Application FAQs
After overcoming immense challenges, you’ve earned the opportunity to transform adversity into achievement. Apply for a Cancer for College Scholarship to bring your dreams closer to reality. Our application is open annually from November 1 to January 31, and scholarship recipients are announced by July 1. The application window for the 2025-2026 academic year is NOW CLOSED. We encourage you to set a calendar reminder to apply for the 2026-2027 school year, and join our email list to learn about upcoming events and opportunities in the meantime.
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Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
- You must personally have been diagnosed with cancer.
- You are either attending or planning to attend an accredited college, university, trade school or certificate-earning program located in the US.
- You will attend school as a full time student as an undergraduate student or at least part time as a graduate student.
- Your family’s adjusted gross income (or yours, if you are independent) for the most recent tax year must not exceed $150,000.
Required Documents:
Tax Information
First two pages of your most recent tax return.
- Your parents’ (jointly or individually based on filing status) most recently completed tax forms if you are a dependent
- OR Your personal tax return if you are NOT a dependent
- OR Proof of income if you don’t file taxes (such as SSI, snap benefits or other documentation)
Transcripts
Transcripts from the last two years. May be from high school, college, or a combination. Transcripts can be unofficial.
Confirmation of Diagnosis Letter
Must be on medical letterhead from your oncologist, primary care doctor or nurse. Can be current doctor or doctor at time of diagnosis/treatment.
Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
Must be from one person OUTSIDE of your family. This can be requested via email through the application, or personally uploaded if you already have a copy.
Application FAQs
At Cancer for College, we believe in simplifying the path to education. Explore our FAQ section for additional information or contact us with any specific queries. Your educational journey awaits!
After receiving one scholarship, can I apply again?
Yes! Scholarship recipients may reapply for a scholarship for every year that they are in school, including grad school (Future Doctors—take note!).
Can I apply if I’m attending community college or a trade school?
Yes! As long as your program is accredited, you are eligible. However, your scholarship award may be decreased if your tuition and books are less than $5,000/year.
How much money can I receive?
Most of our scholarships are $5,000, with a few specialty scholarships that are higher.
What happens if I get sick again and can’t attend school?
Scholarship recipients are eligible for a one-year extension for health-related issues. If you plan to return to school more than one year after you were awarded, you can apply again to receive aid.
Can I apply even if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes! Cancer survivors around the world are eligible, as long as the school or program they plan to attend is physically located in the U.S.
Do you provide scholarships for the children of cancer survivors?
Unfortunately, no we do not at this time.
How many scholarships do you provide?
The number of scholarships varies each year. In 2023, for our 30th Anniversary, we were thrilled to give out $1M in scholarship funding, and we’re hoping to just keep growing from there.
Is there an age limit to apply?
No, there are no age restrictions for recipients.
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Questions About Scholarship Applications?
Navigating the scholarship application process can raise questions. Reach out to us for personalized assistance and clarity. Your academic dreams are important, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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