Scholarships for autistic students aim to make it easier for students diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s to achieve their post-secondary goals. Several organizations have established generous autism college scholarships to offset the cost of college for autistic students.
We’ve put together 5 scholarships for students with autism or Asperger’s. Some autism college scholarships are also available for students who have a family member with autism.
1. Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: July 31
The Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship aims to help reduce the financial burden for deserving students facing unique challenges brought on by autism spectrum disorder. The award is funded by the Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. in honor of Avonte Oquendo, a 14-year-old autistic boy who wandered away from school and went missing in 2013.
The scholarship supports high-achieving students on the autism disorder spectrum or those who have a close family member on the spectrum. You must meet these two requirements to qualify for this $5,000 award:
- You or a close family member must be diagnosed with some form of autism, including Asperger syndrome.
- You must be enrolled in or accepted to begin school at an accredited higher education institution in the semester for which your application is submitted.
As part of your application, you’ll need to submit an academic transcript and an assay of minimum 500 words and maximum 1000 words on one of the topics provided. Essay topics for this scholarship typically revolve around how autism has affected you and your family or the obstacles you’ve had to overcome as a person with autism. Current undergraduate students or students planning on enrolling may apply for this scholarship.
2. Dan Archwamety Post Secondary Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 1
The Dan Archwamety Post Secondary Scholarship offers up to $500 annual award to college students who have a documented diagnosis of autism or other disorders on the autism spectrum. The goal of the scholarship is to help students with autism overcome typical obstacles so they can move forward and achieve their goals.
This scholarship is sponsored by the Autism Society of Nebraska along with the Archwamenty family in memory of a young, who died in a road accident shortly after his sophomore year at the University of Nebraska, Kearney. It is intended to support and encourage autistic students interested in furthering their education.
To qualify for this scholarship, you must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or vocational school in Nebraska. The award money must go towards completing a post-secondary course of study (either educational or vocational).
As part of your application, you must submit verification of diagnosis, two recommendation letters, and a two-page personal statement.
3. John Lepping Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: May 1
The Lep Foundation for Youth Education sponsors the John Lepping Memorial Scholarship. It was established in recognition of disabled students who have displayed extraordinary courage and determination in overcoming their setbacks and completing their college education. Eligible students interested in pursuing higher education can win an award of up to $5,000 to help reduce the cost of college.
The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship is open to students with any type of physical or psychological condition, including autism, who are enrolled in or attending an accredited four-year or two-year college or a vocational-tech school. Only permanent residents of New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for this award.
As part of your application, you will be required to provide proof of disability along with a physician’s letter of confirmation. You’ll also need to submit a one-page essay, your high school transcript, and three letters of recommendation.
4. Daniel and Lois Gray Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 28
The Daniel and Lois Gray Memorial Scholarship awards high-functioning students diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome and who have a cumulative minimum 3.0 GPA. Enrollment in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Delaware is a requirement for eligibility for this $1,000 award.
The award gives preference to students majoring in speech pathology, special education, psychology and related majors with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career that serves people with autism spectrum disorder. Student financial need is considered when assessing applications.
Along with your application, you must submit a list of your college activities, involvement in student organizations, and details of honors achieved. You’ll also have to submit an official university transcript and a recommendation letter written by a faculty member. An important component of the application is a description of your personal and career goals specific to the field of autism.
5. Autism Society of Iowa Chapter Scholarship Program
Amounts: $1,000 & $5,000
Deadline: March 15
The Autism Society of Iowa Chapter offers four different scholarships associated with autism. Two scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded annually to residents of Iowa who are on the autism spectrum. The other two scholarships of $5,00 each are awarded to undergrad students in Iowa who are contemplating working in the field of special education for autistic students.
- The Zach Paulsen Memorial Scholarship is earmarked for students interested in pursuing Marine Technology, Automotive Technology, HVAC, Motorcycle Technology, Diesel Technology, Plumbing & Heating fields, or Collision Refinishing.
- The General Scholarship is awarded to eligible students pursuing any field of study.
- Students who are permanent residents of Iowa and who wish to work in the field of autism on completing their post-secondary education may be eligible for the Sue Baker Memorial Scholarship.
- The Robert and Clarice Burkgren Honorable Scholarship is awarded to existing undergrad or grad students pursuing a field of study that helps those with autism spectrum disorders or currently working in the field while obtaining an advanced degree. Only residents of Iowa may apply for this award.
To qualify for any of these awards, you must be pursuing a post-secondary educational or vocational program of study in Iowa.
Use College Raptor’s Scholarship Finder can help you discover other scholarships you may be eligible for. Search scholarships now.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.34%-15.96%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
4.92% - 15.08% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.50% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.50% - 14.56% Variable
3.69% - 14.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
