-
Colleges
-
Scholarships
- Scholarships Find out how to get scholarship money for college that you don’t need to pay back.
- $2,000 No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our no-essay $2,000 college scholarship in 2 minutes or less.
- Scholly Scholarships Easily find and sort through thousands of college scholarships for free.
- Scholarships for High School Seniors Explore scholarships for high school seniors and get tips on how to apply.
- Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships Apply for up to $9,000 in scholarships each month with just one form.
- Scholarship Resources Explore our scholarship resources, articles, and guides.
-
Financial aid
- Financial Aid Grants, work-study, and federal student loans can all be part of your financial aid package.
- FAFSA® Guide Learn how to answer the 2026-27 FAFSA® questions like a pro.
- Financial Aid Offers Compare financial aid offers to determine the most affordable schools for you and your family.
- College Grants Learn more about federal and state grants and how to apply.
- Federal Pell Grants Discover what a Pell Grant is, who is eligible, and how to apply.
- Financial Aid Resources Get expert guidance on maximizing your financial aid options to make education more affordable.
-
Pay for School
- Sallie Mae® Student Loans
- Private Student Loans Find a private student loan designed to fit your needs.
- Undergrad Student Loan For college students earning a bachelor's or associate's degree.
- Graduate Student Loans Choose the right loan for your graduate degree or post-graduate studies.
- Career Training Loan For students taking professional training or certificate courses.
- Student Loan Resources Everything you need to navigate student loans with confidence.
Scholarships
Enter $2,000 scholarship*
Scholarships for students with disabilities
Find scholarships for students with disabilities that can help you pay for college.
Here’s a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Disability scholarships
The FHE Health "Hope for Healing" Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No Recommendations Required
$5,000
The Hope for Healing Scholarship is an evergreen offering that awards two recipients annually. The purpose of the scholarship, awarded to one undergraduate and one graduate student each year, is to encourage more of America's best and brightest to pursue a vocation in the field of addiction and mental health. Applicants may be any undergraduate and graduate (Masters or Doctorate) students currently enrolled in a degree program in mental or behavioral health, nursing, or addiction medicine. Applications from veterans, minorities, and people with disabilities will be accepted. Undergraduate applicants must be currently enrolled in a four-year degree program or show proof of acceptance to an institution that offers four-year degrees. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last completed academic year at a four-year institution, a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the most recent quarter or semester, or a 3.5 high school GPA if no college has been completed. Graduate scholarship applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program or show proof of acceptance to an institution that offers Masters and Doctorate degrees. They must have graduated from an accredited four-year institution with a GPA of 3.0. Applications are now being accepted on a continuous, rolling basis. The next period of selection will end on February 5, 2026, and winners will be announced on March 2nd, 2026. Throughout this period, any applications that FHE receives will be automatically earmarked for the next selection round. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Gallaudet University Academic Recognition
Due: 2/28/26
No min. GPA Required
$7,000
The Gallaudet University Academic Recognition is available to all newly admitted undergraduate students. They are automatically considered for Merit-based scholarships by the Admissions Office. Students may visit the scholarship's website or contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Hillsborough Community College Disabled Students Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Hillsborough Community College Disabled Students Scholarship is available to students with disabilities and registered with the disabilities office. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information and inquiries about the application.
New York University September 11 Scholarships
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
New York University offers five scholarships in honor of fire, police, and emergency workers who were killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center. Dependents and spouses of uniformed members of the Fire Department of the City of New York, the New York Police Department, the Port Authority Police Department, and other emergency response workers who died at the World Trade Center are given preferred consideration. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Gallaudet University Dean's Prestige Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No min. GPA Required
$9,000
The Gallaudet University Dean's Prestige Scholarship is available to all newly admitted undergraduate students. They are automatically considered for Merit-based scholarships by the Admissions Office. Students may visit the scholarship's website or contact the Admissions Office for more information.
