Grad School 101: LGBTQ Scholarships
While campus culture and professional environments have drastically changed in the past 20 years, members of the LGBT community may still face unique challenges, including discrimination and microaggressions, according to the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.
Today, colleges and universities, and numerous organizations and groups, are creating specific education opportunities for LGBTQ-identified individuals — to increase their career options and help pay for school expenses. In addition to popular LGBTQ degree programs, some scholarships may be available to students who are members of a certain race, ethnicity, or religion. And for LGBTQ students who want to use their education to give back to the community — such as conducting research benefiting the LGBTQ community or providing services to LGBTQ people in need of help — they can also find scholarships to help them fund their graduate studies.
Below, are the top LGBTQ-friendly universities and a variety of scholarship options for LGBTQ-individuals.
From fine art to graphic design to photography to theater, art degrees allow LGBTQ students to express themselves and their ideas in the medium of their choice. Whether students want to pursue careers in art, acting, fashion design, advertising, film, or art education, LGBTQ students can find a variety of scholarships so they can learn and explore their creativity.
Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship
Sponsored by the Pride Foundation and open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, but may apply funds for study elsewhere. Open to LGBTQ identifying students pursuing a career in human services, health sciences, or the visual arts.
Bill McKnight Legacy Scholarship
Available to Arts and Humanities students in the queer community. Sponsored by the Pride Foundation and open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, but may apply funds for study elsewhere. Preference given to residents of Kitsap County/Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Gregori Jakovina Endowment Scholarship
Candidate must be LGBT or child of a LGBT parent, a resident of Oregon or Clark County, Washington, and pursuing a career in the arts.
Larry McDonald Scholarship
Open to adult LGBT students (over 30 years of age) seeking to make a significant change in their lives by majoring in the arts and/or humanities. Must be residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington.
Jim McBroom and John H. Weston Scholarship
For gay and lesbian students in or around Oregon. Preferably but no exclusively for those studying fine arts or the humanities.
Deloris Carter Hampton Scholarship
For LGBTQ women of color who have a demonstrated history of activism and/or leadership in the LGBTQ community and are pursuing degrees in dance, education, or women’s health. Must be resident of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Ric Ulrich and Chuck Pischke Scholarship
Offered to individuals who self-identify as LGBT, their families and allies studying visual arts and design. Residency in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska required.
Patricia Van Kirk Scholarship
For lesbians studying visual arts or theater with a commitment to social justice. Open to residents of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
Wayne State University CFPCA LGBT Endowed Scholarship
Available to students enrolled at least half-time with majors in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University who demonstrate a positive sensitivity to and involvement in LGBT issues.
Paul Arnold Memorial Scholarship
For LGBT students, their families and allies studying interior, fashion or graphic design. Must be a resident of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Markowski-Leach Scholarships
Applicants must self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer, and accepted into the University of California at Berkeley, University of California, San Francisco, Stanford University or San Francisco State University. Must be pursuing a degree or teaching credential.
With science-related jobs on the rise, this is a good time for LGBTQ students to earn degrees in physical and life sciences. Scholarships can benefit students in a number of scientific disciplines—including geology, biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering—who are looking for ways to fund their graduate education. In addition, many scholarships are given to students who are conducting research in their field of study.
Women in Medicine Leadership Scholarships
Four scholarships awarded to women studying at allopathic or osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. or Canada. Factors considered include academic standing and contributed/demonstrated leadership in the LGBTQ community.
AfterCollege STEM Inclusion Scholarship
Eligibility to students currently working toward a STEM-related degree from a group underrepresented in their field of study, including groups defined by sexual orientation.
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) Out to Innovate Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Students in STEM
Must be declared major in accredited STEM or STEM-related teaching field and an active supporter of and participant in programs or organizations promoting LGBTQ inclusion and visibility.
Portland General Electric Scholarship
Available to one student who is LGBTQ or the child of LGBTQ parents. Preference given to students majoring in mathematics, engineering or related sciences, or business, economics, finances or other discipline that aligns with PGE's business focus.
eQuality Scholarship Collaborative Medical Student Scholarships
Candidate must be enrolled or committed to enroll in a California medical school, or a California resident attending medical school in the United States. Applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible, but must demonstrate service to the LGBTQ community.
