10 Popular Scholarships for Women
Scholarships are free money that can help fund an undergraduate or graduate degree. There are plenty of scholarships for women, including some with a purpose to encourage more females to pursue careers where they’re considered underrepresented, as well as scholarships to help them attend college.
Spending some time researching and applying for scholarships you may be eligible to receive could help you pay for college tuition. Keep reading to learn more on 12 top scholarships for women to help pay for college.
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Key Points
• Scholarships for women can be need-based or merit-based, with some targeting underrepresented fields like STEM, business, and aerospace.
• Examples include AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships ($20,000) and Women in Aerospace Foundation ($5,000).
• Specialized opportunities exist for groups such as Native American students (AIS Scholarship: $500-$2,000), Chicana/Latina students ($1,500), and nursing students (ANNA scholarships: $1,000–$3,000).
• Many scholarships also support women pursuing graduate degrees or career mobility, including accounting and statistics-focused awards.
• Deadlines and eligibility vary widely — early research and preparation are key, as many opportunities go unclaimed due to lack of applications.
What Types of Scholarships Are There for Women?
There are plenty of scholarships available for women, including scholarships for undergraduate students and scholarships for graduate students.
Scholarships may be need-based or merit-based awards. Each one will have specific qualifying and application requirements. Scholarships, essentially, can be like finding free money for college.
Some scholarships may also be location-based, such as those for residents of certain states or for specific schools. There are even some unclaimed scholarships you may be eligible for.
You can use SoFi’s scholarship finder to find and apply for scholarships you qualify for.
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Need-Based vs. Merit-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships for women are awarded primarily based on financial need. They’re designed to support applicants whose household income, life circumstances, or financial barriers make paying for education challenging. These scholarships often require documents like tax returns or FAFSA information to show that the applicant genuinely needs financial assistance to pursue her goals.
Merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, focus on achievements rather than financial background. They reward academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, or exceptional talent in areas such as STEM, arts, or athletics. Rather than evaluating income, these scholarships assess accomplishments, grades, or demonstrated potential, making them accessible to women who have excelled in their chosen paths.
Scholarships for Women Returning to School
Scholarships for women returning to school are a type of scholarship designed to help ease the financial burden many face when re-entering higher education after time away. These awards recognize that women often step out of school for reasons like caregiving, career shifts, or financial challenges, and they aim to make the transition back more accessible and affordable. Many of these scholarships consider factors such as financial need, life circumstances, or the desire to advance in a new career path.
Three examples of scholarships for women returning to school include P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Reentry Scholarships, and the Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholarship.
Are There Scholarships for Women in STEM?
There are many scholarships for women who are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 29% of all STEM workers are women, with math, engineering, and computer-related jobs being the least represented.
Government organizations, industry associations, and even technology companies offer industry-specific scholarships (we’ll talk more about some of them below). For instance, companies like Google or associations such as the Society for Women Engineers (SWE) offer scholarships for women.
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Fields Commonly Supported by STEM Scholarships
STEM scholarships commonly support fields that drive innovation and require strong technical skills, such as engineering, computer science, and the physical and biological sciences. Many programs also fund studies in mathematics, technology, and emerging areas like cybersecurity, data science, and renewable energy. These fields are often prioritized because they face workforce shortages and play a critical role in economic growth and scientific advancement.
Organizations That Support Women in STEM
Many organizations exist to support women pursuing careers in STEM by providing scholarships, mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development. Five specific organizations include:
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Provides scholarships, networking, mentorship, and professional development to women in engineering and technology.
• AnitaB.org: Focuses on advancing women in computing through conferences (like the Grace Hopper Celebration), research, and organizational programs.
• Association for Women in Science (AWIS): Advocates for women across all STEM disciplines by offering mentorship, career resources, and policy engagement.
• National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT): Works to increase women’s participation in computing through education programs, research, and community-building initiatives.
• Girls Who Code: Offers after-school clubs, summer programs, and resources to close the gender gap in technology by equipping young women with coding skills.
Recommended: Scholarships for STEM Students
Popular Scholarships For Women
Below are 12 scholarships available to women that could help you avoid taking on too much student loan debt:
Pepperdine Legacy Partners (PLP) Helen Young Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Application deadline: February 15
The Pepperdine Legacy Partners (PLP) Helen Young Scholarship is formerly known as the Associated Women for Pepperdine (AWP) Scholarship. It is one of the largest women’s groups awarding scholarships for female Christian students (though, men can receive this scholarship, too). There are several awards up for grabs, and scholarships can be renewed.
To qualify, applicants need to be students at Pepperdine University, current and active members of the Church of Christ, submit a letter of recommendation from a leader of the Church of Christ, and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application.
Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Application deadline: March 1
The Cox Scholarship aims to encourage women to pursue professions related to the statistics field. There are two scholarships, one for a female early on in their graduate career, and the other for a woman at a more advanced level. Applicants need to be permanent residents or citizens in the U.S. or Canada and be admitted to a full-time graduate statistics program of the year the scholarship is awarded.
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
Scholarship amount: Up to $2,500
Application deadline: February 13
This scholarship is for women age 35 or older who are considered low-income and enrolling into a not-for-profit accredited educational institution. Women can pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or technical or vocational education. To apply, applicants need to demonstrate financial need and answer questions based on their academic and career goals.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Selected Professions Fellowships
Scholarship amount: $20,000
Application deadline: October
The AAUW awards multiple scholarships, and the Selected Professions Fellowships is one of them.
Women may apply if they intend on pursuing full-time studies at an accredited U.S. institution in a field where women have had historically low enrollment. For instance, scholarships are awarded for women pursuing degrees in STEM and engineering.
Eligibility criteria include women who can prove they have shown promise of high academic excellence and distinction.