TPA Hearing Trust Grants and Scholarships
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
$1,000
The TPA Hearing Trust was established to provide financial aid, including grants to residents of the United States, who suffer deafness or hearing loss; who will benefit from medical, mechanical, specialized treatment or specialized education and who are unable to provide the funds therefore themselves. Selection of recipients and amount of the grants awarded shall be decided upon by the majority of the Trustees. A selection criterion gives special consideration to individuals demonstrating the greatest financial need. Tuition recipients are required to attach a copy of all transcripts for courses of study funded by the Trust to the acknowledgement form. Grant recipients are also required to attach a copy of all receipts for expenses exceeding $50 which were funded by a grant by the Trust. Completed applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Trustees will review all applications on file as of the last date of each quarter, recipients will be notified within 30 days of the decision, and Trust checks are mailed after the first of the following month. Applications may be submitted through mail or email. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
WI-HEAB Hearing/Visually Impaired Student Grant
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
$1,800
The WI-HEAB Hearing/Visually Impaired Student Grant Program was established to provide funding for undergraduate students enrolled at in-state or eligible out-of-state public or independent institutions who have a severe or profound hearing or visual impairment. Students are eligible to receive the scholarship for up to ten semesters. First-time applicants must have the degree of hearing or visual impairment certified by a physician or audiologist. Applicants must use the space on the back of the application form for certification or attach a current audiogram or eye report results. Certification is not required if the student has previously been awarded a grant under this program. Please visit the award's website or contact the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aid Board for more information.
Gallaudet University Endowed Scholarships
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Gallaudet University Endowed Scholarships are awarded by the Financial Aid Office. Most of these scholarships are restricted to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents who have an I-151, I-551, or I-551C. Students must complete the Institutional Financial Aid Application (IFAA) to be considered for these awards. Since many of the endowed scholarships have a criterion related to financial need, it is strongly suggested that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and general university scholarship application.
Sandra K. Lacey Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
Varies
Sandra K. Lacey had a big and loving heart that knew no limits when it came to Deaf children. She was instrumental in gathering resources and planning numerous events for deaf children attending the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and devoted her time to other humanitarian works. Sandra established the Sandra K. Lacey Scholarship Fund. The Sandra K. Lacey Scholarship will be awarded to deaf residents of Sarasota county who have wanted to learn a skill, but could not afford to go to college or technical school. The scholarship may be used for a variety of post-secondary education (certifications and degrees). Applications may be submitted through mail or email. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship*
No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
Key takeaways about scholarships for students with disabilities
-
Disability scholarships can help cover college costs without needing to be repaid.
-
Many scholarships are open to students with a wide range of physical, learning, mental health, and chronic conditions.
-
You don’t always need a perfect GPA—many awards focus on resilience, goals, or lived experience.
-
Applying for multiple scholarships, including smaller ones, can add up to real money for school.
-
Tools like Scholly Scholarships can help you find and apply for the right scholarships faster.
College can be expensive—there’s no sugarcoating that. And if you’re a student with a disability, the financial stress can feel even heavier. Between tuition, housing, books, technology, and healthcare-related costs, it’s a lot to manage. The good news? There are scholarships specifically designed to support students with disabilities—and they can make a real difference.
This page breaks down what disability scholarships are, why they matter, what scholarships are available for students with disabilities, how to qualify, and where to find the top opportunities.
What are disability scholarships?
Disability scholarships are financial awards created to support students who have physical, learning, mental health, sensory, or chronic disabilities. Like other scholarships, this is money for college that you don’t have to pay back.
Some disability scholarships are open to students with any documented disability, while others focus on specific conditions such as autism, ADHD, hearing or vision loss, mobility impairments, or mental health conditions. Many are funded by nonprofits, advocacy organizations, schools, or private companies that want to help level the playing field.
These scholarships can be used for a variety of education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, housing, assistive technology, and sometimes even transportation.
Why scholarships matter for students with disabilities
Students with disabilities often face extra costs that don’t show up on a tuition bill. That might include specialized equipment, accessibility tools, medical expenses, or reduced ability to work while in school.
