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Top 12 Special Education Scholarships in December 2023

There is high demand for special educators, and thankfully plenty of money available for people who want to become them. In this article we will explore the world of special education scholarships. We’ll first look at private scholarships, then explore a few of the best programs for special education, each of which offer their own financial aid. We’ll also take a look at some resources for aspiring special education teachers. We hope this will help you in actualizing your goal to become a special educator!

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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship
Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Niche

1 award worth $50,000
Deadline Dec 14, 2023

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.…

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.…

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. Niche is giving one student $50,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Offered by Sallie Mae

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Dec 31, 2023

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Dec 1, 2023

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Virginia PTA Scholarships
Virginia PTA Scholarships

Offered by Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers

Multiple awards worth $500
Deadline Mar 30, 2024

Virginia PTA annually awards $500 scholarships to graduating Virginia high school students who are members of an active PTA/PTSA in good standing. There are four…

Virginia PTA annually awards $500 scholarships to graduating Virginia high school students who are members of an active PTA/PTSA in good standing. There are four…

Virginia PTA annually awards $500 scholarships to graduating Virginia high school students who are members of an active PTA/PTSA in good standing. There are four types of scholarships offered: the College/University Scholarship for students enrolled in a four-year academic degree program, the Technical Scholarship for students enrolled in a two or three-year approved technical, vocational, and associate degree program, the Fine Arts Scholarship for students enrolled in school of arts, college of design or institute of the arts degree program, and the Special Education Scholarship for students with a current Individual Education Plan-IEP who are entering an approved technical, vocational, associate degree or a four-year academic program. The scholarships are awarded based on a demonstrated commitment to, and engagement in, volunteerism and community service. If you're a college-bound high school senior and PTA/PTSA member from Virginia, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Academic Interest: Special Education, Visual & Performing Arts

State: Virginia

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program
Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program

Offered by The Whelan Foundation

Multiple awards worth $5,000 - $20,000
Deadline Mar 30, 2024

The Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program is open to graduating high school seniors from Long Island who are enrolling as a full-time student at an accredited…

The Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program is open to graduating high school seniors from Long Island who are enrolling as a full-time student at an accredited…

The Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program is open to graduating high school seniors from Long Island who are enrolling as a full-time student at an accredited college/university in the United States, or continuing education to pursue a degree in the field of special education, occupational therapy, speech pathology, or other behavioral-focused majors. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need, have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and have completed at least 80 hours of volunteer work in the area of special education during high school. If you're a college-bound high school senior from Long Island with a passion for education or behavioral science, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Minimum GPA: 3.5

Academic Interest: Education, Special Education, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Therapy/Rehabilitation

State: New York

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Federal TEACH Grant
Federal TEACH Grant

Offered by United States Department of Education

Multiple awards worth up to $4,000
Deadline Varies

If you are a college or university undergraduate or graduate student planning on becoming a teacher, you might consider applying for a Federal TEACH Grant.…

If you are a college or university undergraduate or graduate student planning on becoming a teacher, you might consider applying for a Federal TEACH Grant.…

If you are a college or university undergraduate or graduate student planning on becoming a teacher, you might consider applying for a Federal TEACH Grant. This renewable grant is open to aspiring teachers who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is funded by the US Department of Education, which strives to recruit highly skilled teachers to teach low-income students in high-need fields. If you’re passionate about teaching and are looking for some help funding your education, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 3.3

Academic Interest: Education

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Alexis Kate Special Education Teacher’s Scholarship
Alexis Kate Special Education Teacher’s Scholarship

Offered by Eden Autism

1 award worth $750
Expected deadline October 2024

The Alexis Kate Special Education Teacher’s Scholarship awards a one-time payment of $750 to a worthy college student, in their sophomore year or beyond, who…

The Alexis Kate Special Education Teacher’s Scholarship awards a one-time payment of $750 to a worthy college student, in their sophomore year or beyond, who…

