The Ultimate Guide To Scholarships For Women
If you’re looking for scholarships for women, you’ve come to the right place. College can be expensive, which is why scholarships for women can help lower the cost of college and graduate school. Today, women comprise 56% of college students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By 2028, female enrollment is projected to reach 9.7 million students, which is more than two million higher than male enrollment.
This guide to scholarships for women can help you pay for college and graduate school. In this guide, we will discuss:
How To Pay For College
There are many ways to pay for college. Paying full tuition, fees and room and board is not the only choice. Here are the main ways for how to pay for college:
Scholarships. Scholarships are available from non-profit organizations, companies and civic organizations who want to make a difference in the lives of young women. There are hundreds of scholarships available, each has its own separate application process.
Grants. Grants are based on your financial need and are available from your school, federal government or state government. Unlike a student loan, grants do not need to be repaid.
Student Loans. Student loans are the most popular way that students pay for college or graduate school. After you have received scholarships and grants, you likely will borrow student loans. You can borrow student loans from the federal government and from a private lender. If you borrow from the federal government, you receive the same interest rate as all other borrowers. If you borrow from a private lender, you may receive a lower interest rate if you have a credit history or apply with a co-signer.
Federal Work Study. Federal work study is available for undergraduate and graduate students. The program is based on need and provides students with a job to earn money and pay for college or graduate school.
The Scholarship Application Process
Each scholarship has different requirements so make sure to check for qualifications. There also may be eligibility requirements that you need to satisfy in addition to applying for a particular scholarship. Here are some common components of the scholarship application process:
Grades. Many scholarships may have a minimum grade point average. Even if the scholarship is need-based, scholarship organizations may require a minimum level of academic achievement.
Essay. You may need to answer one or more essay questions. Scholarship organizations may want to evaluate your writing ability and the reasons you believe you are best qualified to receive a scholarship.
Recommendations. You may be asked to provide one or more written recommendations. These recommendations can be from teachers or employers who know you well and can highlight your strengths and aptitude.
Interviews. Some scholarships may require an interview. These interviews may be on the telephone or in person. In either case, it’s helpful to prepare for your interviews.
Scholarships For Women
These scholarships for women collectively offer hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to young women based on merit and financial need.
Ada I. Pressman Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $5,200
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is for women who are enrolled or plan to enroll in an engineering program. The scholarship is renewable for four additional years.
View ScholarshipAdmiral Grace Murray Hopper Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,700
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is for freshmen women who are pursuing careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science in the United States and Mexico. Preference is given to students in computer-related engineering majors.
View ScholarshipAero Femme Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: November 12, 2022
This scholarship is for an individual pursuing an aviation interest. Aero Femme continues to educate women of all ages about all aspects of aviation with their youth and adult outreach programs.
View ScholarshipAGA Women's Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: March 1, 2022
This scholarship is an academic scholarship, not a sports scholarship, for a woman interested in golf. You must be a resident of Alabama. You must exhibit academic excellence, good citizenship, sportsmanship and community involvement.
View ScholarshipAlice May Anderson Scholarship Fund
Amount: $1,200
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is for women enrolled in a college or university in California who is studying engineering.
View ScholarshipAlma Kuppinger Forman, PE Scholarship
Amount: $1,625
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is available for a woman with any academic major who attends college in Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York or Pennsylvania.
View ScholarshipAmerican Airlines Engineering Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: November 12, 2022
This scholarship is available for a student pursuing a degree in Aeronautical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with a passion to work in the airline/aviation industry. Candidates will be evaluated on academic standing, personal accomplishments, teamwork, leadership skills, community service involvement and future career aspirations.
View ScholarshipAmerican Transmission Scholarship
Amount: $1,625
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is available for student that are preparing for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science in the United States. Your first choice college and state residency must be in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota or Wisconsin.
View ScholarshipAnn Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 25, 2022
This scholarship supports the study of sports media communications or management and is intended for those hoping to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, reporting, programming or production. Applicants must be at least a rising junior.
View ScholarshipAnne Maureen Whitney Barrow Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $8,000
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is for a student who is pursuing a career in engineering or engineering technology in the United States. There is one award, and it can be renewed for up to 5 years.
View ScholarshipAnne Shen Smith Endowed Scholarship
Amount: $1,250
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is for women enrolled in a college or university who is studying engineering. Preference will be given to underrepresented groups.
