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.
Girls Impact the World Film Festival Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
January 20, 2020
Candidates will submit a three to six minute film on a critical women's issue or a solution to a challenge women face in the world. Both high school students and undergraduate students can submit entries.
Money for Women/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, Inc.
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
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.
Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is intended for those hoping to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, reporting, programming or production. Applicants must be at least a rising junior.
Carlozzi Family Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to a rising college sophomore, junior or senior who is a writer both inside and outside of the academic environment and who intends to pursue a career in which writing will be central. See website for details to apply.
Esperanza Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to a student of Hispanic heritage pursuing the dream of a career in communications.
Hearst Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to a college sophomore, junior, or senior with a demonstrated commitment to a career in magazines (editorial or ad sales) or digital media.
Interpublic Group Scholarship & Internship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to an ethnically diverse student who is currently a college junior and has demonstrated an interest in a career in communications. Candidates must be able to fulfill a paid internship in New York City during summer 2019.
Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship & Internship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to a student interested in communications and media relations and is a rising junior/senior in college who is able to fulfill a paid internship at the company’s New York City headquarters during summer 2019.
Kaplow Scholarship & Internship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to an ethnically diverse student interested in communications and media relations and is a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in college who is able to fulfill the paid internship at Kaplow during summer 2019.
Meredith Corporation Scholarship & Internship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to a career in publishing (print, digital and/or marketing) and who has completed the sophomore year in college. See website for more details on included internship.
Metamorphosis TLC Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to a student planning a career in journalism, with a preference for a student with an interest in covering STEM or education.
New York Women in Communications Alumna Award of Excellence
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to a previous scholarship winner who is dedicated to strengthening NYWICI and has shown outstanding growth as a student since she first became a recipient.
The Patricia O'Connell Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to pursuing a career in journalism and to maintaining journalistic standards and professional ethics at the highest level.
Kappa Kappa Gamma Scholarships
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
February 1, 2020
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.
ANS Delayed Education Scholarship for Women
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
February 1, 2020
Awards are given to women pursuing a four year degree in nuclear science, nuclear engineering or another nuclear-related field. Applicants must also have experienced at least a year delay or interruption in studies.
Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
February 2, 2020
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.
Betty Hansen Continuing Education/Cultural-Heritage Grant
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 1, 2020
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.
AGA Women's Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline:
March 1, 2020
This scholarship is granted to a female Alabama resident, who is a graduate of an accredited secondary school and has shown evidence of academic excellence, good citizenship, sportsmanship and community involvement. Student must be in need of financial assistance to pursue their education and have an interest in golf.
Jeannette Rankin Foundation Women's Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 1, 2020
Applicants must be low-income women ages thirty-five and older across the US to build better lives through post-secondary education.
ITWomen Scholarship Program
Amount: $8,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
This scholarship is offered to graduating female seniors from the Tri-County South Florida area of Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach county. Applicants must submit a 250 word essay explaining why they are pursuing a degree in the fields of Information Technology and/or Engineering.
AWIS Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
This merit-based scholarship program wants to encourage undergraduate female students who are majoring in physics, including space physics and geophysics, or geoscience. Interested applicants must be undergraduate members of the SPS national organization and intend to continue scholastic development in physics.
Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
This scholarship is open to female students who are majoring in STEM fields. Applicants must be US citizens and members of the SPS national organization. Preference is given to students who have disadvantaged economic backgrounds, overcame significant obstacles in their lives, or are the first in their family to go to college.
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) Underrepresented Student Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are undergraduate student members of the SPS national organization are eligible to apply. The program awards students who are majoring in physics or a related science and intend for continued scholastic development in physics in the future.
Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
Applicants must be female students in the sophomore or junior year of college who are majoring in a STEM field, and members of the SPS national organization.
AWIS Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
Applicant must be an exceptionally well-rounded, female, undergraduate junior and member of the SPS national organization who is majoring in physics.
Lillian Martin Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
March 30, 2020
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be women who reside in Sussex County, Delaware, be enrolled in an undergraduate or professional program, and have a GPA of at least 2.5.
Women Lead Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
This award seeks female students with diverse backgrounds of race, ethnicity or faith, with demonstrated leadership and faith-inspired passion. Students must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in an accredited university for consideration.
Institute of Management Accountants IMA
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
Women working towards a bachelor's degree in accounting will be considered for this award that will cover one $1,000 undergraduate scholarship, among free CMA exam fees and registration.
Women in Need Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
This scholarship is for a woman who is the primary source of income for her family and completing her sophomore year of her bachelor's degree in accounting. The award amount of $2,000 per year for two years will be renewed with evidence of a 3.0 GPA.
Women in Transition Scholarship
Amount: up to $16,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
Women who are the primary source of support for their families enrolling as a freshman to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. The Board of Trustees renew this scholarship annually with evidence of maintained 3.0 GPA.
Rhonda J. B. O'Leary Memorial
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
One woman demonstrating aptitude in accounting and business will be selected for this scholarship. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Must be a U.S. citizen demonstrating financial need for consideration.
EFWA Institute of Management Accountants IMA
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
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, 2020
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, 2020
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.
WomenLead Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
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, 2020
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.
Michele L. McDonald Memorial
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
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, 2020
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.
Admiral Grace Murray Hopper Memorial Scholarships
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
May 1, 2020
This scholarship is available to incoming female freshmen who are majoring in computer science or computer engineering. Applicant must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
Amount: $1,000-$15,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2020
The SWE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to women pursuing a degree in engineering, technology or computer science at an ABET-accredited university. Students who are re-entering college after two or more years, part-time students and full-time students are eligible to apply.
ARFORA Undergraduate Scholarship for Women
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
May 10, 2020
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.
National Pathfinder Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
June 1, 2020
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, 2020
Candidates must be female undergraduate students pursuing an undergraduate degree in government, economics or political science with two years of coursework successfully completed.
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Amount: $250
Deadline:
June 1, 2020
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.
Women Forward in Technology
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
June 15, 2020
The Minority Corporate Counsel Association awards one student this non-renewable scholarship to a student in their first year of law school. Students can register on the scholarship website to learn more about specific eligibility requirements.
Immigration Scholarship Essay Contest
Amount: $500
Deadline:
July 1, 2020
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.