Deloris Carter Hampton Scholarship
For LGBTQ women of color who have a demonstrated history of activism and/or leadership in the LGBTQ community and are pursuing degrees in dance, education, or women’s health. Must be resident of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Friends of Alan Turing Scholarship
Offered to LGBTQ and ally students majoring in a STEM field. Must be a resident of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Vazquez Pride in Health Scholarship
Available to students pursuing advanced health care degrees (medicine, public health, and/or community health) with a preference given to LGBTQ students of color, students who are transgender/gender queer, or from rural areas or plan to practice in rural communities.
Social sciences explore the human experience and the way people navigate their way through society. Graduate degrees in social science disciplines can lead to several careers, including anthropologist, political scientist, psychologist, and economist jobs. LGBTQ students earning social science graduate degrees can find an abundance of scholarships.
Alexander G. Gray, Jr., Scholarship Fund
Applicant must be enrolled at a law school in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a member of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar.
Kay Longcope Scholarship Award
Applicants must be an LGBT individual of color planning to pursue a career in journalism and be able to demonstrate their passion and commitment to the profession. Selection based on journalistic and scholastic ability. Applicants also must demonstrate an awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community and the importance of fair and accurate news coverage.
Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award
Must be enrolled in a journalism program. Selection based on journalistic and scholastic ability. Applicants also must demonstrate an awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community and the importance of fair and accurate news coverage.
Association for Queer Anthropology (AQA) Kenneth Payne Student Prize
Awarded for outstanding anthropological work on a LBGT topic or a critical interrogation of sexualities and genders more broadly defined.
Reaching Out LGBT MBA Fellowship
For students accepted to a two-year MBA program at a participating business school. Qualifications for fellowship vary by school, but generally an applicant must demonstrate their LGBTQ identity and leadership interest in one or more ways.
Jeremy D. Protas LGBT Patent Law Scholarship
LGBT candidates who are enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school who are eligible to sit for the Patent Law Exam and interested in a career in patent law.
Malyon Smith Scholarship Research Award
Offered by the American Psychological Association Division 44. Awarded to selected LGBT graduate students in psychology to advance research in the psychology of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Bisexual Foundation Scholarship Award
Offered by the American Psychological Association Division 44. Awarded to selected graduate students to advance research on the psychology of bisexuality.
Michael Greenberg Student Writing Competition Scholarship
Open to enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school. Must submit a scholarly paper (maximum of 25 pages) on legal issue affecting the LGBTQ community.
National Women's Study Association (NWSA) Lesbian Caucus Award
This is a research award in recognition of a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation research project relevant to the mission of the NWSA, goals of the Lesbian Caucus, and the field of women's and gender studies.
Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grants
Grant offered by the American Psychological Foundation to a graduate student for empirical or applied research that encourages the study of LGBT family psychology and LGBT family therapy. Preference is given to dissertation candidates.
Wayne F. Placek Grant
Offered to either a doctoral-level researcher or graduate student conducting empirical research in the fields of the behavioral and social sciences on any topic related to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender issues.
Tom Steel Post-Graduate Fellowship
Candidate must be a current law student or recent law school graduate. Designed to fund a student's public interest law project to serve the LGBT community.
Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship
Sponsored by the Pride Foundation and open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, but may apply funds for study elsewhere. Open to LGBTQ identifying students pursuing a career in human services, health sciences, or the visual arts.
Portland General Electric Scholarship
Available to one student who is LGBTQ or the child of LGBTQ parents. Preference given to students majoring in mathematics, engineering or related sciences, or business, economics, finances or other discipline that aligns with PGE's business focus.
Bill and Ann Shepherd Legal Scholarship
Designed to provide financial assistance for third- and fourth-year law students wishing to advance equal rights and justice for LGBT individuals. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and the intent to practice law and promote rights in the LGBT community.
Rich Chicotel Memorial Scholarship
Provides financial assistance to LGBT MBA students enrolled at Stanford University.
Reverend Gwen Hall and Lois Peterson Scholarship
For LGBTQ identified students and allies residing in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. Preference given to students of color and to individuals studying religious/spiritual studies or social work, particularly those focusing on HIV/AIDS.
Social Work Scholarship
Available to LGBTQ students who are residents of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, and enrolled or admitted to a Council on Social Work Education degree program in social work. Preference given to students of color.
Emmerson-Hoopes Scholarship
Applicant must be LGBTQ or ally and pursuing a degree in social work at the University of Washington.
LGBTQ students who want to use their education to become leaders in their communities can search for pertinent scholarships for graduate school. These scholarships are awarded based on activities students have been involved in that supported LGBTQ individuals, or based on the work they plan to accomplish in the future.
American Atheists Chinn Scholarships
Must be an atheist and self-identify as gay or lesbian, or have a demonstrated commitment to LGBT rights and equality.
Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender Community (APIQWTC) Scholarship
Awarded to Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian, bisexual, or queer women or transgender individuals pursuing technical/professional training or an undergraduate/graduate degree.
Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards
Not a scholarship, but a grant given to LBGTQ individuals under 20 years old who demonstrate courage, "in the face of hardship, intolerance and bigotry based on sexual orientation, gender identity and national origin."
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Not strictly for LBGTQ individuals, this need-based grant program awarded funds to students actively working for peace and justice. Recent recipients have been active in fighting against racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of oppression.
Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarships Program
Open to male students under 35 years of age who self-identify gay. Also considered: strong academic performance; must have overcome issues of discrimination and/or marginalization in his community; and demonstrated leadership and pursuit of goals in the GLBT community. Preference given to students in rural or underserved areas.
Point Foundation Scholarships
Candidates must be "out" as a person who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. Scholarships are awarded on a "last provider" basis, meaning that they are meant to fill in funding gaps after other scholarships, grants, loans, work/study programs.
Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship
Available to women-identified LGBT students only. Factors considered include academic excellence, community service, leadership, merit, personal and professional goals, and commitment to impacting the LGBT community. Sponsored by the Stonewall Community Foundation.
Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER) Scholarships
TSER offers three scholarships to students who identify as trans, gender diverse, two spirit, and/or within the trans community. Important criteria include activism/contributions to the trans community, financial need, written components of the application and intersecting oppressions.
Pfund Foundation Scholarships
Open to students who identify LGBT or have a parent who identifies as LGBT who live or plan to study in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin. Preference is given to students with demonstrated leadership in the LGBTQ community and come from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds.
Financial Growth for LGBTQ Scholarship
Offered to students who identify as LGBTQ. Requires submission of 450 to 650-word writing prompt on the subject, "Five Ways LGBTQ Students Can Use LinkedIn to Enhance Their Financial Position.”
Levin-Goffe Scholarship Fund
Candidate must self-identify as LGBTQI and be a foreign-born U.S. resident without permanent residential status. Must be enrolled full-time in a New York City nonprofit college or university.
Gene and John Athletic Fund Scholarship
For LGBTQ athletes who are looking to continue their education and LGBTQ students actively pursuing a sports career either professionally or recreationally.
Harry Bartel Memorial Scholarship Fund
Open to LGBTQ persons 23 years or younger, who are actively involved in the Center Youth program at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center in Manhattan.
New Haven Pride Center David Knapp Scholarship
Available to LGBTQ individuals and allies who are either a Connecticut resident or currently enrolled in a Connecticut degree program.
Alexander Foundation Scholarship Fund
Recipient must be LBGT, a Colorado resident attending an accredited school within the State of Colorado. Must demonstrate financial need.
Equity Foundation Pride of the Rose Scholarship Fund
Available to members of the LGBT communities and their children who reside in the Portland Quad-County area or Clark County, Washington. Must have demonstrated financial need.
Jessica Dolin Memorial Scholarship
Intended for residents of Oregon or Clark County, WA, who are LGBT or actively involved in a LGBT rights organization.
Portland Latino Gay Pride Scholarship
Open to LGBTQ students or are the children of LGBTQ parents residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington, and need financial assistance for their post-secondary education. Preference given to Latino and Latina candidates or candidates that demonstrate direct involvement with the Latino/Latina LGBTQ community.
Markowski-Leach Scholarships
Applicants must self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer, and accepted into the University of California at Berkeley; University of California, San Francisco; Stanford University; or San Francisco State University. Must be pursuing a degree or teaching credential.
New Road Scholarship
Eligibility requirements include self-identification as LGBT, attendance at one of nine California Bay Area colleges/universities and demonstrated financial need.
Out For Education Scholarships
To qualify, a student must identify as LGBT, have graduated from a Houston, Texas area high school, or planning to attend a Houston area college or university, and be between the ages of 17 and 25. Awards are made on a combination of academic excellence, leadership, extracurricular activities and financial need.
Lax Scholarship Fund for Gay Men
Open to openly gay men who are either: from the five-county Philadelphia metro area or Camden, New Jersey, and attending school in or out of the region; or from outside the region but attending school within the region.
White Rose Scholarships
Sponsored by the White Rose Foundation, a gay/lesbian/transgender social service organization in Denver, Colorado. Scholarships are open to anyone regardless of sexual orientation. Candidate must be a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States and resident of the State of Colorado.
Barbara Bailey Memorial Scholarship
Candidate must be a lesbian and resident of Washington State.
Frank W. Ross Memorial Scholarship
Open to LGBTQ individuals and allies under the age of 21 and who are residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. Preference given to those who have experienced homelessness and/or the foster care system. Must also demonstrate significant financial need.
Jabez Legacy Scholarship
Available to LGBTQ residents of Washington State who have faced significant barriers in pursuit of their education including learning disabilities and lack of familial and financial support.
Inland Northwest Business Alliance (INBA) Scholarship
Available to residents of Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington State who are LGBTQ or allies who have been strongly supportive of the LGBTQ community.
Cole Family Scholarship
For residents of Washington State who are under the age of 25 and raised by one or more LGBTQ parents.
Under Our Roof Scholarship
Applicant must be LGBT or ally who can demonstrate significant financial need or who have been are currently are homeless. Residence in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska required.
Trans Identified Scholarship
For current and future transgender identified student leaders and role models, and are residents of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Thelma Fisher Dewitty Scholarship
Candidate must be African-American, identify as LGBTQ and reside in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Phoenix Benner Native & First Nations Scholarship
Available to LGBTQ Native and First Nation students with a current or future activism and/or leadership in the Native community. Residence in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska required.
NAEOP-TRIO Scholarship
Created for current or former students of NW Association of Educational Opportunity Programs (NAEOP-TRIO). Applicants need not identify as LGBTQ, but should demonstrate leadership in human rights, gender issues, and/or sexual minority rights. Residence in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska required.
Equal Access & Opportunity Scholarship
Available to Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska LGBTQ residents with demonstrated significant financial need and limited opportunities for educational advancement.
Daniella Altfield-Moreno Scholarship
Offered to Latino/Latina youth under age 25 who identify as LGBTQ. Preference given to students involved in athletics. Must be resident of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Brian M. Day Scholarship
Open to gay men of color who have significant financial need and demonstrate activism in the LGBTQ community and in communities of color. Must be from the Puget Sound area.
Beyond The Bridge Scholarship
Offered to current and future leaders and role models who are trans or genderqueer students of color pursuing any area of study. Residents of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska only.
Bashert Scholarship
For LGBTQ students who identify as Jewish and are residents of Washington.
Varsity Athletic Scholarship
Created to support LGBTQ-identified students who are “out” leaders and play a varsity-level sports in college. Preference given to LGBTQ athletes, family members or allies. Must be resident of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Pride Foundation Community Scholarship
Available to residents of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska who identify as LGBTQ or ally and are current and future leaders in the community.
Lee S. Burke Scholarship
For individuals who identify as LGBTQ and their allies. Residency in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska required.
Dunham-Kerley Scholarship
For LGBTQ students residing in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska. Preference given to students with physical disabilities and/or economic hardship.
Donald O. Coffman Scholarship
Offered to residents of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska who identify as LGBTQ or allies of the LGBTQ community.
James & Colin Lee Wozumi
Must be a resident of Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska, and goal-oriented, HIV positive, and/or focusing on the treatment and/or eradication of HIV. Preference given to LGBTQ identified students.
Peggy Rudd Transgender Scholarship Fund
Candidate must be a transgender individual who can demonstrate achievement in academic excellence and leadership as well as financial need.
Aqua Foundation Scholarship
Candidate must identify as an LBT woman and live and go to school in the south Florida area.
PFLAG Sante Fe Scholarship Fund
Candidates must be residents of New Mexico, identify openly as LGBT or straight ally and demonstrate a history of community/school service and leadership.
