The Best Scholarships for Women

All across the United States, college and university students are accumulating student debt rapidly. As the completion of higher education has shifted from a competitive advantage to a mandatory requirement for quality jobs, enrollment in postsecondary education has skyrocketed. In 1965, to address the needs of lower-income families in search of higher learning, Lyndon Johnson introduced the Higher Education Act of 1965. The increased funding for colleges and universities allowed the institutions to provide financial assistance for students in need. By the late 1990s, however, student loans had become a largely privatized industry. Today, student debt is a $140 billion-a-year industry and 42 million Americans now bear a combined student debt of $1.3 trillion dollars. To make matters worse, proposed cuts to both student aid and public service loan forgiveness programs are on the horizon, meaning things could get worse before they get better.

Often overlooked in this data is that female students, a group that makes up 57% of bachelor's degree recipients and 60% of master's degree recipients, carry a far greater share of the national student debt than they should. According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), women own nearly two-thirds of all student debt in the United States, approximately $800 million. As the number of women awarded degrees continues to rise, this uneven distribution of student debt is projected to increase. Not only are female students being saddled with more debt than males, they are also facing more obstacles to paying it back. While 90% of male graduates with at least a bachelor's degree find work, only 83% of women do. Furthermore, women in the group that do find work are confronted with a gendered wage gap that provides them with less disposable income and less means to pay back their student debt. Additionally, many graduates with a large outstanding student debt are unable to start families, buy a car, and/or qualify for a mortgage, so the consequences are much more dire than just a decrease in disposable income.

With student debt playing such a large role in the lives of so many American women, financial aid for women is more important now than ever before. According to the U.S. Department of Education, $46 billion in scholarships and grants are awarded each year. To make the process of finding financial aid for women and the best available scholarships easier, we've compiled the very best of the scholarships for women. Through public funding, private donors, special programs, and organizational sponsorships, colleges and universities are able to provide more and more financial aid for women each year. These scholarships for women not only minimize the burden of debt, but they also provide recipients with job-winning accolades and peace of mind.

Scholarships for Women

The following scholarships are only available to women. While some financial aid for women may have restrictions and special requirements, this grouping is the most widely available category of scholarships for women. Each of the following college scholarships for women requires the applicant to be enrolled in a university or college program.

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)

Amount: Award amounts are determined by the individual. The average award is approximately $2,000. Requirements: Applicants must be a survivor of intimate partner abuse and separated for a minimum of one year to a maximum of seven years. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and be legal citizens of the United States. They must aspire to upgrade their skills to advance their careers. Deadline: No deadline to apply. URL: http://www.wispinc.org

1000 Dreams Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Requirements: Women attending high school, college, or university in the United States are eligible to apply. Deadline: April 30
URL: https://www.growyourgiving.org/scholarships/1000-dreams-scholarship-fund

Brenda Brown Desatnick Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $700
Requirements: Eligible applicants are women who have graduated high school in the United States. Deadline: March 15
URL: http://www.wncc.edu/sites/default/files/20170126Desatnick.pdf
Additional Info: Preference given to women over the age of 25 who live in Lancaster County, Nebraska.

Glamour's College Women of the Year

Amount: One $20,000 grand prize and nine $3,000 prizes. Requirements: Women from the United States who will be juniors or seniors in a four-year college or university are eligible. Deadline: September 15
URL: http://www.glamour.com/story/glamours-2017-college-women-of-the-year-official-contest-rules

Girlterest Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Requirements: The scholarship is open to women currently enrolled in a university, college, or high school in the United States. Deadline: December 30
URL: http://girlterest.com/scholarship/
Additional Info: This is a 500-word feminism-related essay competition, sponsored by Gilterest, an online magazine.

STEM and Industry-Specific Scholarships

While women make up half of the college-educated workforce, the disparity between men and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions and upper management positions in business is considerable, with women making up only 29% of the STEM field and only about 24% of the senior positions globally are held by women. To encourage more women to pursue positions in male-majority industries, many scholarships for women are made industry-specific. Here are some of the best available college scholarships for women.

