Scholarships for Women

Female students make up the majority of college coeds, but many still struggle to afford tuition. That’s where scholarships created just for women can be helpful. These scholarships can help female students finance a college education so they don't have to rely on student loans.

What are scholarships for women?

Scholarships for women are scholarships for which women may apply and can be used for tuition, room and board, textbooks, transportation and other related expenses. Some scholarships may only be given for one year, while others can be renewed for several years.

Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate school. Some scholarships may also be available for community college or vocational school and still others may be used toward certificate programs or programs such as coding bootcamps.

Many scholarships that are exclusively available to women are for students in a particular field, often one that has been historically male-dominated. For example, the W.I.S.E (Washington Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship is available to a woman from Washington who is interested in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).

There may also be scholarships only for women from particular racial or ethnic minority groups. For example, the Esther Ngan-ling Chow and Mareyjoyce Green Scholarship is given to a female student who is also part of a marginalized racial or ethnic group.

Other awards may focus on women in difficult circumstances, like single mothers or women who are the first in their family to attend college. For example, the Elevate-A-Life Scholarship offers $20,000 per year for college tuition & childcare expenses. The scholarship is for 4 years or when you achieve your degree, whichever happens, sooner.

The Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) supports women who have survived domestic abuse and who are attending community college, vocational school or undergraduate school.

Female athletes may also find special scholarships that celebrate their physical accomplishments. For example, the Women's Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation Scholarship is given to a female golfer who lives in New York City or on Long Island.

How to apply for scholarships for women

If you're looking for scholarships for women, make sure to widen your search as much as possible. Use directories like Scholarships.com to find potential awards. You can also ask your high school guidance counselor for advice, particularly for local awards.

There are many general scholarships available for female students, but you should focus on finding awards that match your unique interests, talents and skills.

The key to winning any kind of scholarship is to find an award that you’re a good fit for and follow all the requirements. Make sure to read through the eligibility rules and materials at least a couple of times to ensure you understand everything. If you’re confused at any point, email the scholarship program coordinator.

Students often miss out on scholarship opportunities because they don’t take enough time to complete the essay, ultimately turning in a sub-standard application. The essay is your one chance to show how special you are - so don’t pass it up.

Even if you hate writing, make sure to allocate plenty of time to the essay portion of an application. Have someone you trust, like your English teacher, help to brainstorm your answer and outline a draft. Then, ask them to read through your first version before submitting it.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for women

What are the best scholarships for women?

There are a number of scholarships for women that will cover a large percentage of the cost of attendance. For example, the Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship offers a full-tuition scholarship for up to four years of undergraduate study. To enter, female students must record a video showing why they’re interested in STEM.

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for scholarships for women?

Private scholarships given by for-profit or non-profit organizations may not require that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify. However, individual schools almost always require that students submit the FAFSA before they can be considered for internal scholarships and grants.

Even if you're not required to complete the FAFSA for a private scholarship, you should still submit it to qualify for other types of financial aid.

What majors provide the most scholarship opportunities for women?

While there are many different kinds of scholarships for women, the most common tend to be for female students majoring in STEM, business or education. For example, the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship is available for both undergraduate and graduate female students who are interested in cybersecurity.

If you have a major outside of those areas, you should not give up on your search, just be aware that it may be a bit more difficult to find applicable scholarships.

Who are the largest scholarship providers for women?

The organizations that offer the largest scholarships exclusively for women include the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Miss America Teen Scholarships and the Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP). It's worth noting that scholarship availability and award amounts can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check each organization's website for the most up-to-date information.

Explore more scholarship categories

• Scholarships for High School Seniors
• STEM Scholarships
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships
• Minority Scholarships