15 College Grants for Women

As of 2022, women make up more than half of the undergraduate population. Yet, on average, women earn less than men and are more likely to accumulate student debt. To help level the playing field, there are numerous grants available to women pursuing higher education. These grants do not have to be repaid and can be a valuable way to reduce the cost of college.

Here are 15 college grants for women:

1. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships

   

   • Amount: Up to $30,000
   • Deadline: December 1

2. Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

   • Amount: $10,000
   • Deadline: January 31

3. Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Predoctoral Awards

   • Amount: $5,000
   • Deadline: January 15

4. DreamIt Ventures Athena Fellowship

   • Amount: $50,000
   • Deadline: Rolling

5. Google Anita Borg Scholarship

   • Amount: $10,000
   • Deadline: December 4

6. Gates Millennium Scholars Program

   • Amount: Full cost of attendance
   • Deadline: September 15

7. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

   

   • Amount: $30,000
   • Deadline: February 1

8. Jeannette Rankin Foundation Women & Girls Fund

   • Amount: Varies
   • Deadline: Rolling

9. Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Scholarship

   • Amount: $1,000
   • Deadline: April 15

10. Microsoft Research Women's Fellowship

    • Amount: $20,000
    • Deadline: December 1

11. National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) AspireIT

    • Amount: $10,000
    • Deadline: February 1

12. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

    

    • Amount: $12,500
    • Deadline: December 1

13. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

    • Amount: $16,000
    • Deadline: November 15

14. United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Merck Science Scholars Program

    • Amount: $10,000
    • Deadline: December 1

15. Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship

    • Amount: $10,000
    • Deadline: November 15

Eligibility

To be eligible for these grants, women must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be enrolled in an accredited college or university
• Have a strong academic record
• Demonstrate financial need

How to Apply

To apply for these grants, women should visit the websites of the grant providers. Applications typically require students to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.

Tips for Applying

1. Start early. The earlier you start the application process, the more time you will have to gather the necessary materials and write a strong application.

2. Tailor your application to each grant. Take the time to read the eligibility requirements and application instructions for each grant. Make sure to highlight your qualifications and how you meet the criteria.

3. Write a strong essay. The essay is your chance to show the scholarship committee who you are and why you deserve the grant. Take the time to write a well-written essay that is free of errors.

4. Proofread your application. Before you submit your application, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors. A sloppy application can hurt your chances of being awarded a grant.

5. Submit your application on time. The deadline for each grant is strictly enforced. Make sure to submit your application by the deadline.

Conclusion

The cost of college is rising every year, but there are many grants available to help women pay for their education. By taking the time to research and apply for these grants, women can reduce the cost of college and make their dreams of a higher education a reality.

Effective Strategies for Applying for College Grants for Women

In addition to the tips above, here are some effective strategies for applying for college grants for women:

• Network with other women. Join organizations like the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the National Women's History Museum. These organizations can provide you with access to resources and networking opportunities.

• Reach out to your professors and advisors. Your professors and advisors can help you identify grants that you may be eligible for. They can also provide you with letters of recommendation.

• Attend college fairs and workshops. College fairs and workshops are a great way to learn about different grants and scholarships. They can also provide you with the opportunity to meet with representatives from grant providers.

• Use online resources. There are a number of online resources available to help you find grants for women. The College Board's Scholarship Search and the FastWeb Scholarship Search are two good places to start.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for College Grants for Women

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for college grants for women:

• Not starting early. The earlier you start the application process, the more time you will have to gather the necessary materials and write a strong application.

• Not tailoring your application to each grant. Take the time to read the eligibility requirements and application instructions for each grant. Make sure to highlight your qualifications and how you meet the criteria.

• Writing a weak essay. The essay is your chance to show the scholarship committee who you are and why you deserve the grant. Take the time to write a well-written essay that is free of errors.

• Not proofreading your application. Before you submit your application, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors. A sloppy application can hurt your chances of being awarded a grant.

• Submitting your application late. The deadline for each grant is strictly enforced. Make sure to submit your application by the deadline.