For cancer survivors, life begins once more after treatment. It’s a second chance to rebuild, dream, and pursue the future with a renewed sense of purpose. Recovering from treatment should not stop you from chasing dreams, claiming independence, or pursuing education.

For childhood cancer survivors and adults who have won the battle with cancer, school can be a way to resume everyday life and start planning for a cancer-free future. A degree opens pathways to employment, helps survivors network and connect with the world, and provides a clear path forward—but a degree can be costly.

So, what if your strength and story could open doors you thought were closed or that you could not afford? School can be expensive, but cancer survivors' scholarships are out there. They can be a recognition of your courage and a bridge to the future you deserve.

So, if you are wondering if there are opportunities to acknowledge the challenge of living with cancer, I have gathered some of the resources available in this blog. Let's explore how these scholarships can help you reclaim your story and build the life you've fought so hard to live.

Want to start applying for more scholarships in addition to cancer survivors programs? Find all the scholarships available by creating a free profile with Bold.org!

Best Scholarships for Cancer Survivors: Financial Support for Education

1. Need-Based Scholarships

Any student experiencing financial difficulty can apply for these need-based scholarships. Cancer and healthcare can create immense financial hardship, leading to reduced funding for school and other necessities. These need-based scholarships can help you afford college if you're struggling.

2. Scholarships for Homeschoolers

Childhood cancer survivors may have been homeschooled due to demanding treatment plans or personal reasons. If you've been homeschooled, apply for these scholarships to get funding for university and higher education.

3. Scholarships for Online Students

According to Champlain College, online colleges are usually cheaper than traditional colleges. For this reason, students with greater financial need tend to choose online colleges over traditional colleges. In addition, online colleges provide flexibility for students finishing treatment or recovering from their illnesses.

Best Scholarships for Cancer Survivors by Major

1. Nursing Scholarships

Having experienced the healthcare system firsthand, cancer survivors may want to work in the health sphere to help others. Whether you've had inspiring encounters with healthcare workers or want to be the change you wish to see in the nursing field, a nursing degree can be immensely rewarding.

2. Business Scholarships

Business is one of the world's most popular majors, and it's no surprise that it ranks #2 at online colleges. With digital innovations saturating the market, earning an online business degree can be easier than ever! A business degree can help you get back to a normal, everyday routine in record time.

3. Computer Science Scholarships

Computer science is another hugely popular and in-demand major. Both lucrative and competitive, computer science is an ambitious but rewarding choice for cancer survivors. If you're pursuing this highly valuable degree, these scholarships will help you pay your college costs!

Types of Scholarships for Childhood Cancer Survivors

If we're being honest, scholarships are not a golden ticket that solves every problem. But they are a way to ease the financial burden of education and give you a break to focus on your studies a bit more stress-free. They create opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach. At their core, scholarships are financial awards designed to help students pay for school.

Scholarships don’t need to be repaid. Based on specific criteria, these monetary awards are normally determined in different categories such as academic achievements, financial need, your particular field, or unique life experiences—like surviving cancer.

When it comes to scholarships, there are three main types:

1. Academic Scholarships: Awards are based on grades, test scores, or other academic achievements.
2. Need-Based Scholarships: As the name says, they are for students who demonstrate financial need.
3. Specific Scholarships: Tailored to unique circumstances, backgrounds, or experiences—like cancer survivor scholarships.

Organizations Offering Scholarship Programs for Cancer Patients

Some organizations understand the consequences of having cancer. The financial burden that treatment causes, the mental and physical challenges people face, and how it affects the person and the people surrounding them is a serious strain on anyone's mental and physical health.

Certain foundations aim to alleviate these stressors with financial assistance. Some of the most well-known associations offering cancer survivor scholarships include:

1. American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO)
2. Founded in 1970 by parents of children with cancer, the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots group dedicated to childhood cancer. Formerly known as Candlelighters, ACCO has supported over half a million families in the past 50 years.
3. Childhood cancer is the leading disease killer of children in the U.S., especially those aged 4 to 14. ACCO is fighting to change this by shaping policy, funding research, raising awareness, and providing resources to families. Because kids can’t fight cancer alone, they offer several opportunities and scholarships for the families.
4. The American Cancer Society
5. For cancer survivors enrolled in advanced degrees, such as a PhD, there are scholarships and grant opportunities that align with cancer research advances.

In addition, most of these organizations offer help from psychological services if you need support during medical challenges. They recognize the strength it takes to fight cancer and the determination it takes to rebuild your life.

Check out the additional resources section below for more organizations and foundations that fund college scholarships for cancer survivors!

Financial Aid and College Scholarships

Some schools have scholarships just for cancer survivors. Also, federal student aid programs can cover things like tuition, books, and other costs, and you can accumulate them with college scholarships for additional support. Mixing federal aid with other scholarships can cover tuition, housing, and additional materials to ensure you achieve your academic goals.  