The Alexis Kate Special Education Teacher’s Scholarship awards a one-time payment of $750 to a worthy college student, in their sophomore year or beyond, who has declared a special education major and has also demonstrated extracurricular commitment to the field. Graduate students in the field of special education are also eligible to apply. Applicants must be a resident of New Jersey and enrolled in a New Jersey college or university. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors & Grad Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Education, Special Education

State: New Jersey

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship
Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship

Offered by The Kansas Board of Regents

Multiple awards worth up to $5,830
Expected deadline June 2024

Are you a current or aspiring teacher planning to teach in Kansas for at least a year? If so, you might be interested in applying…

Are you a current or aspiring teacher planning to teach in Kansas for at least a year? If so, you might be interested in applying…

Are you a current or aspiring teacher planning to teach in Kansas for at least a year? If so, you might be interested in applying for the Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship! The scholarship is open to students pursuing bachelor's degrees in teaching, as well as current teachers and graduate students pursuing an endorsement in hard-to-fill disciplines or planning to teach in underserved areas. Applicants must also be willing to teach in Kansas for at least one year. The Kansas Board of Regents, a governing board, offers the scholarship program. They are responsible for the state's educational institutions and are dedicated to supporting the well-being of Kansas' public higher education institutions, the students who attend them, and Kansas citizens. Every year, they are proud to offer up to $5,830 to eligible recipients for their educational costs. If you are passionate about teaching and doing so in Kansas, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: Yes

Academic Interest: Education, Special Education

State: Kansas

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Sherman & Frances L. Teller Teaching Credential Scholarship
Sherman & Frances L. Teller Teaching Credential Scholarship

Offered by National Council of Jewish Women - Los Angeles (NCJW l LA)

1 award worth $3,000
Expected deadline April 2024

The Sherman & Frances L. Teller Teaching Credential Scholarship is open to K-12 educators pursuing a multiple or single-subject teaching credential (including in special education…

The Sherman & Frances L. Teller Teaching Credential Scholarship is open to K-12 educators pursuing a multiple or single-subject teaching credential (including in special education…

The Sherman & Frances L. Teller Teaching Credential Scholarship is open to K-12 educators pursuing a multiple or single-subject teaching credential (including in special education and ESL) at a University of California or California State University campus in the Greater Los Angeles area or the University of Nevada Las Vegas. The NCJW|LA Scholarship application cycle runs twice a year in the Spring and Fall. If you’re enrolled in a teaching credential program at a University of California or California State University campus in the Greater Los Angeles area or the University of Nevada Las Vegas, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Education

University: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (UCLA), UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-RIVERSIDE, UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA-LAS VEGAS, CALIF STATE UNIV-LONG BEACH, CALIF STATE UNIV-FULLERTON, CALIF STATE UNIV-LOS ANGELES, CALIF STATE UNIV-NORTHRIDGE, CALIF STATE UNIV SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF STATE UNIV, DOMINGUEZ HILLS

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship
Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship

Offered by National Center for Learning Disabilities

1 award worth $2,500
Expected deadline April 2024

Do you have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD and plan on enrolling in a postsecondary program? If so, consider applying for the Allegra…

Do you have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD and plan on enrolling in a postsecondary program? If so, consider applying for the Allegra…

Do you have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD and plan on enrolling in a postsecondary program? If so, consider applying for the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship! The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship is open to graduating senior high school students who will enroll in a two-year community college, a technical/vocational program, or a specialized program for students with (LD) and/or ADHD. The scholarship is offered by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, a non-profit organization that provides leadership, public awareness, and grants to support research and innovative practices to assist those with learning disabilities. Each year, the scholarship awards $5,000 over two years ($2,500 each year) to help one (1) lucky student pay for their college costs. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Academic Interest: Special Education

Other Category: Disability

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Anne Ford Scholarship
Anne Ford Scholarship

Offered by National Center for Learning Disabilities

1 award worth $2,500
Expected deadline April 2024

Do you have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD and plan on obtaining a bachelor’s degree? If so, consider applying for the Anne Ford…

Do you have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD and plan on obtaining a bachelor’s degree? If so, consider applying for the Anne Ford…