Forging Industry Women's Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000
Requirements: Women enrolled in a full-time engineering or business-related program in a university or college are eligible. Applicants must be willing to take on an internship at a forging industry company if offered. Deadline: April 15
URL: https://sms.scholarshipamerica.org/forgingw/

Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize

Amount: $250 - $1,000
Requirements: Female applicants are nominated by a peer. Eligible nominees show excellence in mathematics in an undergraduate program in the United States. Deadline: September 15
URL: https://sites.google.com/site/awmmath/programs/schafer-prize

Priscilla Carney Jones Scholarship

Amount: Minimum of $1,500
Requirements: Eligible applicants are junior or senior female undergraduate students in a full-time chemistry or chemistry-related program. Applicants must also have a 3.25 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Deadline: May 1
URL: https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/awards/other/diversity/priscilla-carney-jones-scholarship.html

Women Techmakers Scholars Program

Amount: $10,000
Requirements: Females enrolled in an accredited university, studying computer science, computer engineering, or a related program are eligible. Deadline: May 1
URL: https://www.womentechmakers.com/scholars

(ISC)2 Women in Information Security

Amount:Up to $40,000
Requirements: Women pursuing a degree in cybersecurity or a related program with a GPA of at least 3.2 are eligible. Deadline: March
URL: https://iamcybersafe.org/scholarships/womens-scholarships/

ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention, Inc. Academic Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Requirements: Applicants must be women studying or planning to study science at an accredited college or university in the United States. Deadline: June 26
URL: https://abcwildlife.com/abc-humane-wildlife-control-prevention-inc-s-academic-scholarship
Additional Info: Essay competition on the topic of women in STEM.

Women in Marketing Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Requirements: Females in a communications degree (marketing or advertising) with a 3.0 GPA are eligible. Applicants must have completed at least 60 credits. Deadline: July 1
URL: http://www.bluesodapromo.com/scholarships

NEWH Women Leaders Scholarship

Amount: $5,000
Requirements: Eligible applicants are female students taking hospitality in college or university. Deadline: July 7
URL: https://newh.org/available-scholarships/

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

Amount: 12 international scholarships worth $7,000 and up to 32 district/regional scholarships worth $1,000. Requirements: Women pursuing a business or business-related degree are eligible. Deadline: April/May
URL: https://www.zonta.org/Global-Impact/Education/Women-in-Business-Scholarship

ExpoMarketing Women in Business Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Requirements: Eligible applicants are undergraduate women pursuing a degree and career in business. Deadline: December 1
URL: https://www.expomarketing.com/scholarship/

Angela DiPietro Women in Business Scholarship and Essay Contest

Amount: $500
Requirements: Eligible applicants are female postsecondary students with an interest in business or entrepreneurship and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Deadline: May 1
URL: https://marylandcriminallaws.com/scholarship.html

AFCEA STEM Teacher Graduate Scholarships

Amount: $2,500 - $5,000
Requirements: Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens pursuing a graduate degree with the purpose of teaching STEM subjects. Deadline: April 20
URL: http://www.afcea.org/site/?q=foundation/scholarships/stem-teacher

The PDK Educational Foundation Prospective Educator Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Eligible applicants are members of Phi Delta Kappa or legacies who are enrolled in a college education program or plan to enroll in one. Some of the available scholarships have more specialized programs and/or GPA requirements. Most awards require applicants to be members of Educators Rising. Deadline: April 2
URL: http://pdkintl.org/programs-resources/scholarships-awards/prospective-educator-scholarships/

Bright Horizons Bright Futures Scholarship

Amount: Up to $1,000
Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program for Early Childhood Education. Deadline: June
URL: https://www.brighthorizons.com/brightfutures

Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Course Work Scholarships

Amount: Up to $10,000
Requirements: Applicants must be completing their sophomore year of college with the purpose of teaching mathematics in secondary school. Deadline: May 5
URL: https://www.nctm.org/Grants-and-Awards/grants/Prospective-7-12-Secondary-Teacher-Course-Work-Scholarships/

Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

Amount: Varies
Requirements: This program is open to any graduate students who wish to teach at the college or university level. Deadline: December 14
URL: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/fordfellowships/index.htm

Greta James Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $500
Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a medical degree program. Deadline: April 18
URL: https://www.scrubshopper.com/pages/scholarship

