From science and technology to business and arts, women have made remarkable strides in various fields.
But believe it or not: Even though more and more women are going after their educational dreams, they still face some unique challenges and obstacles along the way.
Numerous grants and scholarships recognize the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering underrepresented women, emerging to support women’s educational pursuits.
Want to know more about financial aid specifically designed for female students? Keep reading to discover some of the top education grants and scholarships available to women and how they can play a significant role in paying for tuition or student loans.
Grants vs. scholarships: What’s the difference?
The words “grant” and “scholarship” might sound similar, but they actually have different meanings and applications.
Government organizations, schools, and private foundations usually award grants based on financial need.
Factors like income, family size, and other financial circumstances typically determine grant eligibility.
On the other hand, scholarship providers primarily award scholarships based on merit, talent, or specific criteria, including community service experience and part-time work.
They often have specific eligibility requirements and application processes, such as submitting essays, demonstrating leadership skills, or providing references.
The key takeaway is that anyone needing financial aid should explore both grant and scholarship programs. They each have their own perks and requirements, so it’s good to keep your options open.
How to find college grants for women
If you’re on the hunt for college grants, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the best place to start.
The FAFSA collects information about you and your family’s income, assets, and household size to calculate your financial need and determine how much financial assistance you might need.
Most financial aid programs are based on need, meaning students from lower-income households have more access to aid.
But wait, there’s more! Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students excelling in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, or any other special talents they’ve got up their sleeves.
FAFSA tips
Completing the FAFSA can help you determine grant and scholarship eligibility. Here are some tips to remember when filling out your form:
- Start early. Get a head start on the FAFSA process to ensure you have enough time to gather necessary information and meet deadlines.
- Fill out the form completely. Take the time to ensure you answer all the questions on the FAFSA accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or errors.
- Follow up and check for additional forms. Stay on top of any updates or requests for additional documentation from the financial aid office.
- Save in a parent’s (not your) name. Saving in a parent’s name can positively impact your financial aid eligibility.
- Enroll your siblings at the same time. If you have siblings who are also attending college, complete their FAFSA at the same time to maximize your potential financial aid opportunities.
- File the FAFSA (even if you don’t expect any financial support). Even if you think you may not be eligible for financial aid, submitting the FAFSA is still important.
What qualifies women for college grants?
Qualifying for college grants can be a complicated process, but don’t sweat it. Understanding the requirements is the first step in getting college funding.
Typical requirements for college grants targeting women include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and enrollment in an accredited educational institution.
Other factors might come into play, depending on the grant. These include academic achievements, your field of study, and membership in specific organizations.
Stay on top of it all by doing your homework! Research each grant and note any specific qualifications or documentation you might need.
Oh, and mark those deadlines in your calendar! Gather the required materials well in advance to give yourself ample time to prepare a strong application (since many will also require an essay portion).
How to find scholarships for women
Finding scholarships for women can be a daunting task. Many resources are out there, but it can be difficult to know where to start.
Let’s explore some of the best ways to find scholarships:
- Reach out to the financial aid office at the college or career school you’re interested in.
- Consult with your high school counselor, who may have valuable insights and resources.
- Attend college and career fairs.
- Network and seek recommendations from mentors, professors, and professionals in your chosen field.
- Research professional associations relevant to your intended career path or academic field.
- Explore local community organizations, foundations, nonprofits, and women’s groups in your area.
- Investigate ethnicity-based organizations that provide scholarships for specific ethnic backgrounds (e.g., African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans).
- Visit your local library to find books and guides focusing on scholarships for women.
Top scholarships for women this year
Whether you’re a college student, graduate student, or already in the professional world, there are numerous merit- and need-based grants for women.
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
Named after the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation aims to empower women over age 35 to get a college degree.
The organization provides financial assistance to help recipients cover continuing education expenses like books and tuition. The foundation has awarded 1,700 grants since 1978, equal to $4 million in award amounts.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering applying for this scholarship: Applicants must demonstrate financial need, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be enrolled or accepted into an accredited educational program.
Maggie’s Way International Women’s Scholarship
The Maggie’s Way International Women’s Scholarship is all about supporting female students from all corners of the globe and giving them a chance to unleash their full potential through education.
The foundation is named after “Maggie” Kwiecien, a skilled engineer from Poland who immigrated to the United States without any support in 2015.
That’s why the scholarship is open to female international high school or undergraduate students studying in the United States, with a preference for those majoring in STEM fields.
Here’s a tip for submitting your application: Explain how you relate to the challenges Maggie faced and how you share her strength and determination.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Award
Let us tell you about the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation. Established in 2003, the foundation has been keeping the values Patsy Takemoto Mink fought for alive.
Patsy Takemoto Mink was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to championing civil rights, women’s rights, and economic justice and upholding the integrity of the democratic process.
The foundation is committed to promoting educational opportunities for low-income women, especially single mothers.
Criteria for the foundation scholarship include being a mother older than 17, pursuing a graduate degree, and coming from a low-income background.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship Grant
Named after Barry Goldwater, this scholarship is all about supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders in math, computer science, and engineering. Pretty cool, right?
Scholarship recipients receive up to $7,500 in grant money per full academic year to cover educational expenses like tuition, mandatory fees, books, health care, and graduate school boarding.
Who’s eligible for this fantastic opportunity? The Goldwater Scholarship is open to full-time sophomore and junior students enrolled at an accredited two-year or four-year institution of higher education.
Applicants must have a minimum college grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program
The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) is dedicated to empowering women who have survived intimate partner abuse.
WISP helps women pursuing their undergraduate degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree by covering tuition fees, books, child care, and other related expenses.
To be eligible to apply, you must identify as a female survivor of intimate partner abuse and have sought services from a nonprofit agency for a minimum of six consecutive months.
Society of Women Engineers Scholarship
Established in 1950, the Society of Women Engineers Scholarship (SWE) provides financial assistance to female students at various stages of their academic journey, including high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students.
By providing financial assistance and recognition, SWE encourages women to break barriers in engineering, science, technology, and related fields.
One of the eligibility requirements is enrollment in an ABET-accredited program, which indicates that the program’s curriculum, faculty, and facilities have been rigorously evaluated and meet industry standards.
College Rover can help you find the best school for you
Qualifying for college grant programs can be a complicated process, but knowledge is power.
College Rover provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate the college world.
With College Rover, you can research schools, explore academic programs, and access comprehensive information about scholarships and grants.
Now, it’s time to rock your college journey and make your dreams come true!
