As the LGBTQ community continues to break barriers and make strides towards equality, it is important to recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ students. One of the most significant obstacles is often the cost of higher education. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available specifically for LGBTQ students to help alleviate the financial burden and support their academic pursuits.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of 26 scholarships specifically for LGBTQ students. From national organizations to local foundations, these scholarships offer financial assistance, mentorship, and valuable resources to help LGBTQ students achieve their educational goals. Whether you are pursuing a degree in the arts, sciences, or humanities, there is a scholarship on this list that can help you on your journey.
Better Brothers LA Scholarship – $500-$5,000
Better Brothers LA (BBLA) is a LA-based nonprofit organization dedicated to organizing and connecting the Black LGBTQ+ community in Southern California and across the United States. The organization annually offers scholarships to Black LGBTQ+ students across the United States. Scholarship funds range from $500 to $5,000 and may be used to assist with tuition, textbooks, and additional academic costs.
Jonathan Lax Scholarship Fund for Gay Men – $10,000, $5,000
The Jonathan Lax Scholarship Fund for Gay Men is open to gay men in the Philadelphia region. Applicants must reside in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Camden, and Philadelphia counties and be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college, graduate, or professional school.
Brown and Caldwell LGBTQIA+ Scholarship – $5,000
Each year, Brown and Caldwell, an engineering consulting firm focused on the U.S. environmental sector, awards the LGBTQIA+ Scholarship to LGBTQIA+ students interested in pursuing careers in the environmental profession. Applicant must identify as members of the LGBTQ community, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be enrolled as undergraduate juniors, undergraduate seniors, or graduate students at an accredited college or university, have a declared major in civil, chemical, mechanical, electrical, or environmental engineering or one of the environmental sciences, and meet a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Live Out Loud Young Trailblazers Scholarship – $5,000
The Live Out Loud Young Trailblazers Scholarship is an annual award that provides support to LGBTQ+ youth with financial need. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, identify as LGBTQ, plan to enroll in a post secondary program, and be from the Tri-State area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey).
Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience – $2,000
Out To Innovate is an organization representing LGBTQ+ people in STEM professions and education. The Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience supports LGBTQ+ undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in bioscience. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of two years of post-high school education at an accredited U.S. college or university; meet a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4-point scale; major in bioscience; identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community; be eligible for fall term registration; and must not be under disciplinary sanction. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to furthering LGBTQ+ visibility, diversity, and inclusion in the biosciences.
Out To Innovate Scholarships – Up to $5,000
Out To Innovate is an organization representing LGBTQ+ people in STEM professions and education. The Out to Innovate™ Scholarships support LGBTQ+ undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of two years of post-high school education at an accredited U.S. college or university; meet a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4-point scale; major in an accredited STEM or STEM-related teaching field; identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community; be an active supporter of and participant in programs or organizations that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility; be eligible for fall term registration; and must not be under disciplinary sanction.
Point Foundation Scholarship – Varies
The Point Foundation offers three types of scholarship programs: the Point Flagship Scholarship, the Point BIPOC Scholarship, and the Point Foundation Community College Scholarship. The Point Flagship Scholarship is meant for LGBTQ students who are earning their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at accredited colleges in the United States. The Point BIPOC Scholarship provides financial, coaching, and community support to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color students. The Point Foundation Community College Scholarship empowers LGBTQ community college students to fulfill their ambitions in college. Eligibility requirements and deadlines for the three programs vary.
Point Foundation BIPOC Scholarship – Up to $1,500
Offered by the Point Foundation, the Point BIPOC Scholarship supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color students who also identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students. In addition to financial support, Point BIPOC scholarship recipients receive community resources and professional development. The foundation assesses applicants on many factors, including financial need or independence, personal history, academic achievement, community involvement, and work experience. To qualify, students must identify as a member of the BIPOC community and LGBTQ, be enrolled or intending to enroll at an accredited community college, four-year college/university, or graduate program in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and be enrolled full-time or part-time (six credits) for the funded term. Students in college or universities in a U.S. territory or post-doctoral program are not eligible for the scholarship.