The Megan Sugrue Scholarship by CengageBrain

Amount: $2,500
Requirements: Applicants must be pursuing a pre-healthcare degree with a 3.5 GPA (college and university students) or a 1260 SAT or 28 ACT score (for high school students). Deadline: January 31
URL: http://blog.cengagebrain.com/blog/apply-for-the-megan-sugrue-scholarship-by-cengagebrain/

American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) Medical Education Scholarships

Amount: $500
Requirements: Applicants must have an AMWA membership and be currently enrolled in a medical program. Deadline: September 30
URL: https://www.amwa-doc.org/students/awards/medical-education-scholarship/

The March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award

Amount: $5,000
Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in graduate education in maternal-child nursing and be a registered nurse. Applicants should also be a member of one of the major professional medical associations. Deadline: January 12
URL: www.marchofdimes.org/nursing/

AHAs Go Red Multicultural Scholarship Fund for Women

Amount: $2,500
Requirements: Applicants must be a minority woman pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a healthcare field. Deadline: December 31
URL: https://www.goredforwomen.org/

Scholarships for Special Groups

In recent years, women have overtaken men as the majority of minority students in undergraduate degree programs, largely because of scholarships for African-American women and scholarships for Hispanic women like the specialized awards listed here. Many other scholarships cater directly to specific groups that are underrepresented or unsupported in the university or professional ranks. From minority women, female veterans, single mothers, women over 40, high school seniors, and female graduate-degree seekers, the following scholarships for women are the best of those designed for specialized groups.

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club National Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Applicants pursuing one of these scholarships for African-American women must be graduating from high school with a 3.0 GPA. Deadline: March 1
URL: http://www.nanbpwc.org/index-11.html

Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Applicants must be African-American women enrolled in a college or university with a chosen major in journalism, economics, or a related field. Deadline: March 1
URL: http://www.nanbpwc.org/index-11.html

Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST)

Amount: $3,000
Requirements: Applicants must be African-American undergraduate students enrolled in a scientific field. Deadline: June
URL: http://www.dfbsstscholarship.org/

Latin Americans Working for Achievement Scholarship Program

Amount: Varies
Requirements: The LAWA provides many different scholarships for Hispanic women, several of which are awarded to female Latin Americans only. Some awards have more specific degree requirements. Deadline: Varies
URL: https://www.lawanc.org/scholarship-program

Chicana / Latina Foundation Scholarship Program

Amount: $1,500
Requirements: Eligible applicants are women of Chicana/Latina heritage and are enrolled in college, university, or community college in one of the eligible Northern California counties. Undergraduate applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and graduate applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. Deadline: March 31
URL: http://www.chicanalatina.org/scholarship.html

Women's Army Corps Veterans’ Association Scholarship

Amount: $1,500
Requirements: Applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a 3.5 GPA. Eligible applicants must also be the child, grandchild, or niece of an Army Service
woman. Deadline: May 1
URL: http://www.armywomen.org/pdf/_10ScholarApp.pdf

The Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program

Amount: $1,000 - $2,500
Requirements: Applicants must be a woman who served or the child of a woman who served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. High school applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and college and university student applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. Deadline: January 15
URL: http://www.awfdn.org/scholarships/

Women In Defense Michigan HORIZONS-Michigan Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Applicants must be female residents of Michigan, enrolled in a Michigan university or college, have at least 60 credits with GPA of 3.25, and have an interest in pursuing a career related to national security or defense. Deadline: May 12
URL: http://www.wid-mi.org/programs/horizons-scholarship

Women's Overseas Service League Scholarships

Amount: $500 - $1,000
Requirements: Applicants must be women in search of a career in military or public service. Applicants must also have a 2.5 GPA and 12 semester hours completed. Deadline: March 1
URL: http://wosl.org/scholarships/

AMVETS Scholarships

Amount: $1,000, $4,000, and $12,000
Requirements: Applicants must be the children or grandchildren of veterans, active duty, or guard/reserves. Applicants must also be in high school. Deadline: May 1
URL: http://www.amvets.org/amvets-in-action/scholarships/

The Ann and Peter Ziegler Scholarship

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Eligible applicants are single mothers majoring in a liberal arts program with a 3.0 GPA. Deadline: Varies
URL: https://www.cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid/scholarships/documents/ann-and-peter-ziegler.pdf

