Chronic Illness Scholarships for Disabilities
Chronic Illness scholarships for disabilities are available to students who are interested in getting degrees through institutions of high learning but are also living with chronic diseases. The programs designed for this purpose are very often inspired under the hope that by providing some financial assistance students with chronic diseases will be able to better attend school with fewer worries on their minds. Students who have lived their entire lives with a disease, or some portion of a recurring and debilitating illness, have often struggled quite enough as it is. By relieving the financial burden of higher education costs their lives are in all hopes made a little easier.
Such illness scholarships are provided at many different levels – nationally in some instances by large non-profits and regionally by colleges or groups with more local mandates. Those students who have lived their lives with a chronic illness should consider these programs. However, interested students should know that not all programs are designed with all diseases in mind, and they should look over eligibility requirements to make sure that the chronic illness scholarship they are interested in does in fact apply to them.
Amongst the organizations which provide chronic illness scholarships, the Foundation for Science and Disability gives out multiple $1,000 awards every year. This particular illness scholarship is specifically offered to graduate students looking to continue their education. All applicants must be studying a STEM course (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and must also be citizens of the United States. Applicants should also be suffering from a disability for chronic illness which otherwise incapacitates them. The deadline for this program is December 1.
The Incight Education program provides a varying number of scholarships every year which range from $750 to $1,000. This program is limited to students who are suffering from a chronic condition which is debilitating. While the number of recipients varies, in 2010 over 80 different students received awards from the organization. There are very few eligibility requirements for this program outside of having a documented chronic disability and attending school full time. Deadlines for future academic cycles will be posted on the Incight website, so students should pay attention and stay tuned. Interesting to note about this program is the potential of going to a “matching” partner school. This illness scholarship allows students who are attending specific schools to have their award amount matched by the institution they are attending. Students interested in this option should review the schools which participate in the matching program.
Not all chronic illness scholarships for disabilities are available only through these nationally oriented programs. Many different universities provide their own illness scholarships which students should be interested in considering. Those students interested in finding chronic illness scholarships at their own academic institution should consider checking with their local office of Continuing Education or Department of Financial Aid. The Timothy Weise Memorial Scholarship is a good example of such a program available at San Francisco State University. The award amount given out by this program is $600. All applicants will need to have at least a 2.5 grade point average, have a financial need as shown by their FAFSA filing, and be registered with the school’s Office of Disability Resources. Students who are enrolled in a graduate program at San Francisco State University will be able to apply for this illness scholarship as well but must maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Chronic illness scholarships largely focus around those conditions which cause debilitating effects in their victims. Not all programs are equal, but all provide something which a student will be able to use. Students who are suffering from exceptional disabilities should also consider making use of equipment scholarships which are also offered by many organizations or schools which help provide assistance for equipment an individual may need to make their student experience better in the long run. Students should find that organizations and schools offering illness scholarships are genuinely interested in providing them the support they need to have a successful run in their chosen college, and interested applicants should consider all available options at their disposal.
I have a chronic mental disability. I am looking for a disability scholarship. I’d appreciate if you could list some particular scholarships that may help me with my finances for college.
Marie,
you will be able to apply to any general disability scholarship program if you have this officially documented. You may want to set an appointment with the FinAids office to see what their disability programs you can apply too. They can give you up to date direction on their latest disability student aid. Very often this is a panacea for what your looking for. If you are or have taken medication for your illness check with the drug companies which many times have unknown disability scholarships.
I have a rare chronic pain disorder called RSD. I have had it for almost seven years now. I have had it in my right hand my back and my left foot. My back and hand were able to be fixed before it got to bad. But I have had it in my left foot for going on six years now. Doctors say its in such a high stage that it will most likely never go away. I have never let my disease determine what i can and cant do. But, medications have stopped having much effect. I’ve had two spinal surgeries in the past three years, for a spinal cord simulator, that is supposed to help with pain control. Is there any kind of grants or anything that i will be eligible for?
Taeler,
you should be eligible to apply to all general disability scholarships so apply to the ones you are a good fit for. Also visit a college by you to inquire what programs they have for students with your disability. Set an appointment with the FinAids office manager. Also go to government disability grants scholarships.
I have IBS, a LD and hypothyroidism. Are there scholarships for financial need based on medical bills?
sarah,
you may have to check with the specific school you are interested in attending about this with the FinAids office. Don’t be scared off by the large yearly tuition of the larger schools because they may cover you in full as opposed to the smaller schools. Read more at Harvard scholarships. You should be eligible for any of the general disability scholarships at most schools.
Our son is only 14 years old but we are thinking of college expenses now. He is a kidney transplant patient , suffering from kidney disease since birth. He also has Juvenile Diabetes and some cognitive /memory issues related to the Chronic Kidney Diesease. Any thoughts on what he may be eligible for?
maura,
it’s too early to tell at this point, but starting saving now for college is always a good idea. I always say that entering into as many poetry scholarship contest as early as possible is a nice way to pick up some monies for college later on. There is usually no age restrictions on many poem contest. They are very easy to submit. Also go and read about the Doodle 4 Google Scholarship.
