5 Chronic Illness Scholarships You Need to Know About
The cost of higher education continues to rise, putting a strain on students and their families. For those living with a chronic illness, the financial burden can be even greater. But there are resources available to help alleviate the cost of tuition, room and board, and other college expenses.
If you or someone you know is living with a chronic illness, it’s important to explore scholarship opportunities that can make higher education more accessible. Here are five chronic illness scholarships you need to know about:
1. The Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to individuals living with cystic fibrosis pursuing a higher education degree. Since 1990, the foundation has awarded over $6.2 million in scholarships to more than 1,500 students.
To be eligible, applicants must have cystic fibrosis, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $16,000 and are awarded based on financial need and academic achievements.
2. The Diabetes Scholars Foundation
The Diabetes Scholars Foundation offers scholarships to students with type 1 diabetes who are pursuing post-secondary education. Since 2004, the foundation has awarded over $1.9 million in scholarships to more than 800 students.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and planning to attend an accredited university, college, or trade school. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are awarded based on academic achievements, community involvement, and financial need.
3. The Hemophilia Federation of America Scholarship Program
The Hemophilia Federation of America Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students with bleeding disorders, including hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Since 1996, the program has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships to more than 900 students.
To be eligible, applicants must have a bleeding disorder, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited college or trade school. Scholarship amounts range from $2,000 to $4,000 and are awarded based on financial need, academic achievements, and community involvement.
4. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Scholarship Program
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students with multiple sclerosis who are pursuing higher education. Since 2003, the program has awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships to more than 750 students.
To be eligible, applicants must have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are awarded based on financial need, academic achievements, and personal statement.
5. The National Hemophilia Foundation’s Scholarship Program
The National Hemophilia Foundation’s Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students who have hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or another bleeding disorder. Since 1996, the program has awarded over $4 million in scholarships to more than 1,200 students.
To be eligible, applicants must have a bleeding disorder, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university or vocational-technical school. Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 to $5,000 and are awarded based on financial need, academic achievements, and community involvement.
In conclusion, living with a chronic illness shouldn’t prevent anyone from pursuing their educational goals. These scholarship opportunities can help ease the financial burden and provide greater access to higher education. Be sure to explore these and other scholarship options available to students living with chronic illnesses.