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American Indian Services (AIS) Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $500-$2,000
Application deadline: July 1 to November 1 (depending on when the applicant’s classes start)
The AIS Scholarship aims to help Native American students enrolling in an accredited institution pursue higher education. Awards are given on a quarterly basis, though you’ll only need to apply once per year.
Eligibility requirements include being at least one-quarter of an enrolled member, or descendant of an enrolled member of a U.S. Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, enrolled at least half-time, and completed the FAFSA. This award is currently only available to undergraduate students.
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarships
Scholarship amount: $1,500-$5,000
Application deadline: Varies (most end April 30)
The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting offers multiple scholarship opportunities for women pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degrees in accounting. Applicants may apply to more than one scholarship excluding the Women in Transition and Women in Need awards, of which students can only apply to one.
Eligibility criteria varies, though most will require applicants to provide transcripts, demonstrate financial need, and prove they’re committed to working in the accounting field.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Application deadline: New information released May 2026
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship provides financial support to low-income women of color who are pursuing education or vocational training to improve their career prospects. Named after Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, the scholarship aims to help women overcome economic barriers and gain skills for long-term self-sufficiency.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic potential, and a commitment to completing their educational or training programs, making it an important resource for women seeking to advance their careers and achieve personal and professional growth.
American Nephrology Nurses Association Career Mobility Scholarships
Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $3,000
Application deadline: November
The American Nephrology Nurses Association, or ANNA, offers Career Mobility Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 designed to support qualifying members who are pursuing an advanced or BSN degree in nursing. Qualifying criteria includes being a current full ANNA member for at least one year, enrolled or accepted into a qualifying nursing program, and a 250-word essay outlining the potential impact of the scholarship.
Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship amount: $1,500
Application deadline: Next application cycle will open on January 1
Self-identifying Chicana or Latina college students living in qualifying California counties can apply for a $1,500 scholarship. They need to be students attending an accredited community college, college, or university full-time and meet certain academic requirements. Plus, they’ll need to attend the Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF) Leadership Institute and CLF Annual Awards Dinner if selected for a scholarship.
To apply for this scholarship, applicants will be required to submit one letter of recommendation from a counselor/professor or community member.
Undergraduate students need to submit unofficial or official transcripts from their current degrees and one letter of recommendation. Graduate students will also need to submit a resume or CV in addition to providing a transcript and letter of recommendation.
💡 Quick Tip: Master’s degree or graduate certificate? Private or federal student loans can smooth the path to either goal.
The Women In Aerospace Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Application deadline: June
The Women In Aerospace Foundation aims to promote careers in the aerospace field — this scholarship program is one of the ways it does so. The organization awards four $5,000 awards to women who are rising juniors and seniors working for a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math, or science.
To qualify, applicants need to be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university, plan to enroll the next academic year, and complete a minimum of 2.5 academic years of full-time college. Applicants also need to have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
Scholarship amount: Up to $4,000
Application deadline: 30 days from when a local P.E.O. chapter recommends you
The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) is a need-based grant up to $4,000 to support women in the U.S. and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who wish to return to school to complete a degree or certification that will improve their employability.
To be eligible, women must be recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter, be U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents, have had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student, and be enrolled in an accredited program that leads to employment or advancement. They must also be within 18 consecutive months of completing their program, and they cannot already hold a master’s degree or be enrolled in a doctoral program.
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Society of Women Engineers Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $1,000-$5,000
Application deadline: Emerging First Year Scholars – February 2, 2026; Collegiate/Graduate Scholars – March 31, 2026; India Scholars – March 31, 2026
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship program offers robust financial support to women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering, engineering technology, or computing at ABET-accredited schools. Award amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, though some awards may be higher depending on donor funding.
To apply, candidates submit an application with their transcripts, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation. One application allows you to apply for all scholarships you’re eligible for, including Emerging First Year Scholars, Collegiate/Graduate Scholars, and India Scholars.
The Takeaway
Applying for one of the many scholarships for women can be a smart tactic if you’re trying to figure out how to pay for your college education. In addition to the scholarships listed here, there are a variety of other opportunities — many scholarships go unclaimed because they don’t receive enough applications. It doesn’t hurt to submit an application since the worst they’ll say is “no,” and the benefits are well worth it.
There are other ways to help cover the cost of college as well, and you’ll likely want to explore your options to see what makes the most sense for your situation.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Are there scholarships specifically for women over 30?
Yes, there are scholarships specifically for women over 30. Organizations like the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Jeannette Rankin Foundation (JRF) offer financial aid to support women returning to education or pursuing career advancement. Check their websites for eligibility and application details.
Can women in trade schools apply for scholarships?
Yes. Women in trade schools can apply for many scholarships specifically created to support women pursuing skilled trades. These scholarships are offered by trade associations, nonprofits, unions, and private organizations to help cover tuition, tools, exams, and training costs, encouraging more women to enter high-demand technical fields.
Are there scholarships for women of color?
Yes, there are scholarships for women of color. Organizations like the United Negro College Fund, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund offer financial aid to support diverse students. Additionally, many universities and professional groups have specific programs for women of color.
How competitive are scholarships for women in STEM fields?
Scholarships for women in STEM fields are highly competitive due to the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Many organizations, such as the Society of Women Engineers and the National Science Foundation, offer these scholarships, but the number of applicants often exceeds the available awards. Strong academic performance, relevant experience, and compelling essays are crucial.
What documents are typically required to apply for women’s scholarships?
Most women’s scholarship applications require proof of identity, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Many also ask for financial information, a resume, and documentation showing eligibility, such as enrollment verification, income details, or proof of belonging to a specific group, field, or demographic the scholarship supports.
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