Army Women’s Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 9, 2022
This scholarship is for a woman who has served or is serving honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, Army National Guard or the child of a woman who served honorably in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service, letters of recommendation, and need.
Association for Women in Sports Media Scholarships
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 15, 2022
This scholarship is for female students who are working full-time toward a graduate or undergraduate degree with the goal of becoming a sports writer, editor, broadcaster or public relations representative.
AWIS Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15, 2022
This scholarship is for female college sophomores and juniors studying physics, including space physics and geophysics, or geoscience. The scholarship is intended for well-rounded well-rounded student who excels in her studies as well as outdoor activities, service, sports, music, or other non-academic pursuits or who has overcome significant obstacles.
Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15, 2022
“This scholarship is for a female undergraduate student majoring in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field who excels in her studies and demonstrates significant potential. This scholarship honors Aysen Tunca who was born in Turkey in 1938.”
B.J. Harrod Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is for women who are pursuing a career in engineering, engineering technology and computer science in the United States or Mexico.
Barbara Deming Memorial Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 31, 2022
This scholarship is for women artists who are citizens and primary residents of the United States or Canada.
Bechtel Corporation Scholarship
Amount: $1,400
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is available to women pursuing a career in engineering, engineering technology and computer science in the United States. Applicants must attend one of the following schools: Georgia Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University at University Park, Purdue University at West Lafayette, Rutgers, Texas A&M University or University of Maryland College Park.
Betty Hansen National Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 1, 2022
This scholarship is available for both undergraduates and graduates , and also may be used to study in Denmark upon written request. The scholarship is available to members of the Danish Sisterhood and their children.
Betty Rendel Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 1, 2022
This scholarship is available to female undergraduates who are majoring in political science, government or economics and have successfully completed at least two years of college coursework.
Betty Ruth Hollander Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is available for women who are studying engineering, technology, or computing. Preference is given to applicants with financial need.
Brill Family Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is available for women who are studying engineering, technology, or computing. Preference given to a student pursuing study in aeronautical/aerospace engineering or biomedical engineering.
Chevron/SWE Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: February 15, 2022
This scholarship is available for women who are studying engineering, technology, or computing. Preference given to all schools with an emphasis on Hispanic-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities, to include: Florida International University, Praririe View A&M, Tuskegee, North Carolina A&T, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez.
Chris Andersen WomenLead Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship will be awarded annually to women of Christian faith seeking a Masters or Doctoral level degree that will prepare them to serve in public service, non-profit leadership and/or in Christian ministry.
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Amount: $500
Deadline: June 1, 2022
This scholarship is for female applicants to fund post-secondary education. Applicants apply during their senior year of high school and must be a member for two years before applying.
Deborah Partridge Wolfe International Fellowship
Amount: $500 – $1,000
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship will be awarded annually to women of Christian faith seeking a Masters or Doctoral level degree that will prepare them to serve in public service, non-profit leadership and/or in Christian ministry.
Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 1, 2022
This scholarship program offers both cash tuition scholarships and college-granted scholarships. Applicants must first participate in a Distinguished Young Women’s event.
Dronethusiast $500 Women in Science UAV Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: December 1, 2022
This scholarship is available to female applicants who attend college anywhere in the world and are pursuing a career in science. The applications must include an essay that describes how drone technology can improve the environment on a global or local scale.
Esperanza Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 – $20,000
Deadline: April 1, 2022
This scholarship is for applicants who are of Hispanic heritage or descent. Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of academic record, need, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community service activities, honors, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations, and unusual personal and/or family circumstances.
Girls Impact the World Film Festival Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January 20, 2022
This scholarship is a film festival and scholarship program in which high school and undergraduate college students submit 3-6 minute short films that focus on a variety of global women’s issues.
Hawaii Community Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is for college students who are residents of Hawaii who can demonstrate financial need. Annually, HCF distributes over $4.5 million to deserving students, making it the third-largest private provider of post-secondary scholarships in the state.
Hearst Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January 25, 2022
This scholarship is awarded to a college sophomore, junior or senior with a demonstrated commitment to a career in magazines, including editorial or ad sales, or digital media.
Helping Hands Scholarship for Single Moms
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 31, 2022
This scholarship is for low-income, single mothers who are earning a college degree. You must live in the Phoenix, Arizona area. The scholarship also provides other program services.
HERlead Vital Voices Leadership Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship provides training forums, grant access and relationship-building opportunities with both peers and influential leaders from across industries. The goal is to train a next generation of female leaders.
