The United States of America, as mighty as the name looks, is home to over 333 million people and among them, the majority are women. This powerful demographic is driving change across the nation, and that drive extends to education. Recognizing this, American universities and organizations offer a wealth of scholarships specifically designed to empower American female students.
Therefore, by applying for these gender-based scholarships, American women can face less competition, alleviating their financial burden alongside encouraging more confidence and female empowerment among themselves. So, if you’re a driven American woman aiming to excel academically, keep reading to explore ten of the best scholarships available, catering to diverse fields and financial needs!
Top Scholarships for American Female Students
America is brimming with scholarships tailored specifically for women in education. Keep reading to explore ten of the best options, catering to diverse fields and financial needs!
1. AAUW American Fellowships
- Scholarship Value: $8,000 – $50,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
The AAUW American Fellowships are prestigious awards that help U.S. women advance their academic work. The fellowships, offered by the American Association of University Women, support research and study for those at various academic stages, emphasizing the historic difficulties women face in higher education.
The fellowships are designed to offset the disadvantages women often face in higher education. Applicants must be pursuing full-time study or research at an accredited U.S. institution. These fellowships are open annually with a November deadline.
2. Society of Women Engineers Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $1,000 – $19,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelors, Master’s
With a focus on encouraging women to enter engineering fields, the Society of Women Engineers Scholarships provides significant support to students in accredited programs. This initiative reflects the organization’s vision to diversify the field of engineering, where women have historically been underrepresented.
Scholarships range from $1,000 to $19,000 and are awarded annually. Undergraduate and graduate students can apply and they must be enrolled in a program accredited by the ABET.
3. Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant
- Scholarship Value: $2,000 – $10,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelors
The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant addresses the unique challenges faced by women over 35 who are returning to education to improve their career prospects. Named after the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, this fund champions resilience and determination among women seeking economic empowerment through education.
Each recipient can receive up to $10,000. Eligible women must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or technical/vocational education.
4. Women In Defense Scholar Program
- Scholarship Value: $3,000 – $5,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The Women In Defense Scholar Program is designed to support American women pursuing degrees in STEM fields, with a particular focus on those interested in careers related to national security. This scholarship program, offered by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) in partnership with Women In Defense (WID), recognizes the importance of women’s contributions to national security and aims to increase their representation in these critical fields.
Scholarship awards typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 annually. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.25, enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program in a relevant STEM field at an accredited institution.
5. Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $10,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
While this scholarship focuses on only empowering Black female students, the Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship, funded by the NAACP in partnership with Dark & Lovely, is a great example of a program that celebrates academic achievement and removes financial barriers to higher education. This scholarship awards $10,000 per year, renewable for up to three years, to outstanding Black female high school seniors pursuing careers in communications, marketing, finance, business, or science.
6. Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
- Scholarship Value: $10,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
Celebrating the legacy of an aviation pioneer, the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship recognizes women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace-related fields. By supporting women in this specialized and innovative sector, Zonta International aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders in science and engineering.
Each fellowship is worth $10,000, and about 35 fellowships are awarded each year. Applicants must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in a qualifying field of study at an accredited university.
7. Microsoft Research Women’s Fellowship
- Scholarship Value: $20,000 – $25,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
The Microsoft Research Women’s Fellowship is designed to encourage women to pursue high-level studies in fields typically dominated by men. This program underscores Microsoft’s commitment to diversity in the tech industry and provides recipients with resources to achieve academic success and career leadership in computing, engineering, or mathematics.
The fellowship covers your full two-year funding with a grant ranging around $20,000 to $25,000. Hence, Eligible candidates must be nominated by their universities, and they must be within two years of completing their doctoral program.
8. AAUW Career Development Grants
- Scholarship Value: $2,000 – $20,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s (Post-baccalaureate certifications and specialized programs also considered)
Targeted at women looking to advance in their careers, the AAUW Career Development Grants support post-baccalaureate studies that enable women to re-enter the workforce, switch careers, or advance in their current fields. This grant program highlights the need for career development opportunities that cater specifically to women.
These grants range from $2,000 to $20,000 and are designed for women who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance their careers in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, or STEM fields. Special consideration is given to women of color and women pursuing credentials in nontraditional fields.
9. Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarships
- Scholarship Value: $1,000 – $8,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarships promotes the representation of women in accounting, a field where they have historically been underrepresented. By providing financial support and resources, the foundation aids women striving to complete their accounting education and secure professional roles in this essential field.
Generally, the scholarships can range from $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the specific program and the applicant’s level of study. Therefore, applicants must be enrolled in an accounting program at an undergraduate or graduate level.
10. Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship
- Scholarship Value: $1,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.
The Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship for Women in Statistics celebrates the contributions of its namesake, an early pioneer in a field crucial to decision-making in many disciplines. By assisting women pursuing advanced degrees in statistics or biostatistics, this scholarship supports their development as future leaders in academic and applied statistics.
Currently, it is a $1,000 scholarship, and it is open to women enrolled in a graduate program in statistics, biostatistics, or a related field at an accredited institution.
FAQs: Scholarships for American Female Students
1. Which U.S. Organization Offers the Largest Amount of Scholarships for Women?
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a frontrunner when it comes to offering scholarships specifically for women in the United States. AAUW has a long history of empowering women through education, and its fellowship and grant programs provide substantial financial support to a significant number of female students each year.
According to reports, they funded over six million dollars by awarding 320 fellowships and grants for women in the fiscal year of 2022-2023. This sheer volume and prestige of AAUW scholarships, combined with their substantial funding, make them a powerful force in supporting women’s academic goals.
2. Are there Fully-Funded Scholarships Tailored for American Female Students?
While securing a fully-funded scholarship can be competitive, there are fantastic opportunities specifically designed to empower American women in their academic journeys. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowship and Grant Programs stand as a prime example, offering awards reaching up to $50,000 for graduate studies. This translates to potentially covering your entire educational expenses, allowing you to focus on your research and academic goals without the burden of significant student loans. With this financial security, women can prioritize attending their top choice program and fully dedicate themselves to their studies.
3. Why Should American Female Students Apply for These Scholarships for Women?
American women students shouldn’t miss out on these scholarships designed for them. These scholarships can significantly reduce debt, allowing you to focus on your future without financial burdens. Financial security translates to more time for studies and the freedom to choose your dream program. These scholarships also have less competition and acknowledge your achievements. It might even connect you with successful women in your field.
4. Is it Better to Enroll in a Women’s College or University to Avail Scholarships or Not?
Ultimately, the choice between a women’s college and a university comes down to which environment best suits you. While some women’s colleges might offer a significant amount of financial aid and a supportive atmosphere, they might also be smaller institutions with fewer partnerships with donors and fewer program options.
On the other hand, renowned American universities like the University of Washington and New York University may offer a wider variety of scholarships, study programs, and potentially more funding opportunities due to their larger size and partnerships. You might find a scholarship program specifically for women at a general university that aligns perfectly with your academic goals.
In this era where women are striding forward alongside their counterparts, scholarships like the ones we’ve explored become even more crucial. These opportunities not only empower women financially but also celebrate their achievements and open doors to valuable support networks. So, if you are an American woman, clarify your queries with the FAQs and apply to one of the ten best USA scholarships for female students!
We hope this article on the best scholarships for American women students was helpful. If you want to study abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students and Study in the USA to explore your options.
