National College Scholarships for People with Type 1 Diabetes

 2017-08-10

Editor’s Note: For more information on managing type 1 diabetes in college, sign up for Beyond Type 1: College Edition, our email series on all things college + type 1 diabetes (T1D).


Paying for college can be expensive. Luckily, there are a variety of scholarships open to those with type 1 diabetes. Here’s a list of US scholarships and eligibility requirements.

Diabetes Scholars – a program of Beyond Type 1

  • The application opens in February
  • Up to $5,000
  • Requirements:
    • incoming freshmen with T1D, US citizens or permanent residents
    • accredited two-year community college or four year university, college, technical, or trade school
    • recognizes students who have high academic performance, are involved in the diabetes community and who demonstrate that they are successfully managing the challenges of living with diabetes

Scott & Kim Verplank Foundation Scholarships

  • Up to $10,000 (renewable) to be used toward tuition, student fees and books
  • Requirements:
    • High school senior
    • Childhood diagnosis of T1D
    • Successfully managing diabetes with proper medication, exercise and diet
    • 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Participation on an organized athletic team
    • U.S. Citizen

Team Type 1

  • Up to $5,000
  • Requirements:
    • Competitive athlete with T1D who attends an accredited NCAA or NAIA institution
    • GPA of 3.0 or better
    • Available for at least two Team Type 1 speaking opportunities

disABLEDperson, Inc. National Scholarship Competition

  • $2,000
  • Requirements:
    • Student with disability enrolled in a two or four-year accredited college or university in the United States of America full time
    • U.S. citizen

John E. Kostic Memorial Foundation Scholarship

  • Requirements:
    • High School Seniors with type 1 diabetes seeking a higher education at an accredited four year university, college, technical, or trade school.
    • Current New Jersey resident.
    • Have demonstrated exemplary academic performance.
    • Participates in community or extra curricular activities or sports.
    • Endorsement from physician or certified diabetes educator (CDE) that demonstrates that they are managing their diabetes. HbA1c is not a criterion.

VSA International Young Soloists Competition

  • $2,000
  • Requirements:
    • Entrants must be a musician with a disability.
    • Entrants must be age 14-25.
    • This competition is open to Domestic Applicants (U.S. citizens and legal residents of the U.S.); and International Applicants (non-U.S. citizens, including citizens of other countries living in the U.S. such as those on student visas.)

Diabetes, Incorporated

  • $1,000
  • Requirements:
    • High school senior or current college student
    • Contribution to their community through service
    • Applicant must have diabetes or have an immediate family member who has diabetes and a family member must be a current Diabetes, Incorporated member
    • Preference given to applicants who have been past participants or volunteers at Kamp for Kids and/or Diabetes Incorporated

AAHD Scholarship on Health and Disability

  • Up to $1,000
  • Requirements:
    • Student with a disability (as defined by the American with Disabilities Act)
    • Pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at a U.S. university
    • At least a sophomore in an accredited university
    • Studying a field related to health and disability
    • U.S. citizen or legal resident living in the US
    • Preference is given to students with a history of community service

The Trace Brave Foundation Type 1 Scholarships

  • Up to $250
  • Requirements:
    • High School Seniors with type 1 diabetes seeking a higher education at an accredited four year university, college, technical ,or trade school.

Discover Beyond Type 1’s University/College Resources and Stories.