Institute of Management Accountants Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship is for women who are studying for an undergraduate degree in accounting. Recipients also receive a complimentary one-year student membership to the IMA (a $39 value), the CMA exam entrance fee (a $250 value), and the exam registration fee (valued at $415 per part).
Interpublic Group Scholarship & Internship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: February 1, 2022
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. Applicants must also be available to complete a paid summer internship in New York City.
Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education
Amount: $500 – $1,000
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is for a graduate or undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program in either elementary or secondary education.
ITWomen Scholarship Program
Amount: $8,000
Deadline: March 15, 2022
This scholarship program supports the mission of IT Women to increase the number of women earning information technology and engineering degrees. Applicants must be a graduating female senior from the Tri-County South Florida area of Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach county.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship helps women pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees in business management and overcome gender barriers from the classroom to the boardroom. Applicants may major in accounting, finance, business management, marketing, operations management, human resources management, international business or entrepreneurship.
Jeannette Rankin Foundation Women's Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 1, 2022
This scholarships awards scholarships to low-income women, ages 35 and older, who have a vision of how a college education will benefit themselves, their families and their communities.
Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship & Internship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 31, 2022
This scholarship is awarded to a student interested in communications and media relations and who is a rising junior or senior in college. Recipients must be able to complete a paid summer internship at the company’s New York City headquarters.
Judy Wendland-Young College Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is available to women over the age of 35 years old who are admittted to an accredited university offering Bachelor’s degrees and who have not attended previously attended college. Awards are available for the first year at college or university.
Kabis Memorial Internship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 1, 2022
This internship offers female undergraduates the opportunity to spend part of the summer working at the headquarters of the National Federation of Republican Women in Alexandria, Virginia. Applicants must be at least a junior in college or a college student 21 years of age or older. They should have a general knowledge of government, a keen interest in politics and campaign experience.
Kaplow Scholarship and Internship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 31, 2022
This scholarship is awarded to a student interested in communications and media relations and who is a sophomore, junior or senior in college. Recipients must be able to complete a paid summer internship at Kaplow.
Kappa Kappa Gamma Scholarships
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: February 3, 2022
This scholarships is for members of Kappa Kappa Gamma who seek to reach their educational goals and make meaningful change in the world.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship program awards annual grants for the education of deserving female students with financial need at more than 200 accredited educational institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Lillian Martin Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 30, 2022
This scholarship is for a female who resides in Sussex County, Delaware and is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate professional program.
Live Your Dream Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 – $16,000
Deadline: November 15, 2022
This scholarship is for female college students who provide financial support for themselves and dependents. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must be enrolled in a college or university.
LMJ Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 15, 2022
This scholarship is a diversity pipeline program for outstanding law students for women and diverse students who have: been accepted to an ABA-accredited law school on a full-time basis; an outstanding or promising academic record; an interest in corporate law; demonstrated community service and leadership qualities; a financial need; and a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity.
Lullellia W. Harrison Counseling Scholarship
Amount: $500 – $1,000
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is available to graduate or undergraduate students who are enrolled in a degree program in counseling.
Meredith Corporation Scholarship and Internship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January 25, 2022
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 sophomore year in college. This scholarship also Includes a summer internship in the Communications Department working on corporate and editorial programs for college credit.
Metamorphosis TLC Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 31, 2022
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.
Michele L. McDonald Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship will be awarded for the purpose of earning a degree in Accounting, with preference being given to a woman returning to college from the work force or after raising children.
Moss Adams Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship is for applicants who wish to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Applicants may be minority women, women returning to school as current or re-entry juniors or seniors, or women pursuing their fifth year requirement through either general studies or within a graduate program.
National Pathfinder Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: June 1, 2022
This scholarship was established in 1985 in honor of First Lady Nancy Reagan. The scholarship provides financial assistance and support to women who are seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees.
National YoungArts Foundation
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 11, 2022
This scholarship is for women in grades 10-12 is an opportunity to receive a scholarship, take master classes, receive professional and creative development opportunities, and become eligible for nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar.
New York Women in Communications Alumna Award of Excellence
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 31, 2022
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.
NEWH Women Leaders Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: November 28, 2022
This scholarship is open to female students who are pursuing a career in hospitality management or hospitality interior design. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have eligible outstanding debt for tuition, books or supplies at the time of the scholarship award.
