Scholarships for
LGBTQ Students

What are LGBTQ Student Scholarships?

Represented in communities across the country and the world, the LGBTQ population comprises millions of individuals, each with unique perspectives, voices, and goals for the future. When it comes to college, members of the LGBTQ community deserve a fair shot at enrollment and education—and schools themselves stand to benefit from their unique contributions. Helping LGBTQ students attain their college dreams, LGBTQ scholarships provide financial assistance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

Offered by public and private institutions—including national and regional foundations, individual donors, third-party organizations, and schools themselves—LGBTQ scholarships help make education affordable for individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford college. They vary considerably in terms of funding and application requirements, so it’s important to get informed on the application process as soon as possible. On this page, we’ll help you get started.

How Do I Qualify for LGBTQ Student Scholarships?

The LGBTQ community includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. If you count yourself among one or several of these groups, you likely qualify for most LGBTQ student scholarships. In most cases, there is no need to provide official proof of your gender or background—instead, you will likely be asked to submit materials pertaining to your experience as part of the LGBTQ community. For instance, many scholarships require essays or projects on LGBTQ-related topics.

LQBTQ scholarships may also require applicants to submit materials on other subject matters. (Multiple essays are not uncommon.) Applicants may also be required to focus on a certain major (if there’s a distinction, it’s typically made between STEM and the humanities). Some LQBTQ scholarships also require applicants to maintain a certain GPA, and some require students to gather and submit letters of recommendation from educators, coaches, and/or mentors.

Why Are LGBTQ Student Scholarships Important?

In the United States, members of the LGBTQ population have been oppressed for much of the country’s history. Despite this, they’ve also contributed to much of the country’s culture and innovation. While prejudice still exists, many LGBTQ individuals continue to influence their communities through the workforce, the arts, and other arenas. One of those arenas is college, where LGBTQ students can both learn and share, helping to change the face of culture on campus and beyond—all while learning from educators and peers. For LGBTQ students that face significant hurdles to attaining a college education, LGBTQ scholarships present an excellent financial opportunity. By funding the college educations of the country’s most qualified LGBTQ individuals, these scholarships help those individuals learn, grow, and chase the careers of their dreams. They also help contribute to the diversity of college campuses, workplaces, and the world at large.

Find College Scholarships for LGBTQ Students  

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