College is an exciting but harrowing time for most college students, and that can be especially true for prospective college students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or queer (LGBTQ). In many cases, LGBTQ+ students face hurdles that other college students don't often face. And, one of the largest challenges for LGBTQ+ students stems from trying to obtain financial support for college.
According to a survey by Student Loan Hero, 40% of LGBTQ+ student loan borrowers said they have been denied financial help due to their sexual orientation. While that is both inexcusable and frustrating, the good news is that there are alternative channels for finding funding. If you're an LGBTQ+ student who is trying to find the money to pay for higher education, pursuing scholarship opportunities that are specific to the LGBTQ+ community can help increase your chances of securing funding.
Many universities, foundations, and organizations offer scholarships specifically for students who identify as LGBTQ+. In general, students have a better chance of scoring a scholarship if they apply for funds that are earmarked for specific communities or demographics that they're a part of. Many scholarships may ask for evidence of your participation in that community, as well as academic excellence. There are also many state-specific or city-specific scholarships for students who reside there. We'll outline some popular scholarships below and direct you to resources to help you fund your education as an LGBTQ+ student.
Tips For Winning a Scholarship: How You Can Improve Your Chances
About 63% of all undergraduatesreceive at least one grant or scholarship. The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances are of being awarded a scholarship or grant. That said, there are a few universal eligibility criteria that evaluators look for when choosing applicants. You can use these criteria to help target the right scholarships and optimize your application.
These typical criteria include:
Academic excellence
Some scholarships have GPA requirements to be eligible. A good GPA and impressive transcripts are signs to a scholarship fund that they are investing in a successful future and serious student. However, funders typically look at all factors included with your application, and will likely consider other factors that demonstrate excellence and that may have impacted your grades.
References/letters of recommendation
Developing relationships with teachers and mentors that can speak to your achievements and character can be important for personal development and future opportunities. Many scholarships ask for letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your contributions to your community.
Essays
Most scholarships ask for an essay or personal statement to be included with your application. You may be asked to describe your passion and what you plan to pursue with your degree, or describe the obstacles you face in pursuing those dreams. Practice writing about yourself, your dreams, and your journey. Have several people review your essay before submitting it.
Community outreach
Quite a few LGBTQ scholarships will ask for evidence of your participation or activism in the community. If you're passionate about it, join or start clubs at your school and look for memberships with organizations you follow.
Other Resources For LGBTQ+ College Students
Data shows that about 87% of studentswho receive scholarships receive one from their college — so be sure to start your scholarship search at your school if you're already enrolled or accepted.
There are also many organizations and foundations that support LGBTQ students — whether financially or with other resources and community connection. These include:
