College Guide for LGBT Students
Over the past 20 years, many colleges and universities have taken active steps to become more inclusive for LGBTQ students. The 聽about how we make money. ' > AD
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Written By: Jennifer King Logan
Research & Analysis: Taylor Nichols
Updated: 9/20/2021
Over the past 20 years, many colleges and universities have taken active steps to become more inclusive for LGBTQ students. The
Research & Analysis: Taylor Nichols
Updated: 9/20/2021
Over the past 20 years, many colleges and universities have taken active steps to become more inclusive for LGBTQ students. The 聽about how we make money. ' > AD
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Finding a College Common Barriers LGBTQ Scholarships ResourcesThe college search can seem overwhelming for any student, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Factors like what majors are offered, how much it costs, and location all play a major role in college choice.
For LGBTQ students, however, one of the most important considerations is whether you'll feel welcome on campus. College is a time for self-exploration, and it's critical to have a safe and nurturing space to do that in.
Throughout the college search, students should feel free to ask as many questions as they need. College representatives are trained to explain every aspect of the campus, so students don't have to shy away from asking for more information, even if the questions seem awkward or difficult.
As they consider different possibilities, students may want to look for schools that are making a visible effort to support their gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, nonbinary, and queer students. Here are some of the most important things to look for in an LGBTQ-friendly college.
Finding a college that is committed to protecting the LGBTQ campus community is a top priority.
The college search can seem overwhelming for any student, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Factors like what majors are offered, how much it costs, and location all play a major role in college choice.
For LGBTQ students, however, one of the most important considerations is whether you'll feel welcome on campus. College is a time for self-exploration, and it's critical to have a safe and nurturing space to do that in.
Throughout the college search, students should feel free to ask as many questions as they need. College representatives are trained to explain every aspect of the campus, so students don't have to shy away from asking for more information, even if the questions seem awkward or difficult.
As they consider different possibilities, students may want to look for schools that are making a visible effort to support their gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, nonbinary, and queer students. Here are some of the most important things to look for in an LGBTQ-friendly college.
Finding a college that is committed to protecting the LGBTQ campus community is a top priority.
Brandon Haddock
LGBT Resource Center Coordinator at Kansas State University
When I was looking at graduate programs, I immediately went to each school's non-discrimination policy and looked for sexuality and gender identity as a protected identity within their non-discrimination clause.
Students can also find out what type of training faculty and staff receive, what the reporting process is, and how these issues are handled if they arise. Even something as seemingly simple as changing the name on a student ID can be difficult at some schools, but this can be determined in advance through research. Students can also ask what kind of education and sensitivity training is included in student orientation, and if it addresses harassment policies on campus.
Finding a school with a welcoming and supportive campus community is an important part of the college experience. Haddock advises students to research whether a college and its surrounding community are LGBTQ-friendly.
"Are there things happening that might raise a red flag?" Haddock said. If not, check to see if the school offers an LGBTQ resource center or community center, and if there are student-led pride organizations, events, and programs. A school that supports a vibrant, active LGBTQ student community will make that visible on their website, Haddock said. Joining queer clubs and organizations is also a great way to meet other LGBTQ students on campus.
Students can also use the to gauge how LGTBQ-friendly a school is. This tool rates schools from one to five stars based on the level of campus inclusion to identify the best schools for LGBTQ students. Campus Pride also maintains a to gauge how LGTBQ-friendly a school is. This tool rates schools from one to five stars based on the level of campus inclusion to identify the best schools for LGBTQ students. Campus Pride also maintains a to help find resources on campus.
Many students opt to pursue their degrees online. Attending school virtually is ideal for some, but for others it can lead to feeling disconnected from peers and faculty. Haddock offers two pieces of advice for online students who want to feel more connected.
First, they advise spending more time interacting with peers and faculty online in a friendly, casual way, just as they would on campus. The other suggestion is to remember that on-campus services, such as an LGBTQ resource center, are available to online students, so they can reach out and request help, including local assistance.
"I've had phone calls from individuals who are taking online classes, and I've been able to connect them with resources in their own spaces," they explain. "There is a network of LGBT professionals across the country, and we talk to one another. I know that I can reach out to my colleagues and ask for help."
If they can't find community on campus, students may also be able to connect with gay, trans, and queer groups online.
Despite many schools' efforts to create a safe environment for all students, many LGBTQ students still experience discrimination, harassment, and violence based on their sexual orientations or gender identities.
Data from the to help find resources on campus.
Many students opt to pursue their degrees online. Attending school virtually is ideal for some, but for others it can lead to feeling disconnected from peers and faculty. Haddock offers two pieces of advice for online students who want to feel more connected.
First, they advise spending more time interacting with peers and faculty online in a friendly, casual way, just as they would on campus. The other suggestion is to remember that on-campus services, such as an LGBTQ resource center, are available to online students, so they can reach out and request help, including local assistance.
"I've had phone calls from individuals who are taking online classes, and I've been able to connect them with resources in their own spaces," they explain. "There is a network of LGBT professionals across the country, and we talk to one another. I know that I can reach out to my colleagues and ask for help."
Many organizations, from the federal and state governments to colleges and private organizations, offer scholarship funding specifically for LGBTQ students. The more grant and scholarship money students can obtain, the less they'll have to pay out of pocket or borrow in student loans.