Scholarships can help:
-
Reduce reliance on student loans
-
Offset disability-related education costs
-
Make college more accessible and manageable
-
Create breathing room so you can focus more on school and less on money
Beyond the financial impact, disability scholarships also send an important message: your experiences matter, and you belong in higher education.
How to qualify for disability scholarships
Eligibility requirements vary, but most disability scholarships look at a mix of the following:
-
Proof of disability: This could be medical documentation, an IEP, a 504 plan, or a letter from a qualified professional.
-
Enrollment plans: Many scholarships require you to be a high school senior, current college student, or planning to enroll in an accredited program.
-
Academic standing: GPA requirements are often flexible and not always the main factor.
-
Personal statement or essay: This is where you share your story, goals, and how the scholarship would help you.
-
Community involvement or leadership: Some awards value advocacy, volunteering, or involvement in disability-related communities.
-
Financial need: Your info from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) will be considered for need-based scholarships
If one requirement feels intimidating, don’t let that stop you. Plenty of scholarships take a holistic view—and applying is often worth the effort.
Scholly Scholarships
Find scholarships now
Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
Top scholarships for students with disabilities
There’s no single “best” disability scholarship—the best one is the one you qualify for and actually apply to. That said, here are a few types of scholarships students with disabilities may commonly explore:
-
General disability scholarships open to students with any documented disability
-
Scholarships for specific conditions (such as autism, ADHD, or mental health conditions)
-
Scholarships for students with physical or sensory disabilities
-
Scholarships for students pursuing certain majors or career paths
-
Easy-entry scholarships like Sallie’s $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, which don’t require essays or transcripts
Use tools like Scholly Scholarships to quickly find scholarship that match your profile and Scout College Search to explore school options.
How to apply for disability scholarships
Applying for scholarships doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you take it step by step.
-
Start early. Many deadlines fall months before the school year starts.
-
Get organized. Keep a list of deadlines, requirements, and logins.
-
Reuse what you can. Essays and personal statements can often be adapted for multiple applications.
-
Apply all over. Big scholarships are great, but smaller awards can add up.
-
Don’t self-eliminate. If you mostly qualify, apply anyway.
Pro tip: Set aside a little time each week to apply. Consistency beats cramming every time.
Additional resources for students with disabilities
- Scholarships by major - Find scholarships tailored to your field of study—whether it’s STEM, arts, business, or education.
- Scholarships for high school seniors - Ideal if you’re just starting your college journey.
- Scholarships for college students - New opportunities to win free money open up every year, even after freshman year.
- Scholarships for first generation students - Support if you’re the first in your family to attend college.
- Scholarships for adults - Designed for students returning to school later in life.
- Scholarships for women - Including awards that support women from underrepresented backgrounds.
- LGBTQ+ scholarships - For students navigating both disability and LGBTQ+ identities.
- Scholarships by state - Find scholarships based on the state you live in. Many local scholarships have fewer applicants, boosting your chances of winning.
- STEM scholarships - For students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math.
- Scholarships for veterans - Additional options for students with military backgrounds.
Frequently asked questions
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for disability scholarships.
When are scholarship application deadlines?
There’s no standard deadline for scholarship applications. Each scholarship has its own deadline, so be sure to keep track of dates and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines of scholarships that you want to apply to.
Do you need to know which college you’re attending?
You don’t need to know which college you’re going to attend before applying for most scholarships. However, once you’re awarded scholarships, some of them may ask for eligibility verification—which can include proof of college enrollment.
Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?
Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money. Want to find more types of scholarships? There are so many, check them out!
Pro tip: Apply for scholarships each year you’re in college.
Does every scholarship application require an essay?
Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay—different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
More resources to explore
Tips for writing scholarship essays
Get tips for writing scholarship essays. Learn what makes a good scholarship essay.
Find scholarship resources
Explore our scholarship resources, articles, and guide to get all the tips and tricks to help pay for college.
Fill out the FAFSA®
Learn when and how to apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to maximize your chances of getting federal student financial aid. Get tips now.
*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Ends 12/31/2026.
See Official Rules.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.