Minnesota GLBT Educational Fund
Open to GLBT identified students who are residents of Minnesota or attending a Minnesota educational institution.
Tips for Applying for LGBTQ Scholarships
Much like applying for a graduate degree program, applying for an LGBTQ scholarship can be a big undertaking that should always be done in a thoughtful and strategic manner. Although there are many kinds of scholarships out there, not everyone is the right choice for each individual student’s needs. It’s imperative to focus on the right scholarships, rather than wasting time on opportunities that may not be appropriate. In this section, students get tips on how to do this.
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Finding scholarships
There are many places where students can get started finding the scholarships that are right for them. A great place to start is the school they’re attending and the department of the program they’ll be enrolling in. Schools may offer scholarships to current and accepted students. In addition, private companies, non-profit organizations, professional associations, and community organizations offer scholarships for different kinds of students.
In order to get advice on how to find these opportunities, students can speak with their academic advisor for ideas of where to start. Also, searching the Internet can give students suggestions on where to apply.
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Choosing the right opportunities
Once students have collected all of the information on scholarships, they need to narrow it down in order to make a list of which scholarships and grants are the right choice for their needs and goals. During this stage in the process, students should assess things like their academic and career goals, extracurricular activities, and research interests. Also, students should look for scholarships awarded to members of certain religious, racial, and ethnic groups to add to their list.
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Organize scholarships
In order to be successful in winning scholarships, students must be prepared. First, it’s important to organize the scholarship list by deadline to ensure that all of the applications are submitted on time. Then collect all of the application materials needed, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. This should be done as soon as possible so the materials are received in time to make the scholarship deadlines.
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Writing essays
A well-written scholarship essay can make an applicant stand out from the competition. Just like with a college admissions essay, students should put care into them in order to be successful. Before students begin writing their essay, they should keep their audience in mind, thinking about what the organization would want in a candidate and what kind of essay would really attract their attention. Also, pay close attention to what the essay should focus on. This essay prompt will provide guidance on what points are the most important to make, so it should be referenced when creating an outline.
Then when writing the essay, students should highlight both their achievements and their personality. This is an opportunity to highlight why they are passionate about their graduate studies and what they want to accomplish when they finish their education.
Lastly, students should ensure that their essay is flawless. Editing is just as important as writing, so anyone who is not a skilled editor should ask someone who is for help.
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Review process
Before sending any scholarship applications, students should ensure that every requirement has been met. Double check that all of the materials have been included, all sections of the application have been filled out, and the essay addresses all the right points. It may be helpful to ask a friend or family member to also look over the application, as another set of eyes may be able to spot something the student missed.
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After winning an award
Winning a scholarship is a great accomplishment that should be celebrated. But the work does not end there. After students receive notification of their awards, they need to send the organizations an acceptance letter and thank them for their generosity. Also, students will need to coordinate with the organization to get the funds to their school.
In some cases, receiving an award is contingent upon maintaining a certain grade point average, so students must be sure to do well in school to continue receiving their funding.
Dig Deeper: LGBTQ Scholarship Resources
With all of the information about graduate school funding available on the Internet, it can be helpful for students to start with a targeted list of scholarships. This section provides information on places where LGBTQ students can find funding.
In the following list, LGBTQ students will find scholarships specifically geared toward members of the community. These scholarships may be based on the academic area students are focused on, the kind of research they are conducting, or what they plan to do in their careers after graduation.
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Fastweb
This site lists a number of scholarships available to LGBTQ graduate students.
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Pride Foundation
The Pride Foundation’s website lists 50 LGBTQ scholarships. For convenience, students can apply to multiple scholarships with just one application.
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Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign has an LGBTQ scholarship database that allows students to search for funding by state.
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Unigo
This site has compiled an extensive list of LGBTQ scholarships.
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College Resource Network
The College Resource Network allows students to search for scholarships by keyword, major, or state.
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Point Foundation
This organization provides scholarships for students who plan to become leaders in the community.
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The LEAGUE Foundation
This organization provides scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students.
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Scholarships.com
Lists several LGBTQ scholarships.
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FinAid Page
Lists general, regional, federal, campus-specific, and athletic LGBTQ scholarships.
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Scholarships for Women
A list of scholarships for lesbian students.