All students 鈥� whether they're earning their degrees traditionally or online at an accredited college or university 鈥� should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). This application is used to determine each student's eligibility for federal financial aid, such as Pell grants, as well as grants and scholarships sponsored by state governments and the schools themselves. The FAFSA also acts as an application to many LGBTQ scholarships sponsored by universities such as Eastern Michigan University, University of Colorado Boulder, Washington State University, Wayne State University, Texas State University, and many others.
Filling out the FAFSA can be time-consuming and complicated, but it is well worth the effort. Recent data indicates that
The Point Foundation operates one of the largest scholarship programs for LGBTQ students, and has granted more than $35 million in awards since 2002.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
The Point Foundation has awarded more than $35 million to LGBTQ students since 2002. It runs two separate sets of scholarship programs, one of which is exclusively for community college students.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Managed by the non-profit Stonewall Foundation, the Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship was created to support lesbian women pursuing a college education.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ community primarily in rural or underserved areas, the Gamma Mu Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in college scholarships and grants for other non-profit organizations over the past 20+ years.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
The League Foundation is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ high school students, and has awarded more than $315,000 in scholarships since 1996.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Founded in 2016 by the New York Ramblers Soccer Club, this scholarship supports student athletes within the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
This set of scholarships is designed to encourage and support LGBTQ students who are interested in studying STEM subjects or STEM-related teaching.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Intuitive Digital Marketing has recently created this scholarship to encourage students from underrepresented groups to pursue a degree related to marketing.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Since 1993, the Pride Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to LGBTQ college students across the Northwest.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
In the State of Texas, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides scholarships to be used toward any type of post-secondary education or training.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Hampton Roads Pride has been supporting Virginia-based LGBTQ+ students with scholarships since 2002.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Created in memory of Audria M. Edwards by her children, this scholarship for Oregon and Washington residents is funded by donations and other fundraisers.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative has provided more than $1.7 million in scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in Northern and Central California over the last 30 years.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
As part of its mission to inspire and empower LGBTQ youth, Live Out Loud provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Sponsored by the Central Florida Foundation, the 49 Fund honors those who were killed during the 2016 attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Many organizations, from the federal and state governments to colleges and private organizations, offer scholarship funding specifically for LGBTQ students. The more grant and scholarship money students can obtain, the less they'll have to pay out of pocket or borrow in student loans.
All students 鈥� whether they're earning their degrees traditionally or online at an accredited college or university 鈥� should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). This application is used to determine each student's eligibility for federal financial aid, such as Pell grants, as well as grants and scholarships sponsored by state governments and the schools themselves. The FAFSA also acts as an application to many LGBTQ scholarships sponsored by universities such as Eastern Michigan University, University of Colorado Boulder, Washington State University, Wayne State University, Texas State University, and many others.
Filling out the FAFSA can be time-consuming and complicated, but it is well worth the effort. Recent data indicates that
The Point Foundation operates one of the largest scholarship programs for LGBTQ students, and has granted more than $35 million in awards since 2002.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
The Point Foundation has awarded more than $35 million to LGBTQ students since 2002. It runs two separate sets of scholarship programs, one of which is exclusively for community college students.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Managed by the non-profit Stonewall Foundation, the Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship was created to support lesbian women pursuing a college education.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ community primarily in rural or underserved areas, the Gamma Mu Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in college scholarships and grants for other non-profit organizations over the past 20+ years.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
The League Foundation is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ high school students, and has awarded more than $315,000 in scholarships since 1996.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Founded in 2016 by the New York Ramblers Soccer Club, this scholarship supports student athletes within the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
This set of scholarships is designed to encourage and support LGBTQ students who are interested in studying STEM subjects or STEM-related teaching.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Intuitive Digital Marketing has recently created this scholarship to encourage students from underrepresented groups to pursue a degree related to marketing.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Since 1993, the Pride Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to LGBTQ college students across the Northwest.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
In the State of Texas, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides scholarships to be used toward any type of post-secondary education or training.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Hampton Roads Pride has been supporting Virginia-based LGBTQ+ students with scholarships since 2002.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Created in memory of Audria M. Edwards by her children, this scholarship for Oregon and Washington residents is funded by donations and other fundraisers.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative has provided more than $1.7 million in scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in Northern and Central California over the last 30 years.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
As part of its mission to inspire and empower LGBTQ youth, Live Out Loud provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
Sponsored by the Central Florida Foundation, the 49 Fund honors those who were killed during the 2016 attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Award Information
Eligibility
Applicants Must
Application Information
LGBTQ+ students and allies may find useful information and resources on the following websites:
: The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network is an advocacy group of more than 1.5 million K-12 educators who have united to support LGBTQ+ students through research, activism, and resources for college-bound students.
: With more than 3 million members and supporters, the Human Rights Campaign is a political advocacy group fighting for equal rights for all and particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
: The Out & Equal team works with Fortune 1000 companies to enhance diversity and inclusion, especially for LGBTQ employees, in the workplace.
: The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network is an advocacy group of more than 1.5 million K-12 educators who have united to support LGBTQ+ students through research, activism, and resources for college-bound students.
: With more than 3 million members and supporters, the Human Rights Campaign is a political advocacy group fighting for equal rights for all and particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
: The Out & Equal team works with Fortune 1000 companies to enhance diversity and inclusion, especially for LGBTQ employees, in the workplace.