Capture the Dream - The Single Parent Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Requirements: Eligible applicants are single parents who demonstrate financial need and live in the Bay Area. Deadline: June 30
URL: http://www.capturethedream.org/programs/scholarship-fund/

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Support Awards

Amount: Up to $5,000
Requirements: Applicants must be single mothers who demonstrate financial need. Deadline: August 1
URL: http://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

Amount: $3,000, $5,000, and $10,000
Requirements: Eligible applicants are mothers who provide the primary financial support for their family. Applicants must also live in one of the Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries and territories. Deadline: November 15
URL: http://www.soroptimist.org/awards/live-your-dream-awards.html

Women in Transition Scholarship

Amount: Up to $16,000 over four years
Requirements: Eligible applicants are mothers enrolling in a bachelor's degree accounting program and be the primary financial support for their family. The scholarship is renewed if the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA. Deadline: May 1
URL: http://www.efwa.org/scholarships_undergraduate.php

The Education Fund of the Women's Forum

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Applicants must be women over the age of 35 who are returning to school to overcome adversity. Deadline: December 1
URL: https://www.womensforumny.org/index.cfm/edfund/

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund

Amount: $2,000
Requirements: Eligible applicants are women over the age of 35 who demonstrate financial need. Deadline: March 1
URL: http://rankinfoundation.org/students/eligibility/

The Dodell Women's Empowerment Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Requirements: Applicants must be women re-entering or continuing school to lead to a life of self-sufficiency and economic independence. Deadline: November 1
URL: http://ncjwla.org/what-we-do/scholarships/

Osher Reentry Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000
Requirements: Applicants are typically between the ages of 25 to 50. The scholarship requires a cumulative gap in the applicant's education of five or more years. Deadline: June 1
URL: http://www.osherfoundation.org/index.php?scholars

AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Applicants must be women over the age of 50 who demonstrate financial need. Deadline: Varies
URL: http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/scholarships/.html

Abby’s Closet Dreams Can Come True Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Requirements: Applicants must be female high school students in grade 12. Deadline: March
URL: https://abbyscloset.org/scholarship-application-guidelines

Distinguished Young Women

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Applicants must be high female school students entering university or college. Deadline: Varies
URL: http://distinguishedyw.org/scholarships

O Wines Opportunity for Success Scholarship

Amount: $20,000 over four years
Requirements: Applicants must be female high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and be pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree. Deadline: The deadline is typically in March
URL: https://www.collegesuccessfoundation.org/national/scholarships/owines/eligibility

The Dell Scholars Program Scholarship

Amount: $20,000
Requirements: Applicants must be high school seniors participating in a Michael & Susan Dell Foundation college readiness program with a 2.4 GPA. Deadline: Varies
URL: https://www.dellscholars.org

Girl Scout Scholarships

Amount: Varies
Requirements: The requirements vary depending on the scholarship, but many require the applicant to be an incoming freshman and a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient. Deadline: Varies
URL: http://www.girlscouts.org/content/gsusa/en/our-program/scholarships.College~University.All.html

M. Hildred Blewett Fellowship

Amount: Up to $45,000
Requirements: Applicants must be women who wish to return to physics careers after an interruption. They must have completed work toward a PhD. Deadline: June 1
URL: http://www.aps.org/programs/women/scholarships/blewett

AAUW American Fellowships

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Applicants must be female scholars who are completing dissertations or other graduate research. Deadline: November 15
URL: http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/american-fellowships

AAUW Career Development Grants

Amount: Varies
Requirements: Applicants must be women who received a bachelor's degree before June 30, 2012, and wish to return to school for graduate coursework, either to advance their careers or change professions. Deadline: December 15
URL: http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/career-development-grants

The International Peace Scholarship Fund

Amount: Up to $12,500
Requirements: Applicants must be women in a full-time graduate program with at least one year of study remaining. Deadline: December 15
URL: https://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-international-peace-scholarship-ips

