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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!
Jump ahead to:
- Top special education scholarships
- Top special education programs
- How to win special education scholarships
- Resources for special educators
- Frequently asked questions
- Other scholarships to explore
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Offered by Scholarships360
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.
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.
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.
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.
Virginia PTA Scholarships
Offered by Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers
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.
Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program
Offered by The Whelan Foundation
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.
Federal TEACH Grant
Offered by United States Department of Education
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.
Alexis Kate Special Education Teacher’s Scholarship
Offered by Eden Autism
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.
Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship
Offered by The Kansas Board of Regents
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.
Sherman & Frances L. Teller Teaching Credential Scholarship
Offered by National Council of Jewish Women - Los Angeles (NCJW l LA)
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.
Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship
Offered by National Center for Learning Disabilities
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.
Anne Ford Scholarship
Offered by National Center for Learning Disabilities
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.
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.