Research studies suggest that children with autism do well in STEM subjects, outperforming the general population. Students with autism have the highest STEM participation rates, but their college enrollment rate is one of the lowest.

The disproportion seen between excellence in STEM and lack of college enrollment may be caused by extra expenses that make it difficult to send children with autism to college. Here are some scholarship programs for students on the autism spectrum to ensure your child’s success.

National Scholarship Program Listings

  • Disability Awareness Scholarship – Military VA Loan offers a $1,000 scholarship every year to a prospective or current college student with disabilities. To apply, students needs to be 17 years or older and should submit a 500-1000 word essay on how they overcame disability to do something great. Deadline: January
  • Google Lime Scholarship – Partnered with Lime Connect, Google offers a $10,000 scholarship to prospective or current undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in computer science/engineering, have an invisible/visible disability, and a high level of academic success. Deadline: January
  • Autism Society of Iowa Chapter – The Autism Society of Iowa offers two college scholarships for students with autism. The first, the Zach Paulsen Memorial Scholarship, is for students with autism that are studying a trade or vocation. The second scholarship is for a student who lives in Iowa, and who is on the autism spectrum. Scholarships are awarded at a minimum amount of $500. Deadline: March
  • Adults with Autism Scholarship – This scholarship, from Autism Delaware, is for students with autism who live in Delaware and are pursuing college or another secondary educational experience. The award is $1000 and applicants must have documentation of their disability. Deadline: April
  • Incight Scholarship – The Incight Scholarship ranges from $500 to $2,500, and is open to students in Oregon or Southwest Washington. Applicants must have a documented disability and be a current or prospective undergraduate or graduate student. Deadline: April
  • Yorkville Blankets ASD Scholarship – This scholarship for students with autism is offered twice annually, with awards of $1000 offered. Applicants must be current college or vocational students, and must complete a 500-word essay. Deadline: April and October
  • Making a Difference for Autism Scholarship – Current college students and high school students with autism can apply for this $500 scholarship. An autism diagnosis is required for the application, and the scholarship is open to anyone across the globe. Deadline: May
  • Organization for Autism Research Scholarships (OAR) – OAR offers two scholarships for students with autism: the Schwallie family scholarship, and the Lisa Higgins Hussman scholarship. The Schwallie scholarship is for students going to a four year university, and the Hussman scholarship is for students going to a vocational school. Deadline: May
  • NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship – For students pursuing jobs in media, communications, or entertainment, this scholarship awards $5,625. Any major can apply but students must be interested in one of the listed careers. Applicants must self-identify as having a disability and be a current or prospective undergraduate or graduate student. Deadline: June
  • Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism – Created in memory of Avonte Oquendo, this college scholarship for students with autism spectrum disorders is worth $1000 and is for any student with autism, or whose loved one is living with autism. Applicants must be accepted or already enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Deadline: July
  • AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship – This scholarship is for students who are at least sophomores in college and who have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants must show proof of disability, and the award is $1000. Deadline: November
  • Zivadream Scholarship – This $1,500 scholarship is specifically for students with mental or physical disabilities only. This program’s aim is to level the financial playing field for this group of students so they can focus on academic success. Deadline: November