A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Between the endless medical appointments, treatments, and the emotional weight of it all, your education might have taken a backseat. Maybe you had to pause your studies, miss out on school activities, or face financial setbacks because of the high cost of care. Now, as you look ahead to the future, the thought of paying for college or graduate school might feel overwhelming.
That’s where the Cancer for College Scholarship can help. Founded with the mission of supporting cancer survivors like you, this scholarship program is designed to help make your higher education dreams a reality. Whether you’re pursuing a degree at a two-year, four-year, or graduate program in the United States, this scholarship can provide crucial financial assistance to help cover the cost of tuition, books, and other education-related expenses.
You’ve already shown incredible strength and perseverance in facing one of life’s toughest battles. Now, Cancer for College wants to help you take the next step. This scholarship isn’t just about financial aid—it’s about celebrating your resilience, recognizing your achievements, and ensuring that cancer doesn’t define your future. If you’re a cancer survivor who dreams of going to college but needs financial support, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What is the Cancer for College Scholarship?
The Cancer for College Scholarship is a national scholarship program created specifically for cancer survivors who want to continue their education. Since its inception, the program has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships, giving survivors like you the chance to pursue degrees in fields ranging from medicine to business, the arts, and beyond.
Unlike general scholarships that consider only academic performance or extracurricular activities, Cancer for College looks at your entire journey—your resilience, your aspirations, and how you’ve overcome the obstacles that cancer placed in your path. The program recognizes that your experience has shaped you in ways that go beyond the classroom and believes that your strength and perseverance should be rewarded.
Each year, numerous scholarships are awarded to students across the country, ranging from one-time awards to renewable funding that can help cover multiple years of schooling. The exact number of scholarships and the award amounts vary based on funding availability, but receiving even one scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden of tuition, books, and living expenses.
Many Different Scholarships Available
Cancer for College also offers specialized scholarships that may be location-based or tied to specific donors and foundations. Some scholarships are available exclusively to students in certain states, while others may have additional criteria related to financial need, field of study, or personal background. Regardless of which scholarship you apply for, the common goal is the same: to help cancer survivors achieve their educational dreams without the added stress of overwhelming tuition costs.
For many recipients, this scholarship isn’t just about the money—it’s a symbol of hope and encouragement, a reminder that their journey is valued and that they have a community cheering them on. If you’re a cancer survivor ready to take the next step in your education, this scholarship could be exactly what you need to move forward.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
If you’re a cancer survivor looking for financial assistance to pursue your education, you may be eligible for the Cancer for College Scholarship. This program is designed specifically for students like you—those who have faced the immense challenges of cancer and are now ready to move forward toward their academic and career goals.
General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a cancer survivor (or currently undergoing treatment). This scholarship is dedicated to students who have personally battled cancer, whether they are in remission or still receiving medical care. Your journey through treatment and recovery is a crucial part of your application.
- You must be a U.S. resident. Cancer for College scholarships are awarded to students across the United States, so you’ll need to provide proof of residency.
- You must be planning to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school. Whether you’re enrolling in a two-year community college, a four-year university, or a graduate program, you can apply as long as your institution is accredited.
- You must demonstrate financial need. Cancer treatment can take a heavy financial toll on families, making higher education feel out of reach. This scholarship prioritizes students who need financial assistance to make college possible.
Additional Considerations
While the core eligibility requirements apply to all applicants, there are additional factors that may increase your chances of receiving a scholarship:
- Regional and State-Based Scholarships: Some scholarships within the Cancer for College program are location-specific, meaning certain funds are set aside for students in specific states or regions. If you live in an eligible area, you may have access to additional scholarship opportunities.
- Field of Study Preferences: While Cancer for College scholarships are open to all majors, certain funding sources may favor students entering particular fields, such as healthcare, business, or the arts.
- Personal Statement and Impact: One of the most important aspects of your application is your personal essay, where you’ll share your story, challenges, and aspirations. A strong essay that highlights your resilience, determination, and goals can make a significant impact on your application.
Many past recipients have shared how much this scholarship changed their lives, providing not just financial assistance but also a renewed sense of confidence and support. If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t hesitate to apply. Your story matters, and this scholarship could be the stepping stone that helps you achieve your dreams.
Additional Scholarship Resources for Cancer Survivors
While the Cancer for College Scholarship is an incredible opportunity, it’s not the only financial assistance available for cancer survivors. There are many other scholarships specifically designed to support students who have faced cancer, covering a wide range of diagnoses, financial situations, and educational goals. Applying for multiple scholarships can increase your chances of receiving financial aid, reducing your reliance on student loans and out-of-pocket expenses.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of scholarships for cancer survivors across the U.S. This directory includes national, regional, and cancer-specific scholarships, making it easier for you to find programs that match your situation.
👉 Explore our full directory of scholarships for cancer survivors here!
Applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of securing funding, so don’t limit yourself to just one application. Many cancer-related scholarships are designed to recognize your strength, perseverance, and academic aspirations, and we want to help you find every opportunity available.
You’ve already overcome so much. Now, it’s time to take the next step toward a brighter future—and we’re here to help you along the way.
Follow Your Dreams
Pursuing higher education after facing cancer can feel daunting. Maybe you had to put school on hold during treatment, or maybe the financial strain of medical bills has made college feel out of reach. You might even wonder if your past experiences make you “different” from other students. But here’s the truth: your journey has made you stronger, more determined, and more resilient than ever.
That’s exactly why the Cancer for College Scholarship exists—to support students like you, students who have faced life’s toughest challenges and still have the courage to move forward. This scholarship isn’t just about financial aid; it’s about recognizing your strength, perseverance, and aspirations. It’s about making sure that cancer doesn’t define your future.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t hesitate to apply. Even if you’re unsure of your chances, submitting an application could open the door to an opportunity that changes your life. Every year, students just like you receive this scholarship and go on to achieve incredible things in their education and careers. Why shouldn’t you be one of them?
Take Action Today
Applying is completely free, and the process is straightforward. Here’s what you can do right now:
- Visit the Cancer for College Scholarship page (Insert link to the official application page) to review the full details and start your application.
- Gather your materials—personal statement, letters of recommendation, proof of diagnosis, and financial documents—to ensure a smooth application process.
- Apply before the deadline to give yourself the best chance at receiving funding. Many students miss out simply because they wait too long.
More Opportunities Await
The Cancer for College Scholarship is just one of many resources available to cancer survivors. If you’re looking for additional financial aid, we’ve put together a comprehensive directory of scholarships for cancer survivors across the U.S.
👉 Click here to explore more scholarship opportunities!
Higher education is possible. Your dreams are valid. And there are people and organizations out there who want to support you on this journey. You’ve already shown incredible resilience—now it’s time to invest in yourself and your future.
Take that step. Apply today. Because after everything you’ve been through, you deserve this opportunity.
