Jump ahead to:
- Top special education programs
- How to win special education scholarships
- Resources for special educators
- Frequently asked questions
- Other scholarships to explore
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:
- How to write a 250 word essay
- How to write a 500 word essay
- Overview of common scholarship essay prompts
- How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)
- How to end a scholarship essay
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
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
- Top education scholarships
- Top scholarships for women
- Top writing and essay scholarships
- Top easy scholarships to apply for
- Top scholarships for college students
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