I am a 40 year old African American woman who was dianosed with ESRD and Lupus in 1996. I have had 2 transplants in Indiana,where I currenty live. It’s been almost 6 years since my last transplant and I am currently doing well. My children are grown and I have 2 grandchildren. I want to set an example for all of them;while achieving my goal to continue my education.
tonya,
read about African bursaries and talk to your state/province department of education for student aid for students with disabilities.
i have crohns disease and look for any available scholarships that may assist me in continuing my education
Joel,
read more at: http://www.crohnsandme.com/crohns-scholarship/scholarship-faq.aspx.
i have dyselxia and my mother is disabled are they any scholarships out there for me i have a 2.8 gpa 18 act score please help me thank you.
richard,
go to Dyslexic scholarships and scholarships for students with disabled parents to read more. Also read about guaranteed scholarships.
i have fibromyalgia, orthostatic intolerance, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic migraines! where could i find good scholarships for these dabilitating illnesses??
Lanea,
contact organizations which are set up specifically for your condition that may be able to help or advise you on student aid options such as:
The National Fibromyalgia Association. Also inquire at the financial aids office of a college you may be interested in attending to inquire into disability scholarships/grants/ or some type of financial aid to help you. Call and set an appointment with a financial aids manager at the college to discuss your particular situation. You will be glad you did. As long as your disability can be verifiable through your doctor – then you can apply to just about any general disability scholarship. There are hundreds of those and you just have to apply to those where the scholarship criteria is a good fit with your qualifications.
I shattered my left calcaneus heel and ankle in june of 2008, in 2009 I developed anatalgic gait, and discovered I have degenarative disc disease in my 3 lower discs and now suffer from chronic, debilitating pain. I have to take strong narcotic pain medication every day to be able to walk (with cane) I am receiving social security disability and medicare. I graduated with an a.a.s. in auto mechanics from h.c.c. in january of 2008, A.S.E certifid in may 2008, Injured at part time job june 28, 2008. I started my first mechanics job june 5th 2008 and have not been able to stand or walk very well since june 28th 2008. and am interested in an online bachelors degree maybe teaching auto mechanics ? or anything someone with severe mobility problems would have a reasonable chance of doing.
russell,
my suggestion is to apply to as many general disability scholarships as you can because you are interested in online degrees. You do have a verifiable disability so you will be able to prove this when applying. There is not to many online colleges which award disability scholarships or scholarships in general. You must make sure that when you do apply for any of the disability scholarships that they will award the monies to you (if you win) for an online degree college.
Hi, I have an anxiety disorder, Severe IBS, PCOS and a vitamin deficiency. I was wondering if there are any chronic illness scholarships that I could look into. Also, do you know if schools will take illness into account when looking over marks if you mention it?
Nicole,
read about government disability scholarships.
I also have RSD , how ever i haven’t had all the surveys and stuff. I’m a junior in highschool and have had the disorder in my entire body for 6 years, any suggestions as to recieving scholorships for local colleges? Thank you!
courtney,
Read also about the easiest scholarships and full ride scholarships. Also review this listing of scholarships and college scholarships for high school juniors.
i have chronic kidney failure and i have had a transplant and i am trying to find scholarships for school and i cant find any can you please help!!!!
My name is Ashley. I am a single mother. I was diagnosed with MS and Depression back in 2005. I have been out of work since 2007 on ss disability. I have decided I would like to further my education and start working from home. Please help me with scholarships. It is very much appreciated!
I have MS and I was diagnosed in 2005. I also have a depression disorder. I have been out of work since 2007. I would like to go back to school. I am interested in any scholarships or grants that you have to offer me.
ashley,
talk the FinAids manager at a college you are interested in to see what student aid you may qualify for. Also student loans without a cosigner needed are a great last option.
I have short bowel syndrome not related to Chrone’s or IBD disease. I am in need of financial assistance to start college next fall, but my family does not qualify for any aid. Anything out there for SBS?
Alex,
not aware of any and we have not researched out yet. I would start looking into foundations or organizations which provide support for SBS such as the the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation. They may be able to point you in the student aid direction if they don’t have any type of student financial aid themselves. Below are others to contact also:
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016–8804
Phone: 1–800–932–2423 or 212–685–3440
Email: info@ccfa.org
Internet: http://www.ccfa.org
The Oley Foundation
214 Hun Memorial, MC–28
Albany Medical Center
Albany, NY 12208–3478
Phone: 1–800–776–OLEY (6539) or 518–262–5079
Fax: 518–262–5528
Email: info@oley.org
Internet: http://www.oley.org
I am a senior in high school my dad was diagnosed with renal cancer two years ago and on dialysis three times week. I was wondering if their is any scholarship available for kids with a parent in situation. My mom has to stay home to care for him.
luke,
read more at scholarships for students with disabled parents and easy scholarships blog.
I have Chronic Kidney disease, I was wondering if there is more than the 1 scholarship I found for having this condition.
Matt,
try going to chronic kidney disease scholarships. Here they some student aid resources for you. Also check into all kidney organizations which may offer scholarships and grants to help you. Also go to http://www.kidneypatientnews.org/quality/voc_rehab.php
My son has life threatening allergies to dairy and he also is an asthmatic…would this scholarship apply to him? Do you know of any we can apply for… his dad is also disabled.