NSCA Women's Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: October 15, 2022
This scholarship is for females ages 17 and older who plan to pursue a career in strength and conditioning. Applicants must demonstrate they have been accepted into an accredited institution and are working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in the strength and conditioning field.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
Amount: $12,000
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is based on demonstrated need and provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada. Members of P.E.O. believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is a need based grant program providing one-time financial assistance to women whose education has been interrupted and want to return to school to complete a degree or certification that improves their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or their families.
P.E.O. Scholar Award
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: November 20, 2022
This scholarship is a one-time, competitive, merit-based award intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. These awards provide partial support for study and research.
Presbyterian Women Leadership Development Grant Program
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 1, 2022
“This scholarship is for women who are active in the Presbyterian Church who want to participate in the work of Presbyterian Women for personal leadership development. Grants will be awarded to develop and strengthen leadership skills through participation in leadership education events, including conferences.
Rhonda J. B. O'Leary Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship is for women who are pursuing an Accounting undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution in the State of Washington.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Annual Single Mother Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 5, 2022
This scholarship is intended to expand opportunities for single mothers who are going back to school. There is one scholarship awarded to a single mother in an undergraduate program or community college and one to a single mother enrolled in an accredited law school.
S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Medical Health Science Scholarship
Amount: $500 – $1,000
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is available to graduate or undergraduate young women enrolled in a program leading to a degree in medicine or health sciences.
Science Systems and Applications Underrepresented Student Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15, 2022
This scholarship is available to graduate or undergraduate young women enrolled in a program leading to a degree in medicine or health sciences.
Seeds of Fortune Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is a program that is creating the next generation of financially empowered young women of color by helping them apply for college scholarships, as well as teaching career and financial management skills.
The 1,000 Dreams Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship provides one-time educational assistance for currently enrolled high school or college-aged women throughout the United States. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
The American Nuclear Society Scholarship Program
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: February 1, 2022
This scholarship rewards its members for their academic, services and leadership excellence. Scholarships are granted to qualified student members of the American Nuclear Society who have demonstrated a high commitment to the standards set by the Society.
The Carlozzi Family Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 25, 2022
This scholarship provides one-time educational assistance for currently enrolled high school or college-aged women throughout the United States. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 17, 2022
This scholarship is intended for eligible college undergraduate and graduate school women who desire to work and contribute their efforts within the sports and entertainment field. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and they must be a Public Relations, Communication, Media Studies, Marketing or Journalism major with a desire to work in the entertainment or sports industry.
The Irene Adler Prize
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship is for a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution in the U.S. or Canada, based on an essay competition.
The Patricia O'Connell Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 31, 2022
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.
The Zora Neale Hurston Scholarship
Amount: $500 – $1,000
Deadline: January 1, 2022
This scholarship is awarded to graduate students pursuing a degree in anthropology or related fields.
Tobi Cares Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: December 31, 2022
This scholarship is for undergraduate women and is intended to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue higher education, leadership and personal style. Applicants must complete essay questions and be an incoming freshman, sophomore, junior or senior.
Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2022
The scholarship is for women who are graduating high school or already enrolled in college in any year of study, including graduate school. Submissions are judged on academic achievement, outstanding community service, leadership and commitment to impacting LGBTQ issues.
Women in Need Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship is for a woman who is the primary source of support for her family and is completing her sophomore year of academic pursuit to earn a Bachelors degree in Accounting.
Women in Transition Scholarship
Amount: $16,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship is designated for a woman who is the primary source of support for her family and is enrolling as an incoming freshman to earn a Bachelors degree in Accounting.
Women Lead Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
This scholarship will be awarded annually to women of Christian faith seeking a Masters or Doctoral level degree that will prepare them to serve in public service, non-profit leadership and/or in Christian ministry.
Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: February 2, 2022
This scholarship has been established to recognize the relatives of Army Service Women. The scholarship is available to high school seniors and is based upon academic achievement and leadership as expressed through co-curricular activities and community involvement.
Women's Independence Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 31, 2022
This scholarship is for a female survivor of intimate partner abuse. Applicants must be separated from their abuser for more than one year but no more than seven years, and applicants must have sought services from a non-profit agency that provides services to survivors of intimate partner abuse for a minimum of six consecutive months.
Worthy Women's Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 2, 2022
This scholarship is intended for women who have enrolled in school to pursue their passions and open up more doors for themselves and others. Applicants must choose one of three major essay topics.
