In 1960, women made up almost 38 percent of the college enrollment. Today, female students outnumber their male counterparts (at 56 percent), and are projected to outpace male enrollment growth into 2026, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Since women represent over half of enrollment and the cost of higher education is at an all time high, the need for financial assistance is a familiar concept for millions. Fortunately there are thousands of scholarships and fellowships catered to women, so the cost of college shouldn’t deter anyone from earning an undergraduate or graduate degree.
To learn more about how you can pay for college, follow this guide and use our interactive tool to sort through the scholarship opportunities for women that you qualify for. But first, let’s not forget how far women have come since the 19th century beginning with the first coeducational college in the U.S., Oberlin College.
Scholarships and student loans impact the success of American female leaders who have contributed to technological and medical advances, economic progress, the prosperity of our country and more. The former First Lady, Michelle Obama, partly attributes her success to the help of scholarships and financial aid, based on a speech given by former President Barack Obama:
“Michelle and I, we're only where we are today because scholarships and student loans gave us a shot at a great education. — Barack Obama, 44th U.S. President
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from, there are many opportunities available to help you pay for college—find the combination that works best for you.
How to Pay for College
1
Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarships for women, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
2
Grants
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
3
Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
4
Student Loans
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
5
Federal Work-Study Program
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your high school education to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Although there are scholarship opportunities that aren’t merit-based, it’s valuable to take the SAT or ACT standardized tests in case it’s a scholarship qualification.
Your scholarship essay is what will bring attention to your application out of the pool of applicants. That’s why it’s important to craft a stand out piece that attests to your experience, adheres to the scholarship guidelines and most importantly, highlights your true personality.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or bosses, so that they can speak to your qualifications. You may also want to provide them with a resume that outlines your achievements and goals as well.
Whether you’re the valedictorian or have earned average grades, there are hundreds of scholarships to choose from. Below are a few types of scholarships you can look for.
Scholarships for Women
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your intended major, award amount or if you’re looking for need-based aid. Click the box for a larger view.
ESA Foundation Scholarship Program for Minority Students
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
April 26, 2018
High school seniors and current undergraduate students who are pursuing a career in computer and video game arts are eligible. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship
Amount: $1,250
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
This award will recognize one African American female that's pursuing a full time bachelor's degree and participating in golf at an accredited university. Students must demonstrate academic achievement and community service for consideration
EFWA Institute of Management Accountants IMA®
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
To be eligible, candidates must be the primary support for her family, and pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting. She must be in her completing her sophomore year of studies.
EFWA Women In Need
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
Undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting may apply for this women's scholarship awarded by the EFWA. In addition to scholarship money, award recipients receive a complementary IMA membership and assistance with CMA exam fees.
EFWA Women In Transition
Amount: $16,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
Applicants must be the primary source of support for her family, enrolling as a freshman for the next academic year. The student must be pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting.
1,000 Dreams Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
Qualified applicants are women currently attend high school or a two or four year college institution. Financial need must be demonstrated.
Marilynn Smith Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
Eligible applicants are high school seniors who have played golf in her community or for her high school golf. Candidates need to be planning to play golf at an accredited U.S. institution.
WomenLead Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
Awards are granted to women who offer diverse leadership in nonprofits, ministry and public service. Women who lead through bold action, innovation and faith-inspired passion are given preference. For specific educational details, please visit the website.
Irene Adler Prize
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
Eligible candidates are women entering or continuing their pursuit of a bachelor's, master's or PhD degree in creative writing, journalism or literature at an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada. A short essay is required along with an application.
APA Judith McManus Price Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
Women and members of the Native American, Hispanic American or African American minority groups are eligible for this award. Undergraduate and graduate students can apply. Scholarships are given to those pursuing a career as practicing planners in the public sector (i.e. state, local and federal government and non-profits).
Michele L. McDonald Memorial
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
This annual scholarship will be awarded to one woman returning to college from the workforce after raising children, with the intention of receiving a degree in accounting. Must be a U.S. citizen demonstrating financial need to apply.
Moss Adams Foundation
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2018
The Moss Adams Foundation is available to minority women, or women returning to school to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting. Must demonstrate clear evidence persistence towards personal and professional goals.
Sara Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2018
Eligible applicants include graduating female high school seniors who have demonstrated involvement in the sport of golf.
The Sara Scholarship
Amount: $8,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2018
High school seniors pursuing a college degree who emphasis excellence in character and academic achievement are eligible to apply. Applicants must be women who have active engagement with the sport of golf, though skill level is not a criterion.
Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
May 1, 2018
Awards are intended to support relatives of Army Service Women. Applicants should be high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
WIFLE Scholarship Program
Amount: $25,000
Deadline:
May 2, 2018
Women attending an accredited university full-time are eligible for this award. Must have completed at least one year of academic work in social sciences or criminal justice to be considered, as well as a GPA over 3.0.