Cody,
You should go to websites which provide support for asthma and allergies and many times they sponsor a college scholarship you can apply too. Merck Respiratory Will to Win Scholarship and the Berri Holbert Mitchell College Scholarship are a few which provide asthma scholarships too.
Go to asthma scholarships to learn more. Read also about scholarships for students with disabled parents.
I am trying to find scholarships to help relieve some of the financial burden of going to college. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006 and I also have mental illness diagnosis as well as suffer from PTSD any help you might give in steering me in a direction would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Debra,
read more on Multiple Sclerosis Scholarships and more MS scholarships. Read about learning scholarships.
I would like to find more sources for applying for grants, scholarships and financial support for going to a 4-yr university, i already have an associates for transfer. i have been diagnosed with AIDS, Hep-C, was very sick for a long time but am actually doing well according to my health professionals. thanks to them. can you please point me in the right direction for this? I am on disabilty now but i do not want to borrow the large amounts of money required to go to the 4 yr university i have in mind, i will do online studies. any sources you can provide is greatly appreciated. thankyou for you help.
DEBRA,
go to aids scholarships to read more. Contacting organizations which provide support for your specific ailment is a smart way to find student aid you can apply to since many foundations like these offer scholarships/grants/student aid /contest etc. of some type which you can apply to and win.
I would love some help finding scholarships and/or grants because I cannot get reasonable student loans. I am planning on attending a private school in British Columbia, Canada, but am from the United States. I have Severe Scoliosis, a Club Foot, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Are there any scholarships that you know of that would fit any of these criteria?
Savannah,
read about BC student loans and student loans without a cosigner needed which may help you. The Sonoran Spine Foundation Scholarships, Dr. Gunnar B. Stickler Scholarship, SRS Educational Scholarship, and the ELA Foundation Scholarship should be able to allow you to apply because of your disability. Contact organizations such as the foundations which provide support for the particular ailments you have to see if they also have scholarships you can apply to. most do.
My inquiry may seem an awkward one… But I thought you may have the necessary knowledge and resources to help me with some information.
I am Romanian native and I am planning to study in UK. I was accepted for a Grad. Cert. in Counselling and Psychotherapy. But the scholarships opportunities are very, very scarce in UK. And there is practically no scholarship offered by the Romanian institutions in view of supporting students who wish to study abroad. Moreover, there is no financial support for disabled students (like I am) or those who are suffering of a chronic medical condition (like I am). So the reason I am writing to you is actually to make an inquiry about any available financial support opportunities for a future student who has been diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera (which is an MPD). I am not an American citizen/resident so I cannot access any of the (many) scholarships available for American citizens/residents. I am just wishing to become a psychotherapist (who will work with cancer patients) and I am working hard to get a high education for this purpose and, implicitly, to have the necessary resources (including, but not limited to financial resources) to achieve this goal of mine.
Thank you for existing and for doing such a great job! You’re much needed and much appreciated!
Kindly,
Oana
Oana,
read about bursaries in the UK. You may want to contact the UK department of Education to see what bursary programs they may have for students from Romania or other types of student aid specifically for you. Also; inquire into your countries website on what programs they may have for you studying in the UK. Read more at ECA scholarships and grants and study abroad student aid too.
My daughter is 19 years old and is a biology major. She has dysautonomia and achalasia. Achalasia is very rare. It is an esophageal motility disorder. She has had surgery but still battles staying hydrated and nourished. What scholarships should I pursue?
Kelly,
I would set an appointment with the FinAids manager at the college your daughter is interested in attending to see what disabled programs they have which she can apply to. You want to search for organizations which provide support for dysautonomia and/or achalasia to see if they have scholarships for students who have this disability. Otherwise apply to all general disability student aid programs which just require applicants to have any disability to apply.
My son has had CVS ( cyclic vomiting syndrome for the past 12 yrs. )I was wondering if you could direct me to a site that may help him. It is a neurological disorder. Thank you..
Debra,
read more at neurological scholarships for disabled students. I would contact organizations which provide support for this illness such as the CVSA to see if they offer student grants/scholarships/financial aid for there members.
My daughter suffers from chronic migraines. She is currently enrolled at SDSU and can only take a few classes each semester. College is going to take a few more years for her to finish since she cannot manage a full schedule. Are there any scholarships that can help her pay for college.
Laurie
Laurie,
I would search for organizations which provide support for conditions such as daughter has. Many times they do have scholarship programs she can apply to. No cosigner student loans would be a great last resort. These are government student loans have have really good interest rates and payback options second to none!
My daughter suffers from Juvenile chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. We are curious if she would qualify for disability scholarships.
Kim,
contact organizations which are set up specifically for your condition that may be able to help or advise you on student aid options such as:
The National Fibromyalgia Association. Also inquire at the financial aids office of a college you may be interested in attending to inquire into disability scholarships/grants/ or some type of financial aid to help you. Call and set an appointment with a financial aids manager at the college to discuss your particular situation. You will be glad you did.