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Scholarships for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students
Paying for college is hard for everyone. However, Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) students face certain challenges to learning that traditional students simply don’t have to deal with. This has a demonstrable effect on academic achievement: DHH individuals are 15.2% less likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than their hearing peers. Fortunately, to help close this gap, scholarships are available specifically for the DHH community.
Obtaining a college degree remains a major way to attain financial security down the road. What’s more, not only can a college degree improve your own quality of life, it can also help you make a positive impact within the DHH community.
The challenges that Deaf or Hard of Hearing students face can make them resilient and highly motivated to succeed. Nevertheless, rising college costs remain a major obstacle to earning a college degree, and DHH students are no exception.
Scholarships and grants can be lifechanging for students because they provide money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back. They can also reduce the need for student loans, allowing you to start off on the right foot after graduation.
In recognition of the challenges faced by DHH students, more and more organizations and universities are offering scholarships to make college more accessible. There are many resources for individuals within the DHH community, including the Alexander Graham Bell Association, the National Association for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University – the only liberal arts college in the world for Deaf students.
Below, we’ve listed some scholarship opportunities to help you kick off your search for college funding.
Undergraduate scholarships for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students
Below, we’ve listed some scholarship opportunities to help you kick off your search for college funding. Don’t be deterred by the cost of college – funding options for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students are ample. Remember that scholarships can help alleviate your college debt burden significantly.
The AG Bell College Scholarship Program
This competitive scholarship program is geared towards undergraduate students – and a limited number of graduate students – who were diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss prior to their fourth birthday. Applicants must use spoken language as their primary form of communication. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic performance.
Scholarship amount: $1,500 to $2,500
Official scholarship website: Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell)
Application guidelines: 2022 College Scholarship Program
The Sertoma Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf
Since 1994, Sertoma has been awarding scholarships to undergraduate students with bilateral hearing loss. To qualify, students must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any field and hold a minimum 3.2 GPA.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: Sertoma
The Louise Tumarkin Zazove (LTZ) Foundation Scholarship
The LTZ Foundation presents scholarships each year to students with bilateral hearing loss. Students with cochlear implants are also welcome to apply. Recipients must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a not-for-profit college in the United States.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: LTZ Foundation
The Professional Athletes Foundation & EarQ Scholarship:
Student athletes enrolled or planning to enroll in a university, college, or 2-year degree program are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which is focused on honoring student athletes for non-athletic achievements. Students must have hearing loss, be nominated by a coach or faculty member, and have participated in varsity athletics for at least one year. Five scholarships are available each year.
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Official website: EarQ
The Help America Hear Scholarship
In addition to money for school, recipients of this scholarship receive 2 state-of-the-art hearing aids. Students with cochlear implants may also apply, but they are only eligible for the hearing portion. The application consists of an essay in which students should outline the impact of hearing loss on their learning experience. This scholarship is open to high school seniors pursuing a college or vocational degree.
Scholarship amount: $2,000
Official website: Help America Hear
The TDI Communications Access Scholarship
This annual scholarship is presented to graduating high school seniors who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or late-deafened and planning to attend a university or technical college. Recipients are selected based on their passion for accessible communication technology, leadership, and community service. Applicants must also be endorsed by their high school guidance counselor.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: TDI Communications Access
The Dr. Cornett Scholarship
The National Cued Speech Association (NCSA) presents annual scholarships to students who use cued speech as their primary mode of communication. The scholarship committee selects recipients based on the student’s commitment to the organization’s goals, passion for cued speech advocacy, and accomplishments.
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Official website: National Cued Speech Association
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship
Intended for disabled students, including DHH individuals, this annual scholarship is awarded based on financial need. The foundation provides scholarship funds directly to participating universities, so applicants should reach out to their school’s financial aid office to apply. Participating universities include Brooklyn College, Penn State University, Villanova University, and more.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation
Graduate scholarships for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students
Financial aid for the DHH community does not stop at the undergraduate level. Below, we have compiled some exciting opportunities for advanced scholars who wish to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree.
The Nancy J. Bloch Leadership & Advocacy Scholarship
The National Association for the Deaf (NAD) awards several scholarships per year, as well as the chance to participate in a full-time remote summer internship. Students must be deaf or hard of hearing, and they should be pursuing either a Juris Doctor or a Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Public Policy or Nonprofit Management. Successful applicants should demonstrate a passion for public service and advocacy, especially as it relates to the DHH community.
Scholarship amount: $6,000 for Juris Doctor Students; $3,000 for bachelor’s/master’s students
Official website: National Association of the Deaf
The George H. Nofer Scholarship for Law and Public Policy
In recognition of the service of George H. Nofer, the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing awards up to 3 scholarships per year to graduate students with moderate to severe hearing loss. Applicants must be pursuing a law school or graduate degree related to public policy.
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Official website: Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Graeme Clark Scholarship & Anders Tjellström Scholarship
Students who use a Cochlear Nucleus, Bahia, or Osia implant are eligible to apply for this annual scholarship. Applicants must be graduated high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Scholarship amount: $2,000 per year for up to 4 years
Official website: Cochlear
Scholarships for Deaf or Hard of Hearing minority students and women
In recognition of the intersectional challenges faced by double minorities in the DHH community, several organizations provide scholarships specifically for Deaf people of color and women. Scholarships can significantly reduce students’ debt burden, putting you on the fast track to financial security.
The Dr. Glenn B. Anderson Scholarship
National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) awards annual scholarships in memory of the first Deaf African American to earn a doctorate degree in the United States. Students can be attending a public or private university and must have completed at least one semester to be eligible.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: National Black Deaf Advocates
The John Lopez Scholarship
In memory of John Ramirez Lopez, who dedicated his life to improving the lives of Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Latino communities through public policy work, the Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of the Metropolitan D.C. Area awards scholarships to motivated individuals. The funds are awarded to Latino Deaf/Hard of Hearing students with financial need.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Dr. Betty G. Miller Scholarship
In honor of a former member, the International Alumnae of the Delta Epsilon Sorority (IADES) Endowment Fund grants annual scholarships to Deaf women pursuing either a Ph.D. or a terminal degree. Applicants must be alumnae of the organization.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official website: International Alumnae of the Delta Epsilon Sorority
When it comes to paying for school and saving money on your college degree, grants and scholarships for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students can be a significant boon. Whether you plan to use your education to support the DHH community or spark change that impacts the whole world, there’s no doubt that a college degree can be life changing. Working with your financial aid office can help you achieve your goals while keeping your debt burden under control.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where can I find scholarships for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students?
In addition to your school’s financial aid office, local and national organizations that support the Deaf or Hard of Hearing are a great place to begin your search. Some universities also have scholarship funds specifically for students with disabilities. Online scholarship databases – such as Cappex, Fastweb, and Peterson’s – can help you expand your search even further.
How do I apply for scholarships for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students?
While each scholarship has its own criteria, most will require you to provide demographic information, your transcripts, and a short essay. Some others will require letters of recommendation or nominations. The best place to check for up-to-date information is the scholarship provider’s website. Alternatively, you could reach out to the organization directly.
How much does a college degree cost?
Undergraduate students can expect to pay an average of $35,551 per year for their college degree, including tuition and other expenses. For graduate degrees and doctoral degrees, the averages are $66,340 and $114,300 respectively.
How can I save money on my college degree?
Scholarships, scholarships, scholarships! Applying for as many scholarships for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students as possible will help you save money on your college degree and minimize the need for student loans. Both scholarships and grants provide you with free money for school that never needs to be paid back.
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