Top Scholarship Opportunities for Students with Autism

Students on the autism spectrum bring unique perspectives, resilience, and talents to higher education. To support their academic and career journeys, many organizations and foundations offer scholarships tailored specifically for autistic students and neurodivergent learners.

Below are some of the top scholarships available for students with autism.

Be sure to explore other scholarship opportunities as well with Scholarship Institute!


Scholarships for Students with Autism

OAR Schwallie Family Scholarship

Link: OAR Schwallie Family Scholarship

  • Award: $3,000
  • Eligibility: Students with autism enrolled in or accepted to two- or four-year undergraduate programs, including transfer students.
  • Deadline: Opens Dec 2025; applications due April 21, 2025

KFM “Making a Difference for Autism” Scholarship

Link: KFM Autism Scholarship

  • Award: $500
  • Eligibility: High school seniors or college students diagnosed with autism, U.S. or international.
  • Deadline: April 29, 2025

The Synchrony Tech Scholarship

Link: Synchrony Tech Scholarship

  • Award: $500–$5,000
  • Eligibility: Autistic adults (18+) with documentation, eligible to work in the U.S., pursuing accredited tech-related programs or certifications (starting Jan–May 2026).
  • Deadline: Opens July 1, 2025; closes October 31, 2025

The Neurodiversity Scholarship

Link: Neurodiversity Scholarship

  • Award: $2,500 (four-year students) or $1,000 (part-time/community college)
  • Eligibility: U.S. residents ages 18–26 with a neurodivergent identity (including autism), enrolled or enrolling in nonprofit U.S. colleges/universities.
  • Deadline: Apply Nov 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2025; recipients announced March 1, 2025

Evolving Heroes Scholarship

Link: Evolving Heroes Scholarship

  • Award: Up to $2,500 (paid to school or reimbursed for tuition/expenses)
  • Eligibility: Autistic individuals in Illinois or Florida pursuing higher education or vocational training; priority to first-time applicants.
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025 (winners notified August 1, 2025)

Adult With Autism Scholarship – Autism Delaware

Link: Adult With Autism Scholarship

  • Award: Typically $1,000
  • Eligibility: Delaware residents with autism who have completed high school/GED and are accepted into postsecondary programs (college, trade, or vocational).
  • Deadline: March 31, 2025

P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship

Link: P. Buckley Moss Scholarship

  • Award: Up to $1,000 annually
  • Eligibility: High school seniors with certified disabilities (including autism/Asperger’s) pursuing visual arts majors; must show artistic talent, financial need, and program acceptance.
  • Deadline: January 1 – March 31 annually

Society’s Assets Scholarship Award

Link: Society’s Assets Scholarship

  • Award: Varies; determined by review panel
  • Eligibility: Students with permanent/significant disabilities (including autism) who are residents of Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Rock, or Jefferson counties (WI). Open to high school seniors, continuing students, and returning adults.
  • Deadline: March 15, 2025

Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

Link: Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

  • Award: $1,000–$10,000 (must be used within one academic year)
  • Eligibility: Students with Down syndrome (not autism-specific, but relevant to neurodivergent learners) enrolled or enrolling in postsecondary programs.
  • Deadline: Opens January 1, 2025; 2026 cycle opens January 1

Final Thoughts

Autistic and neurodivergent students enrich classrooms with diverse ways of thinking, problem-solving, and creating. These scholarships offer vital financial support while also affirming the importance of inclusion in higher education. Whether you’re starting college, pursuing vocational training, or advancing in a specific field like technology or the arts, these opportunities can help you thrive.

Lucy Maddox
Lucy Maddox
Editor

Lucy’s international upbringing in Hong Kong and love for literature have shaped her multifaceted background. She attended university in Middlebury, Vermont, before settling in Arlington, Virginia. In her free time, Lucy enjoys True Crime podcasts, thrillers, literary fiction, running, hiking, exploring Washington, D.C.'s newest restaurants, and blogging about her latest travels.

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