Diversity conference scholarship
Amount: upt to $10000
Deadline:
May 5, 2018
To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a full-time bachelor's degree program at a university in the U.S, Canada, or Mexico. Must show satisfactory progress towards a degree in computer science or related fields. Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
ARFORA Undergraduate Scholarship for Women
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
May 10, 2018
Applicants must have successfully completed the first year of study at an accredited college or university with enrollment set for the upcoming year. To qualify, students must be a female voting member of a parish of The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America.
Caitlin Brondolo Golf Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
May 31, 2018
Applicants are high school seniors who have been accepted to an accredited U.S. college or university. Qualified candidates have a 3.5 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and have participated for at least two years on a high school golf team. Applicants must also be accepted and planning to play golf on a women's collegiate team.
National Pathfinder Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
June 1, 2018
Eligible candidates are female undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate students. Established in 1985, the National Pathfinder Scholarship Fund was formed in honor of First Lady Nancy Reagan.
Betty Rendel Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
June 1, 2018
Candidates must be female undergraduate students pursuing an undergraduate degree in government, economics or political science with two years of coursework successfully completed.
Southern Automotive Women's Forum Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 1, 2018
Candidates are those enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate institution in the Southern states of Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Students must be women pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) or the automotive field.
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Amount: $250
Deadline:
June 1, 2018
Applicants must apply during their senior year of high school and must be active as a Daughters of Union Veterans for a minimum of two years. Applicants will submit their grades along with information about their extracurricular activities.
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation: Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
June 15, 2018
Applicant must be female undergraduate or graduate students with at least a 2.75 GPA. Applicants must be majoring in Communication Studies, Marketing, Public Relations, Media Studies or Journalism.
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
June 15, 2018
Eligible students will be in their final three years of undergraduate schooling or first year of a graduate program. Candidates must be women who have elected one of the following majors: Journalism, Communication Studies, Public Relations, Marketing, or Media Studies. Preference is given to those who desire to work in the sports or entertainment industry.
Women in Aerospace Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
June 19, 2018
Awards are given to women pursuing a career in the aerospace field. Applicants must be juniors or seniors in high school and planning to attend an undergraduate institution in the upcoming academic year.
Immigration Scholarship Essay Contest
Amount: $500
Deadline:
July 1, 2018
Any U.S. resident that has been accepted to an accredited university can apply. Applicants are asked to answer questions on immigration for a chance to win.
Everipedia International Women in Media Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
July 1, 2018
Applicants must be a senior in high school or currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. The scholarship's mission is to bring recognition to women who seek the truth.
Buffered Scholarship for Women in STEM fields
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
July 1, 2018
The scholarship is available to all students who identify as women and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All applicants must be currently pursuing, or plan to pursue, a degree with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or math.
ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention, Inc. Academic Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
July 1, 2018
Applicants must be currently enrolled at a university or college recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Awards are granted to female students studying, or planning to study, the fields of engineering, mathematics, technology or science (excluding the social sciences).
Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, or WCR, Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
July 13, 2018
Women's Chefs and Restaurateurs give scholarship awards to students who are pursuing a culinary degree and active members of WCR. Eligibility and award amounts differ from scholarship to scholarship. Check the WCR website for current award opportunities.
Hit the Books Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline:
August 25, 2018
Students who are between the ages of 18 and 25 enrolled in an accredited university are eligible to apply. Winners will be selected based on a 500-word essay about the importance of education.
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
August 28, 2018
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program awards scholarships to women who desire to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at the K-12 level.
Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
October 1, 2018
Awards are given to current female undergraduate candidates who excel in mathematics and are pursuing a career in mathematics. Candidates can be freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors at the time of their application.
Women in the Winners Circle Project Podium Grant
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
October 31, 2018
Applicant must have a minimum of three years racing experience and must provide a racing resume. Applicant must provide driver/team personnel, vendor/supplier/racing series, and sponsorship information as well as two letters of recommendation and a 250 word essay.
Kabis Memorial Internship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 1, 2018
Applicants for this internship at the National Federation of Republican Women headquarters must be at least a junior in college or a college student 21 years of age or older. Due to the nature of the internship, applicants should have a solid foundation of government knowledge with a keen interest in politics.
Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
December 11, 2018
Females enrolled in an accredited STEM program in the U.S. or Canada are eligible for this award. Must demonstrate strong academics and leadership for women in computer science to be considered.
The Helen Laughlin AM Mode Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2019
Women attending or planning to attend a four year college or university are eligible. Preference is given to amateur radio operators performing at a high academic level and those who are residents of the states of Texas and Arkansas, along with those from the ARRL West Gulf region.
Kappa Kappa Gamma Scholarships
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
February 1, 2019
Initiated members of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority are eligible to apply for awards toward an undergraduate or graduate education. Students should have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Howard G. Buffett Fund For Women Journalists
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
The Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists offers scholarship awards to aspiring women journalists. Application periods run twice per year. Current eligibility requirements can be found on the scholarship's website.
Money for Women/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, Inc.
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Grants are available to fiction and nonfiction writers, poets, visual artists and mixed-genre categories (illustration and text) to feminist women in the arts. Two application periods are available each year.
