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 scholarships we’ve included here range from $1000 to $15000 or more. Many have GPA requirements. Be sure to review each specific program for eligibility, application process, and deadlines. Scholarships are available for both survivors and family members. Get in touch directly with the scholarship you’re interested in for assistance.
Cancer takes so much. If you or a loved one is looking to go back to school, these scholarship programs can help. We hope one of these scholarships provides you with the financial assistance to make your educational goals a reality. ❤️
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Dillon Wolford Memorial Scholarship
Description:
The Hoffen Foundation offers the $1000 Dillon Wolford Memorial Scholarship to college-bound students in the USA with a history of medical treatments to inspire recipients to pursue their education despite medical hardships. Applications are due by April 30 each year, with awards announced by June 1. To learn more and apply, visit the link above.
Sofia's Hope Scholarship
Description:
Sofia’s Hope offers scholarships to childhood cancer survivors and siblings of children affected by cancer in the USA. These scholarships help cover up to $2000 in costs related to higher education, including tuition, room and board, and other academic expenses. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and submit required documentation by the annual deadline. To learn more about eligibility requirements and apply, visit the link above.
Cancer Relief Scholarship Fund
Description:
This teen-led organization provides $500.00 scholarships to cancer patients in the USA who are in active treatment and have demonstrated financial need. Applicants must meet income guidelines, minimum GPA, and provide proof of diagnosis. Award based on the applicant’s needs and current funding. To apply for this scholarship from the Cancer Relief Foundation, please complete the contact form here to initiate your request.
Northwestern Mutual Scholarship for Siblings
Description:
Northwestern Mutual Foundation offers a national scholarship program for siblings of cancer patients. This program awards $5,000 to undergraduate students in the USA under the age of 25 with a GPA of at least 2.5. The grant is renewable for one year for a total of $10,000. To apply for the next scholarship cycle, please visit the Northwestern Mutual Foundation program site here.
The Life Lessons Scholarship
Email: support@lifehappens.org
Description:
The Life Lessons Scholarship Program sponsored by Life Happens is a financial award program for college students and college-bound high school seniors age 17-24 who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer. This program has awarded over 2.5 million dollars to students in the USA since its inception. Awards vary based on financial need. To apply to the next open cycle, please visit the website.
Ortlieb Foundation Scholarship
Description:
The Ortlieb Foundation Scholarship is available to full-time students at four-year colleges or universities in the USA. All applicants must have been diagnosed with cancer and had (or are having) treatment for this disease and meet income requirements. To apply for this $1000 scholarship, please visit this link for the next open cycle.
NCCF Legacy Scholarship
Phone: (240) 515-6262
Email: info@collegiatecancer.org
Description:
The NCCF Legacy Scholarship is a national program available to college students who have lost a parent or legal guardian to cancer. Applicants must be residents of the USA, be between the ages of 17 and 35, and have unmet financial need to qualify for this $1000 scholarship. To apply for the next cycle, please visit this page.
John Foy & Associates Strong Arm Leukemia Scholarship
Description:
A $1,000 scholarship awarded annually to one USA college student who has battled leukemia or whose life has been affected by it. Graduate and undergraduates eligible to apply. Essay (500-1000 words) required with submission. Application available online here.
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.
Chalik & Chalik Annual Survivors Scholarship
Description:
National scholarship program for a deserving student who was diagnosed with cancer and demonstrated resilience, compassion, and commitment to help others. Scholarship is $1000 and based on financial need. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be admitted, to or enrolled in, an accredited college/university in the USA. To view the next open cycle and apply, please visit this link.
SOAR Scholarship
Phone: (832) 729-6063
Description:
The SOAR Scholarship is $1000 and awarded to US residents of any age who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer and want to pursue higher education. Eligibility is based on financial need, academic standing, and personal essay. To view the next open cycle and apply, please visit this link.
Rebecca H Truelsch Memorial Scholarship
Email: rhtruelsch@aol.com
Description:
The Rebecca H. Truelsch Memorial Scholarship offers a $500 award to students in the USA who have overcome significant life obstacles, such as cancer, and want to attend college. Applications must be postmarked by May 15 of each year. For more information, visit the link above or contact the scholarship committee at the email address provided.
Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation Scholarship
Description:
National scholarship providing financial assistance to any student in the USA with a passion for fitness/athletics pursuing post high school education after a cancer diagnosis/treatment. To view the next open cycle and apply, please visit the Paul Bernot Memorial Foundation Scholarship website.
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 the website for an online application.
The NCCS Scholarship Program
Description:
The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program awards 40 annual college scholarships of $3500 to childhood cancer survivors in the USA who are pursuing higher education. For eligibility and current application status, please visit this page on the NCCS website.
Cancer for College
Email: applications@cancerforcollege.org
Description:
Provides college scholarships to cancer survivors in the USA pursuing a degree. 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 current application, please visit this page.
PAF Scholarships for Survivors
Email: scholarship@patientadvocate.org
Description:
The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides $3000 scholarships for USA 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) in the United States. For current program availability and application, please visit this page on the PAF website.
National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
Email: info@collegiatecancer.org
Description:
Provides $1000 to young adults ages 18 through 35 whose lives have been impacted by cancer and who have continued with their education throughout treatment or after their treatment. For eligibility and the next open application period, please visit their website here.
Our Favorite Scholarship Organizer!
This 12 Pocket Project Organizer is the perfect tool for organizing your scholarship applications. A full 8.5 x 11", this multi-pocket organizer boasts 12 pockets, 6 dividers and 1/6-cut assorted tabs in vibrant colors to keep your applications organized and easily at hand. A CCN Top Pick!
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!