Do you have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD and plan on obtaining a bachelor’s degree? If so, consider applying for the Anne Ford Scholarship! The Anne Ford Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors with a documented learning disability or ADHD who will enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program for the upcoming fall. The scholarship is offered by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, a non-profit organization that provides leadership, public awareness, and grants to support research and innovative practices to assist those with learning disabilities. Each year, their Anne Ford Scholarship awards $2,500 to help one lucky student pay for their college costs. This scholarship can be renewed up to three times, totaling $10,000 over the course of a four-year bachelor's program. If you have a learning disability or ADHD and want help funding your bachelor's degree, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Academic Interest: Special Education

Other Category: Disability

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details

While the previous scholarships are specifically for aspiring special educators, don’t hesitate to search for scholarships for general educators too.

Top special education programs

Many large universities have special education programs. Each offers their own financial aid packages, which can be combined with the scholarships listed above. The following is a list of some of the top programs. 

  • Vanderbilt University (Peabody) ranks as US News’ top special ed program. The school offers both need-based and merit-based financial aid. All applicants are automatically considered for these benefits. In addition, Vanderbilt partners with a list of external scholarships, available by application to its students. 
  • Kansas University also hosts a top-ranked special education program, which offers both need-based and merit-based financial aid. It also offers scholarships available by application.
  • University of Oregon hosts both undergraduate and graduate programs in special education. Both types of students qualify for need-based, merit-based and application-based scholarships.

If you’re an undergraduate, don’t forget to look for standard education programs, as you will be able to specialize later. We wish you luck on your educational journey!

How to win special education scholarships

One of the best things you can do to boost your chances of getting a scholarship is to write a strong essay. Scholarship committees read tons of applications, so it’s important to write a unique essay that stands out from the crowd. 

Demonstrate your passion for special education by writing about why you want to pursue a career in your field, what you’re currently doing to reach that goal, and what you hope to accomplish in the future. 

For more specific guidance on how to craft your essay, check out our guides on how to write a winning essay and how to write an essay about yourself. Here are some other helpful guides worth exploring: 

Resources for special educators

If you’re an aspiring special education teacher, you’ll be glad to know there are a variety of organizations dedicated to supporting students in your position. Here are a few worth exploring: 

National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)

This national membership organization is devoted to meeting the needs of special education teachers and students preparing for a career in the field. Members get access to a range of benefits including professional development, career connections, and learning opportunities. 

Intervention Central

This organization provides free resources for teachers working with special needs students. Resources include videos, training workshops, articles, and more. 

Learning Disabilities Online

This website is a great resource for special education teachers who want to learn more about their field. LD Online features hundreds of articles, expert interviews, videos, columns by noted experts, and first-person essays.

To learn more about resources for special education teachers, check out this excellent post from University HQ to learn more 

Top Easy Scholarships of December 2023

Scholarship
Amount
Deadline
Apply Link
Scholarship:
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Amount:

$10,000

Deadline:

June 30, 2024

Jun 30, 2024

Apply
Scholarship Details +

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, community college and graduate students.

Scholarship:
$40,000 BigFuture Scholarships
Amount:

$40,000

Deadline:

December 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2023

Apply
Scholarship Details +

Open to US-Based high school students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Scholarship:
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
Amount:

$2,000

Deadline:

December 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2023

Apply
Scholarship Details +

Easy $2,000 monthly scholarship. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school!

Scholarship:
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
Amount:

$25,000

Deadline:

December 1, 2023

Dec 1, 2023

Apply
Scholarship Details +

Easy scholarship open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Frequently asked questions

Are there scholarships for students studying special education?

While there are scholarships available for students studying special education, you should expand your scholarship search to include general education as well. You’ll find a larger variety of scholarships if you widen your scope. For example, the Federal TEACH Grant is open to all students planning on becoming a teacher.

What is the easiest scholarship to get?

The easiest scholarships to win are typically the ones offered on a local level. The competition is less stiff for local scholarships (as opposed to national scholarships), meaning you have a higher chance of winning. Check out our guide on how to win local scholarships to learn more.

Other scholarships to explore