Free Scholarships for Cancer Survivors

Free Scholarships for Cancer Patients
This page was originally published January 9, 2018 and updated October 12, 2024.

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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Cancer Relief Foundation Grants for Cancer Patients

Cancer Relief Scholarship Fund

Main URL: Visit

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.


Life Happens Scholarship for Cancer

The Life Lessons Scholarship

Main URL: Visit
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

Ortlieb Foundation Scholarship

Main URL: Visit

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

NCCF Legacy Scholarship

Main URL: Visit
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.


The Simon Cancer Foundation Free Scholarships for Cancer Patients

The Simon Cancer Foundation

Main URL: Visit

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 Annual Survivors Scholarship

Chalik & Chalik Annual Survivors Scholarship

Main URL: Visit

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 for Cancer Patients

SOAR Scholarship

Main URL: Visit
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.


Special Love Scholarship for Cancer Patients

Special Love Scholarship Program

Main URL: Visit
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

The NCCS Scholarship Program

Main URL: Visit

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 Free Scholarship for Cancer Patients

Cancer for College

Main URL: Visit
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 Cancer Survivors

PAF Scholarships for Survivors

Main URL: Visit
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.


Doran Murphy Cancer Scholarship

Doran & Murphy Scholarship

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Open to any current high school senior, college student, or graduate student who has been affected by cancer and is a USA resident and enrolled in a two to five-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming semester. Minimum GPA of 3.0. Financial award is $1000 annually. Please visit this link to apply.


Our Favorite Scholarship Organizer!

A CCN Top Pick!
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!

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Cancer Care News is a non-profit 501(c)(3) sharing evidence-based cancer updates & financial resources for patients & families in the USA. Please share the information you find helpful with others in need.

4 Comments

  1. 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.

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