Point Foundation Community College Scholarship – $2,400 per semester or $4,800 per academic year
Offered by the Point Foundation, the Point Foundation Community College Scholarship supports supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students in community college. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients receive access to coaching and admissions counseling for those who want to transfer to a university. The foundation assesses applicants on many factors, including financial need or independence, personal history, academic achievement, community involvement, and work experience. To qualify, students must be “out” as a person who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, be enrolled or intending to enroll at an accredited community college in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, have 1-2 years of community college left and either (1) intend to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year institution or (2) graduate with an associates degree within two years, and must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits) throughout the academic year. Each year, application opens in November.
Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship – Varies based on need
Offered by the Point Foundation, the Point Flagship Scholarship supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students earning a degree. In addition to financial support, Flagship scholarship recipients receive access to multiple leadership development programs, mentorship or coaching, and the support of a community of scholars and alumni. The foundation assesses applicants on many factors, including leadership and community involvement, academic achievement, LGBTQ advocacy, and financial need. To qualify, students must be “out” as a person who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community and be enrolled or intending to enroll at an accredited college or university based in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Community college students are eligible if they are transferring to a four-year college or university. Students enrolled or intending to enroll in a college or university in a U.S. territory, community college, online programs or trade schools are not eligible.The award is based on need and is renewable for up to four years.
Pride Foundation Scholarship – Up to $12,000
Each year, the Pride Foundation offers scholarships to LGBTQ students who show leadership, lack a support system, demonstrate financial need, and face additional barriers to higher education. Applicants must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, but they may study elsewhere. Additionally, applicants must be pursuing postsecondary education at a community college, four-year public or private college or university, certificate-granting institution, vocational school, trade school, technical school, law school, medical/dental/veterinary school, or graduate school.
Tang Scholarship – Up to $60,000 per year (awarded up to 4 years)
Each year, Tang Scholarships help LGBT Asian and Pacific Islanders from the Bay Area afford post-secondary education. Applicants must self-identify as Asian/Pacific Islander and gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, graduate from a high school in one of the nine Bay Area counties, be U.S. citizens or legal residents, demonstrate financial hardship, demonstrate academic promise, meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, and be between the ages of 17 and 25.
Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship – $5,000
Established in honor of Albert W. Dent, the first African-American Fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship is meant to provide financial aid to racially/ethnically students in healthcare management graduate programs to help offset tuition costs, student loans, and expenses. Applicants must be a racially/ethnically diverse student enrolled full-time in a healthcare management graduate program – MHA, MPH, MBA in Healthcare Administration or similar, be entering their final year (fall/spring) of full-time study, demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; or a Canadian citizen, among other things. Applicants need not be a Student Associate of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), but preference is given to applicants who are Student Associates of ACHE.
Albert W. Dent Scholarship – $5,000
Administered by the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Albert W. Dent Scholarship is annually awarded to minority and LGBTQ students enrolled in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program. Applicants must be “racially/ethnically diverse students” enrolled full-time in a healthcare management graduate program, and expect to graduate between Sept. 1, 2024 and Aug. 31, 2025. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Preference is given to Student Associates of ACHE.
ATRH Casey Hoke Memorial Scholarship – $1,000
Named in honor of Casey Hoke, a transgender artist, activist, and speaker dedicated to helping others combat marginalization, the ATRH Casey Hoke Memorial Scholarship is one of two national trans scholarships offered by the American Trans Resource Hub (ATRH). Applicants must be a non-cis-gendered person who is entering trade school, university, or community college. Additionally, applicants must be a leader or advocate in their community. There is no age, income, citizenship, or academic requirement. Application opens in mid-February.
eQuality Scholarship – $6,000
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative offers scholarships awarded to California students who demonstrate service to the LGBT community. Three types of candidates are eligible for scholarships: (a) residents of northern or central California who completed or expect to complete high school or the equivalent; (b) residents of northern or central California who completed or expect to complete community college; and (c) students pursuing a medical degree at an accredited medical school in California, or as a California resident attending an accredited medical school elsewhere in the United States.
