Scholarships are as diverse as the student body and there are several that are dedicated to LGBTQ+ students. Below, we’ve listed 7 that may be awards you qualify for and should consider applying for.
Scholarships are as diverse as the student body itself and there are several dedicated to LGBTQIA+ students. These scholarships are awarded to those who demonstrate leadership, actively show support to the LGBTQIA+ community, are STEM majors, advocate for mental health, and do not have financial support from their families.
Below, we’ve listed 10 scholarships for LGBTQIA+ students that you may qualify for and should consider applying for, including:
- One for LGBTQIA+ STEM majors
- One for students who reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington
- One for any student who has shown support to the LGBTQIA+ community
- Several for LGBTQIA+ students who demonstrate financial need
- One for first-generation college students
- One for those who advocate for mental and physical well-being
- One for LGBTQIA+ parents
- One for those who have a heart for activism
1. Maria Scholarship
Amount: 2 winners; $1,000 each
Deadline: November 30
Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a parent? This committee wants to hear about it—and you might win $1,000. To apply, you’ll need to fill out the online application at Bold.org and answer the following prompt in 400-600 words: Please tell us about how your identities as a parent and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community have impacted your educational journey thus far.
2. Flagship Scholarship
Amount: $12,000
Deadline: December 5
The Point Foundation offers the Flagship Scholarship to LGBTQIA+ students who are pursuing either a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. Students seeking an online degree are not eligible to apply. The committee will consider the applicant’s background, academic history, future plans, financial need, community involvement, and potential leadership.
3. Pride Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 10
The Pride Foundation seeks to support LGBTQIA+ students who need it most. This includes those who show leadership potential, lack a broader support system, are impacted by systemic barriers, and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary school and reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. The Pride Foundation offers over 60 scholarships but only requires one application.
4. eQuality Scholarships
Amount: Multiple winners; $6,000 each
Deadline: January 31
This scholarship is for any students who have demonstrated service and support to the LGBTQIA+ community in one way or another. For 2025, eQuality is offering three types of scholarships: those for graduating high school seniors, those for community college transfer students, and those for medical students. Applicants must be residents of California and will be judged on academic achievement, hardship, and service to the LGBTQIA+ community. If selected as a finalist, you will be invited to a Zoom interview in March of 2025.
5. Hampton Roads Unity “Be a Pillar” Scholarship
Amount: 2 winners; $500 each
Deadline: February 2
Many LGBTQIA+ members are strong advocates for their communities and strive to make the world a better place. If you have a heart for activism, identify as LGBTQIA+, are a high school senior or college student, and have volunteering experience, this scholarship may be for you! The award is $500 to put towards your education. To apply, you’ll need to answer the following prompt in 400-600 words: Tell us about a time when you were affected by a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and how it shaped your plans for future activism.
6. Joel Roger Wayne Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 15
The Joel Roger Wayne Scholarship was created to help University of Colorado Boulder students who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community but had been cut off financially from their parents due to their sexual orientation. Awarded by the University of Colorado in Boulder, it grants $1,000 each school year to the winner. Although the scholarship began as a way to ensure that those who are LGBTQIA+ could attend school, the award is not dependent on whether or not your family has offered financial support. Instead, it is based on financial need. To apply, students should visit the University of Colorado’s website. The school has several scholarships dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community in addition to this one.
7. Adam Montes Pride Scholarship
Amount: 2 winners; $500 each
Deadline: March 22
This scholarship honors the life of Adam Montes—an LGBTQ educator and advocate for his community. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, an underrepresented minority, and a first-generation college student. The application requires an essay in which you will need to share something unique about yourself and why you should receive the award.
8. Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships
Amount: $1,000-$4,000
Deadline: Late September
Acorn Equality Fund is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. Every year, they award up to $40,000 in scholarship money. There are six scholarships that are awarded based on different criteria:
- Acorn Scholarship: Academics, volunteerism, and community advocacy
- Central Illinois Friends Scholarship: Academics and commitment to public health
- Korty & Morton Scholarship: Volunteerism, community advocacy, and financial need
- Luke Scholarship: Academics and financial need
- McKeon Scholarship: Academics, volunteerism, and political advocacy
- Weber-Tucker Scholarship: Academics and social or family hardship
9. Out to Innovate™ Scholarships
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: Mid-April
The Out to Innovate™ scholarships are given to outstanding LGBTQIA+ students working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Eligible students must be in good standing with their institution, have a minimum of two years of post-secondary education with a declared STEM major, a 2.75 GPA, be an active supporter of programs working to increase LGBTQ inclusion and visibility, and must identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, applicants will need to submit a 1000-word (maximum) personal statement and two references with letters of recommendation.
10. LGBTQIA+ Wellness in Action Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 29
Many LGBTQIA+ students face challenges regarding their identity and health. If you are an advocate for LGBTQIA+ mental health and physical well-being, then this scholarship is for you. To apply, you’ll need to answer the following prompt in 400-600 words: Why is your mental and physical wellness important to you? What challenges do you experience as a student trying to maintain good mental and physical health?
These are just a few examples of scholarships out there that are designed specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community. For further help, talk to your high school counselor, your college’s financial aid office, or a local LGBTQIA+ community center. If you’re interested in applying for any of them, make sure to take note of the deadlines and application requirements to give yourself the best chance of winning the award.
Interested in finding other scholarships you may qualify for? Use our Scholarship Search Tool to find awards you can apply for today to help you pay for college!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