High School and College Planning

Getting ready for college takes time, so it’s smart to start early. High school seniors can dive into scholarship applications during their last year, and college students can keep applying for funding all the way through grad school.

Staying on top of deadlines and staying organized is key. Don’t forget to lean on school counselors and financial aid advisors—they’re there to help you figure things out and make the transition to college as smooth as possible. Whether you’re headed to a community college, an accredited university, or grad school, a little planning can go a long way.

How to Apply for Cancer Survivor Scholarships and Financial Aid

Applying for scholarships and financial aid is not as tricky as it may seem. There are plenty of options online. Some platforms like Bold.org make it easier for you by gathering many scholarships in one page, from no essay required to some national or even international scholarship opportunities that may require you to share your story. The process doesn't have to be overwhelming:

1. Research and Review Eligibility Criteria for Cancer Patients and Survivors

A great way to begin the process is by identifying scholarships specifically for cancer survivors, such as those offered by organizations dedicated to cancer, no matter what kind. Regardless of the type of cancer, blood cancer patients, ovarian cancer patients, and more are eligible for most scholarships.

Review the eligibility requirements for each program, which may include factors like your cancer diagnosis, academic achievements, financial need, or enrollment status. Then, make a list of scholarships you qualify for, noting their deadlines and required materials.

2. Complete and Submit Applications on Time

Create a timeline so you don't skip any deadlines. Also, take time to read through the instructions. Some applications will ask for essays, personal statements, or questions about your experience with cancer. Remember, when you’re writing, just keep it real. Share your story in a way that shows your drive and where you’re headed. Before submitting, make sure everything is complete and error-free.

3. Submit Required Documentation

Most applications require documents (such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of diagnosis, or financial information). We recommend gathering these materials early to avoid last-minute stress. You can ask teachers, mentors, or healthcare providers who know your story well to write letters of recommendation.

4. Additional Financial Aid Options

A key aspect that can make you more successful when applying to scholarships is to not limit yourself to cancer-specific scholarships. Apply for other opportunities, such as federal and state grants, general scholarships from your school or from digital platforms, or even work-study programs.

Schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor at your school or through a nonprofit organization to find additional resources and create a funding plan.

Tips for Winning Cancer Survivor Scholarships

1. Share Your Heartfelt Story

Most childhood cancer survivors scholarships will ask for an essay. This is your time to shine—talk about your journey to recovering, any hardships you faced, and what treatments you underwent while fighting cancer.

Be as genuine as possible. Stay professional, but also remember it's okay to accurately portray any emotional stress you felt during your recovery process. We're all human, and hearing your story can inspire others as well. As long as you stay authentic and true to yourself and your experiences, you'll be able to craft a great essay.

2. Research Specific Cancer Organizations

There are many different types of cancer, each with different symptoms, treatment plans, and research organizations. Whether you dealt with breast cancer, skin cancer, or leukemia, there are others who understand the unique experience of treating that specific kind of cancer.

You may also find that there are organizations and research teams dedicated to finding treatments for specific types of cancer. These groups often offer support and financial aid to survivors, so be sure to research the type of cancer you beat as well as general cancer scholarships and programs.

3. Stay in Contact

Send follow-up emails to organizations you've submitted scholarship applications to. This does two things: first, it confirms your application was received. Second, it may help distinguish you from the other applicants and help administrators remember who you are.

Most organizations that exist to financially assist cancer patients want to hear from their applicants on a personal level. Try sending a simple, short, personal note thanking them for the opportunity and asking them to let you know if future scholarships or programs arise.

Additional Resources for Cancer Survivors

There are organizations dedicated to helping students affected by cancer access the resources they need. Also, if you are already a college student and get diagnosed, don't forget to talk to disability services. The office of disability services can provide information about the benefits you could get, from different kinds of room and board to additional time for your exams.

1. National GRACE Foundation

The National GRACE Foundation offers free college admissions and financial aid counseling to high school and college-aged students and their families impacted by pediatric cancer. These aid packages may not be applicable to adult students, but younger students enrolling in high school and college should take a look at these scholarships for childhood cancer survivors.

2. The SAMFund

First awarded in 2005 in response to the higher rates of financial toxicity among young adult survivors, Expect Miracles Foundation provides financial resources to young adult cancer survivors twice a year through grants in two categories: Financial Assistance Grants and Family Building Grants.

3. Cancer for College

This chairy located in San Diego supports cancer survivors nationwide. To date, the organization has provided high-achieving cancer survivors with more than 1,700 scholarships totaling $7 million, helping them pursue education and find new opportunities. They also offer medical debt relief to ease the burden of treatment costs, life-changing experiences, and educational workshops to equip survivors with the tools they need to thrive.

Through mentorship groups and networking opportunities, they facilitate connections and create a community where survivors can share their stories, gain guidance, and build a brighter future together. Whether you are pursuing a college education or about to join college, there are opportunities waiting for you.

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