Raytheon Intelligence & Space Underrepresented Minorities in Cybersecurity Scholarship – $10,000
Administered by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, the Raytheon Intelligence & Space Underrepresented Minorities in Cybersecurity Scholarship is annually awarded to three students from historically underrepresented minorities in STEM. Applicants must belong to a historically underrepresented minority in STEM, including but not limited to women, Black, Native American, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities; be a high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student (PhD students are excluded); be U.S. citizens; be pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, information security or similar field; meet a minimum 3.3 GPA requirement; be attending a college or university full-time or part-time; and be attending on-campus or online.
Federal Realty Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship – $5,000 (renewable for sophomores and juniors)
Offered by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Foundation, the Federal Realty Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship is annually awarded to minority undergraduate students interested in retail real estate or a related field. Each applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, member of an underrepresented group, be a full-time sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled at an accredited university, and meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
ICSC Graduate Diversity Scholarship – $5,000
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Graduate Diversity Scholarship is awarded to minority graduate students committed to pursuing a career in retail real estate or a related field. Each applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, be a full-time graduate student enrolled at an accredited university, and meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
ICSC Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship – $5,000 (renewable for sophomores and juniors)
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship is annually awarded to minority undergraduate students interested in retail real estate or a related field. Each applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority group, be a full-time sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled at an accredited university, and meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
Morgan Stanley Richard B. Fisher Scholarship Program – Varies
Morgan Stanley’s Richard B. Fisher Scholarship is for minority students pursuing careers in finance. Applicants must be African American, Hispanic, Native American, or LGBT and be undergraduate sophomores or juniors at an accredited four-year college. To apply, applicants must indicate their eligibility on their application for the Summer Analyst Program.
Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors – $10,000
In 2021, the Sallie Mae Fund partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to expand the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program in an effort to further promote diversity in higher education among minority students and others from historically underserved communities. The program will award 75 $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors over three years. High school seniors who are facing financial challenges may apply to win a $10,000 scholarship to help them attend college or a vocational-technical school. Applicants must belong to a diverse community, be currently enrolled as a high school senior, plan to be enrolled at an accredited post-secondary institution or continuous education program, have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, be Pell-Grant eligible, and meet other terms.
Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants – $18,000
Administered by the Stonewall Foundation, the Little Bird Scholarship provides a total of $18,000 for up to two years of school to undergraduate students who are both LGBTQ or intersex and undocumented immigrants, including refugees and individuals seeking or granted asylum. Applicants must not hold U.S. citizenship, a green card, or an F-1 visa, be enrolled at an accredited, nonprofit school in New York City; and be rising juniors or seniors.
The Aritzia Scholarship – $5,000
Administered by the Stonewall Foundation, the Aritzia Scholarship is a one-time award of $5,000 each to four LGBTQIAl. In keeping with fashion retailer Aritzia’s values, the scholarship “prioritizes students who demonstrate excellence and creativity and who strive to make a positive impact on their communities.” Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or two-spirit, be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school in the United States, and intend to pursue a career in fashion design, retail management, mental health, or social justice advocacy.
Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship – $3,000 or $1,500
Administered by the Stonewall Foundation, the Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship is annually awarded to college-bound high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must identify as lesbian, show academic achievement, outstanding community service and leadership, and a commitment to impacting LGBTQ issues.
Vinson & Elkins Scholarship Foundation – $10,000
The law firm Vinson & Elkins annually awards scholarships to minority students from Texas who are interested in law. Each applicant must be a member of a racial/ethnic group that has been historically underrepresented in the legal profession or a member of the LGBTQ community, be a high school senior, be in the top 20% of their graduating class, have a minimum of 1100 SAT combined score or a minimum of 22 ACT score, have financial need, demonstrate interest in working at a law firm, have a valid social security number, and have U.S. citizenship or residency in Houston, Dallas, or Austin or surrounding areas for continuous seven years. In addition to receiving the scholarship, recipients are offered summer internships at Vinson & Elkins if the firm is running a internship program that summer.
In conclusion, the journey to finding the perfect scholarship doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re just beginning your search or looking to expand your options, our comprehensive scholarship directory offers a wide range of opportunities catering to diverse academic interests and backgrounds. For a more personalized approach, consider leveraging the power of TUN AI, our innovative tool designed to match you with scholarships uniquely suited to your profile. Start exploring today and take a step closer to securing the financial support you need for your educational journey.