Financial Aid Application Checklist

• Prepare all scholarship materials in advance: Before doing anything, ensure you have all the required materials for financial aid applications. This includes completed tax returns, school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other documents you have, such as certificates, diplomas, and/or degrees.
• Apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID: For some U.S. Department of Education websites, applicants need to have a working Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. This ID confirms the applicant's identification and acts as an electronic signature on federal student aid documents. Dependant students will need their parents to have a FSAID as well.
• Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Federal Student Aid is part of the U.S. Department of Education and is the nation's largest provider of financial aid for students. Between October 1 and June 30, more than 13 million students apply for financial aid through FAFSA. Applying to FAFSA is not just important for federal financial aid. Many scholarships and grants, at the federal, state, and institution levels, require students to have completed a FAFSA application. Even if you believe you will not be eligible, everyone should still apply. After the application is complete, check back to review and edit (if necessary) the Student Aid Report (SAR).
• Complete a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE: After completing the FAFSA application for federal aid, complete a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to qualify for a variety of other aid opportunities. PROFILE is a single application that applies for private, non-federal financial aid from almost 400 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs across the country. This application requires more financial information than FAFSA, including asset valuations and detailed banking information. Set aside 45 minutes to two hours for completion.
• Apply for individual scholarships: In addition to the collection of college scholarships for women that we've listed here, there are plenty of websites that list available scholarships. Most colleges and universities also provide lists of external scholarships from various providers. Perform searches for scholarships that cover your specific field of study, prospective profession, race, sex, and place of residence. Check in with professional associations related to your field of choice to see if they offer any scholarships as well. While the application process can be daunting on many scholarships, it's incredibly worthwhile to apply. Even if your qualifications don't measure up exactly to the eligibility specifications, take the time to apply to as many scholarships as possible.
• Apply for a financial aid package at your institution of choice: Nearly every institution has its own financial aid available for students in need. Check with the school of your choice and apply for financial aid through the school directly. Some simply draw from FAFSA, whereas other schools provide institution-specific financial aid packages.
• Apply for loans from financial institutions: Once all these steps are completed, it's time to apply for student loans from financial institutions. Many banks offer low interest loans for students with flexible repayment plans. Do your research and ensure you understand the interest and payment policies before committing to anything.

Additional Resources

The resources below cover everything from the top professional associations for women in university and/or college to female support groups and industry-specific organizations. Whether it's to identify available college scholarships for women, find information on financial aid, pursue professional networking opportunities, or just receive advice, these resources cover it. Some are specific to an industry or program of study, whereas others cover a range of topics relating to higher learning for women.

The American Association of University Women
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been promoting education and equity for women in the United States since 1881.

American Business Women’s Association
The American Business Women's Association supports business women, providing them with industry support, as well as networking, educational, and professional development opportunities.

American Medical Women’s Association
The American Medical Women’s Association is dedicated to advancing the position of women in the field of medicine and improving women's health.

P.E.O. Sisterhood
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a network committed to promoting educational opportunities for women, providing funding and special projects for those in need.

American Association for Women in Community College
American Association for Women in Community College is an organization striving to provide women with better educational and employment opportunities in community, junior, and technical colleges nationwide.

The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE)
The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE) is an organization dedicated to fighting for the rights of women in and for education.

National Association of University Women
The National Association of University Women serves women from around the world, addressing and advancing women's rights and educational opportunities.

Ms. Magazine
Ms. Magazine is a liberal feminist magazine written for women and by women, committed to discussing and progressing women's issues.

Institute for Women's Policy Research
The Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) is a group dedicated to shaping state and federal policy regarding women through research and public education.

Her Campus
Started as a Harvard business plan competition, Her Campus is an organization that delivers marketing services to brands that seek the college market. Her Campus is dedicated to empowering women through employment and the marketing it provides.

Association for Women in Science
The Association for Women in Science is a network that promotes women professionals and leaders in the STEM professions through advocacy and various initiatives.

Advancing Women
Advancing Women is an organization that helps promote, recruit, and place more women in underrepresented areas of the workforce, such as in engineering, construction industries, medical fields, and the government.

National Association of Women MBAs
The National Association of Women MBAs is an organization committed to advancing women into leadership positions in the business world through education, networking, and professional development.

National Women's Studies Association
Through teaching, research, and various campaigns, the National Women's Studies Association is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and producing knowledge about women.

Women’s College Coalition
The Women’s College Coalition seeks to promote women's colleges, programs, and research to bring women's issues to the forefront.

Last Updated: July 23, 2020