College Scholarships for LGBTQ Students

Diverse Resources Supporting LGBTQ Students

Many colleges, regional organizations, and foundations provide scholarships for LGBTQ students to promote diversity and help fund their education. Here's a breakdown of some key opportunities for regional, degree-specific, and leadership scholarships.

Regional & State-Specific Scholarships

• Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
• Amount: Varies
• Due Date: Mid-April
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students in Austin, Texas.

• Apply Here

• Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Loan Fund

• Amount: Varies
• Due Date: Mid-March
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students in Middle Tennessee and parts of Kentucky.

• Learn More

• Greater San Diego Business Association Scholarship

• Amount: $2,000
• Due Date: Mid-June
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students in San Diego County.

• Apply Here

• Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) Scholar Program

• Amount: Up to $13,000 (renewable annually)
• Due Date: Mid-January
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students in Washington (and partnerships with AK, ID, MT, OR).

• Apply Here

• Missouri Courage Scholarships

• Amount: Varies
• Due Date: Early January
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students in Missouri. Awards include Trans Courage and Rural Courage.

• Learn More

• Markowski-Leach Scholarships

• Amount: $1,250 to $10,000
• Due Date: Early January
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students attending San Francisco State University, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCSF, or UC Hastings.

• Learn More

• Morehead Kentucky Pride Scholarship

• Amount: $500
• Due Date: Early September
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students in Eastern Kentucky.

• Apply Here

• Stonewall Foundation Levin-Goffe Scholarship

• Amount: $25,000
• Due Date: Varies
• Eligibility: LGBTQI immigrants in New York City.
• Learn More

Degree-Specific Scholarships

• Dream Out Loud Scholarship
• Amount: Up to $1,000
• Due Date: Late February
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students pursuing film, theatre, dance, or music degrees.

• Apply Here

• Queens of the Castro Grace Towers Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000-$2,000
• Due Date: May-June
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students in California, Chicago, and NYC pursuing arts degrees.

• Learn More

• Reaching Out LGBTQ MBA Fellowship

• Amount: Minimum $10,000
• Due Date: Mid-January
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students pursuing an MBA.

• Learn More

• Out to Innovate Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: Early August
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students in STEM programs.

• Apply Here

• National Gay Pilots Association Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: Early June
• Eligibility: LGBTQ pilots advancing careers in aviation.
• Apply Here

Leadership & Community Scholarships

• Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund
• Amount: $2,000
• Due Date: Late December
• Eligibility: Black lesbian women over 40 years old.

• Learn More

• GAPA Foundation Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000-$5,000
• Due Date: Late March
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students active in Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities.

• Learn More

• LEAGUE Foundation LGBT Scholarship

• Amount: $500-$2,500
• Due Date: April
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students with proven community service and 3.0 GPA.

• Learn More

• Point Foundation Scholarships

• Amount: Varies
• Due Date: Late January
• Eligibility: LGBTQ students with financial need and community involvement.

• Learn More

• Colin Higgins Courage Awards

• Amount: $10,000
• Due Date: Early March
• Eligibility: LGBTQ youth under 20 years showing activism and courage.
• Apply Here

FAQs for LGBTQ Students Applying for Scholarships

• Should I disclose my LGBTQ identity in applications?

• It's optional - disclose only if you're comfortable. Many scholarships allow allies to apply as well.

• What if my family doesn't know I"9m LGBTQ?

• Look for scholarships aimed at LGBTQ allies, scholarships that protect your privacy, or those that don't require letters of recommendation.

• What about privacy on FAFSA forms?

• Disowned students can indicate they are homeless or at risk of homelessness to request independent student status.

• Do LGBTQ students have protections in college admissions?

• Public institutions must adhere to Title IX protections. Private or religious institutions may claim exemptions.

• Where can I find LGBTQ campus resources?

• Look for:
  • LGBTQ Resource Centers
  • Diversity/Pride Centers
  • LGBTQ Student Organizations

These scholarships and resources can help LGBTQ students fund their education, build leadership skills, and support their communities.

Next: Read 1200+ student guides covering all aspects of student life.

❤ If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy