Federal financial aid programs are available to all college students, including those with disabilities. Eligibility requirements differ depending on the program:
- Federal student loans: A majority of students qualify for federal student loans, which have lower interest rates and more loan forgiveness and deferment options than private student loans.
- Financial need grants: Both the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) are available for students who meet financial need requirements.
- Other grants: The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant helps future teachers afford their education degree if they agree to work at least four years in an approved school. The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is for students who lost a parent due to their service in Iraq or Afghanistan.
- Work-study: Students can work a part time job at participating colleges.
Students with disabilities might also qualify for the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI). Eligibility and amount granted depends on work history, Social Security taxes, income, and length of employment. It’s not specifically designed to pay for college, but it can help cover costs.
Institutional
Colleges, universities, and other institutions sometimes have scholarships specifically for students with disabilities. Most have grants and financial aid programs designed for students who have demonstrated financial need and/or meet merit requirements, such as above a certain GPA or a high ACT/SAT score.
Schools usually require the FAFSA to consider you for these awards and grants, which don’t have to be paid back. You can visit your college’s website or reach out to their financial services department to learn more about their programs and eligibility requirements.
State
Grants and financial aid programs vary from state to state, but most offer options to help students, including those with disabilities, afford college. These programs might need you to complete the FAFSA, a state financial aid application, or meet other requirements. Visit your state’s education department website to learn more.
If you receive SSDI, you might also be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation benefits through your state. These programs can assist with customized job training, financial assistance, health benefits, education, and more.
In addition, states also often offer Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to those that qualify, which provides students with money for food, medication, healthcare, and other expenses.
Scholarships For Students with Disabilities
Scholarships are out there and available for just about everything. You probably qualify for more than you realize! For example, did you know that if you have natural red hair, there’s an award dedicated to that?
Students with disabilities have scholarships dedicated to them. These can be offered through organizations, non-profits, schools, and companies. Scholarship databases help you find ones you qualify for, but here are a few you might be able to pursue:
1. DISABLEDPERSON, INC. NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $2,000
- Deadline: Varies
The disABLEDperson, Inc. National Scholarship for College Students with Disabilities is available in the spring and fall of each year. Students should be attending full-time unless they’re attending part time due to their disability.
To be eligible, students must:
- Register on the disABLEDperson website.
- Write an essay under 1,000 words on the supplied prompt.
- Be enrolled in a 2 or 4-year accredited college in the United States.
- Prove disability through their college’s Disability Student Services department.
2. RUBY’S RAINBOW SCHOLARSHIPS
- Award amount: $1,000 to $10,000
- Deadline: April 14
Ruby’s Rainbow offers several scholarships for students with Down syndrome, which can be used towards tuition at U.S. institutions, including colleges, universities, trade schools, and vocational schools. 10% of the awarded money can be used for books and education supplies, but the remaining funds can only go towards housing, transportation, and food if the school includes those costs within their tuition fees.
Even if the individual won a scholarship through the organization last year, they’re invited to apply for another if they still meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants need to:
- Be at least 18 years old or will turn 18 by August 1 of their application year.
- Plan to enroll or be already enrolled at a qualifying institution.
- Submit proof of high school graduation, transcripts, and/or proof of college enrollment or acceptance.
3. THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON ACCESS-ABILITY LIME SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $10,000
- Deadline: April 7
The Johnson & Johnson Access-Ability Lime Scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students who have a disability and are pursuing a degree in healthcare or STEM at a 4-year institution. Applicants need to be a member of Lime Connect, be dedicated to disability inclusion, write three essays, and submit specific documents, such as resume, transcript, and a recommendation letter.
Other Financial Aid Options
There are several other financial aid options available to students with disabilities (and often those without, too). These can include:
- Employer aid: Some businesses and organizations will pay for their employees’ education, degrees, and/or certificates.
- Private student loans: Many banks and credit unions offer student loans, but these tend to have higher interest rates and fewer repayment, forgiveness, and deferment options compared to federal student loans.
- Fellowships: For graduate students, fellowships often come with tuition waivers and financial support. Common programs are teaching fellowships and research fellowships.
- Reduced course prices: In many cases, online courses are much more affordable than on-campus options. You can also save further by enrolling in AP classes or dual credit courses at your high school.
College is no doubt expensive, but there are resources available to you if you’re struggling to pay for tuition. It’s important that you complete your FAFSA as soon as possible, as it creates a gateway to a number of resources, including the Pell Grant, school grants, and more. In addition, students with disabilities should sign up for scholarship databases to see what awards are available specifically for them.
Want to start discovering scholarships you qualify for? Our Scholarship Search Tool is completely free and here to help you find money for your education.