YoungArts
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
YoungArts offers female aspiring artists in grades 10-12 the ability to grow their abilities through mentorships, national recognition and other opportunities related to the pursuit of a career in the arts.
Journalism Education Association
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
The Journalism Education Association offers scholarships to those who desire to teach journalism. Students must be current undergraduate or graduate students.
WIIT Charitable Trust Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
Currently enrolled women of an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited U.S. educational institution can apply for this award. Applicants must meet the age requirements on the current application and show proven interest in international relations, international trade, international development, international business or international economics.
ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Grants are available to 10th and 11th graders in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The leadership fellowship allows young women to put their ideas into action.
Judy Wendland-Young College Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline:
Applicants must be women 35 years old or older who have not previously attended an accredited university offering bachelor's degrees. Candidates must be admitted to an accredited institution offering bachelor's degrees.
Betty Hansen Continuing Education/Cultural-Heritage Grant
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Candidates must be enrolled at least part-time at an educational, accredited or approved school, or be in a workshop, course or seminar, or language class relating to Danish heritage or culture. This scholarship is awarded to women by the Danish Sisterhood of America.
Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
To first qualify for any award, candidates must participate in a Distinguished Young Women event. College-granted and cash tuition scholarships are available. See scholarship website for various details and application requirements.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Women who plan to attend or currently attend an accredited institution in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee are eligible to apply. The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program funds annual awards for various institutions and degree programs. See the program's website for details and participating colleges.
Lifetime Adoption Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Due to the Lifetime Adoption Foundation Scholarship's nature and mission, applicants must be a birth mother that placed a child for adoption after 1990. Applicants need to provide proof of part-time or full-time enrollment at an educational institution or trade school. Students must have a C or higher GPA.
Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Women over the age of 25 who are not citizens of the U.S. or Canada but attend institutions in those countries are eligible to apply. Some scholarships provide up to $12,000, while others offer funding for study abroad experiences. See the website for current awards and eligibility requirements.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
This scholarship is for women who are the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents (see scholarship website for dependent qualifications). Applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a skills training, vocational training or undergraduate degree program.
Talbot's Women's Scholarship Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
To be eligible, candidates must be seeking an undergraduate degree from a two or four year university or college, or a technical/vocational school. For more details, see the Talbot's Women's Scholarship Fund website.
S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Medical Health Science Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Undergraduate and graduate women enrolled in a medical or health field are eligible to apply. Students do not need to be members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
CTU International Women's Scholarship Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
The International Women's Scholarship supports lay women who come from developing countries who are seeking Roman Catholic ministry credentials. Applicants must agree to work in their country after program completion.
Women In Defense HORIZONS Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
To be eligible for awards, women must be currently enrolled at a college or university pursuing an undergraduate degree at the junior level or higher, or be enrolled in a graduate program. Successful candidates demonstrate interest and intent to pursue a career related to national defense or security.
Presbyterian Women Leadership Development Grant Program
Amount: $500
Deadline:
Women active in the U.S. Presbyterian Church who wish to develop their leadership skills are eligible to apply. Scholarships are granted to those who wish to further the mission of Presbyterian Women.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Women of any age, pursuing an accredited business or business-related program who demonstrate outstanding potential in the field, are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Association for Women in Sports Media Scholarships
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
Scholarships are open to full-time female students who are pursuing a career in sports media. Eligible majors include public relations, writing, copy editing and broadcasting.
Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a degree program for primary or secondary education. Students do not need to be members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
Lullellia W. Harrison Counseling Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a degree program for counseling are eligible to apply. Students do not need to be Zeta Phi Beta Sorority members.
Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,250
Deadline:
Candidates must be female undergraduate students at an accredited four year institution, with a major in math, engineering, or biological or physical sciences. Candidates may be the residents of any country.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
The P.E.O. Program supports women whose education was interrupted. Candidates must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Candidates are female survivors of intimate partner abuse who are now separated from their abuser who are in critical need of financial assistance. Applicants must accepted to or enrolled in a course of study at an accredited U.S. institution.
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
High school sophomore and juniors in high school are eligible to apply for the free 7-week program in their respective location. Candidates must have a U.S. address and be able to commute to and from the Girls Who Code program.
UPS Scholarship for Female Students
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
Eligible students are female undergraduates attending an accredited institution for industrial engineering. Schools may be located in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 1, 2018
Applicant must be enrolled in the College of Education, College of Humanities, the Department of English, the David Eccles School of Business, or the College of Engineering at the University of Utah. Must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Preference given to women and single mothers who are visually or hearing challenged,
Fresh Start Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 15, 2018
Applicant must be a female Delaware resident or have worked in Delaware for the last two months. Must be at least 20 years old and had at least a two year break in education either after completing high school or during post-secondary (college) studies. Must have been admitted to an accredited Delaware college in a two or four year degree program at the undergraduate level.
Beverly Lockridge '62 Endowed Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 1, 2018
Applicant must be enrolled in the Harrison School of Pharmacy. Preference given to female students who are residents of Birmingham, Alabama.
Billie Bennett Ward Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 1, 2018
Applicant must be enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Preference given to female students involved in research.
