Free Scholarships for Cancer Survivors
If you or someone you know has had cancer and wants to go back to school, please take a look at the scholarship programs below. These programs are open and available nationwide to cancer patients in the USA, Scholarships can be used for books, supplies and tuition and are available to help make professional dreams come true. The grants we’ve included here range from $1000 to $15000 or more. Many have GPA requirements but be sure to review each specific program for eligibility, application process, and deadlines.
Programs are available for both survivors and family members. Review the programs below and get in touch directly with the scholarship directly for assistance. If you find an error in any listing, please contact us here so we can get it corrected.
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The Simon Cancer Foundation
Description:
Graduate and undergraduate college scholarships are available to those in the USA who have battled cancer in their lifetime. Applicants must be attending a four-year university in the US and have a GPA of 3.0 or greater. An application with essay question is required to apply. For more information and to download the application package, please visit this link: http://www.thescf.org/Scholarships.html.
Special Love Scholarship Program
Phone: (888) 930-2707
Description:
Special Love offers college scholarships for books, housing, and tuition to assist children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Scholarship requests must come from your doctor, social worker, or hospital representative. For current status and application, please call toll-free (888) 930-2707 or visit http://specialove.org/scholarships/.
The National Children’s Cancer Society
Description:
The National Children’s Cancer Society Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program awards 40 annual college scholarships of $3500 to childhood cancer survivors. For eligibility and current application status, visit https://www.thenccs.org/scholarship/.
Cancer for College
Email: applications@cancerforcollege.org
Description:
Provides college scholarships to cancer survivors. Since its inception, Cancer for College has provided over $2.3 million in scholarships to almost 1,100 cancer survivors. Awards range from $1000 – $5,000. The application period is Nov 2-Jan 31 each year. For application, visit https://cancerforcollege.org/application-faqs/.
Life Happens
Email: scholarship@lifehappens.org
Description:
Scholarship program for those age 17-24 who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer and are currently enrolled in (or accepted to), a US trade school, college or university. Awards range from $5000 to $15000. The application period for this program usually begins each February. To download an application, please visit http://www.lifehappens.org/life-lessons-scholarship-program/life-lessons-scholarship-application/.
The Ulman Fund
Email: info@ulmanfund.org
Description:
Multiple scholarship opportunities are offered through the Ulman Fund. These scholarship programs help young adults (ages 15-39) continue their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one. Scholarship winners are currently awarded a total of $2500 over two academic semesters. Check the website for the next open application period here: http://ulmanfund.org/scholarships/.
The Nicki Leach Foundation
Contact: Get in Touch
Description:
The Nicki Leach Foundation provides financial assistance to young adults (18-30) afflicted with cancer and who are having trouble meeting expenses. This grant program is in honor of the foundation’s namesake who bravely battled stage IV brain cancer. Applications are usually available each October. For the next application period, visit https://nickileach.org/assistance.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Scholarships for Survivors
Email: events@patientadvocate.org
Description:
Provides $3000 scholarships for US residents under the age of 25 who have been diagnosed with cancer within the past five years and who are pursuing a Bachelor-level degree (or higher). For current program availability and application, please visit http://www.patientadvocate.org/help.php?p=69.
National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
Email: info@collegiatecancer.org
Description:
Provides $1000 to young adults 18-35 whose lives have been impacted by cancer and who have continued with their education throughout treatment or after their treatment. For the next open application period, visit http://collegiatecancer.org/scholarships/.
Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation
Email: info@curethekids.org
Description:
College scholarships for cancer patients diagnosed with certain brain tumors before age 19. Since 2002, this organization has awarded more than 1,400 college scholarships to brain tumor survivors. Awards vary based on need. To view the current application period and apply online, please visit http://www.curethekids.org/family-resources/scholarships/#.Wk5bU9-nEgg.
Cancer Survivors' Fund
Description:
Provides college scholarships for cancer survivors. Scholarships amounts vary based on need. Applications typically open in February of each year for the following fall semester. For current program availability and to print a PDF application, please visit http://www.cancersurvivorsfund.org/ScholarshipEligibilityRequirements.htm.
Like everyone, our kids have dreams too. I am so thankful places like this help make dreams come true.
Hi Imogen! We, too, are grateful for the generosity of all of these agencies who are truly making a difference in the lives of cancer patients nationwide.
PAF is great, isn’t it?
Yes, Allan, we agree!