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Graduates with computer science degrees can pursue in-demand and high-paying tech careers. Computer science students can explore available scholarships — a nonrepayable form of financial aid — before considering federal or private loans.
Data published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveals the need to bring more women into computer science. According to the NCES, 70,300 male students earned computer science degrees in 2018-19 compared to only 18,300 female students.
Scholarship funding can help close the gender gap in tech. This guide provides tips and insights for computer science scholarships for women.
Women's Scholarship Applications
Scholarship providers set their own eligibility standards. Some are broad and inclusive, while others are narrow and selective. Many scholarships share several core application requirements.
Scholarships usually reward candidates with strong academic track records. They also tend to favor those with strong extracurricular activities — community involvement and leadership often help candidates stand out from others.
Women's Scholarships in Computer Science
Scholarships are an excellent financial aid source, as recipients do not need to repay the funds they receive. These funding programs help high-achieving and promising students seeking assistance to pay for their degrees.
The scholarships listed below offer valuable financial aid to women in computer science programs, though it is not a complete list. Supplement these scholarships with your own research to find more funding sources for which you may qualify.
Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Adobe offers this scholarship to outstanding undergraduate and graduate women studying technology-related subjects at accredited institutions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Award: $10,000
Alpha Omega Epsilon National Foundation Scholarship
Undergraduate women majoring in computer science or other closely related technical subjects qualify for this opportunity. An applicant must possess a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Award: $500-$2,500
American Association of University Women Selected Professions Fellowships
This scholarship provides funding to women studying computer or information science, engineering, mathematics, or architecture. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or documented permanent residents.
Award: $5,000-$18,000
Dotcom-Monitor Women in Computing Scholarship
Women enrolled in undergraduate computer science programs at accredited U.S. or Canadian institutions may apply. Each candidate must submit a 500-word essay in addition to their application.
Award: $1,000
Women at Microsoft Scholarship
Microsoft awards three renewable scholarships of $5,000 per academic year to women and nonbinary high school students. Up to 10 runners-up qualify for a one-time $2,500 stipend.
Award: $2,500-$20,000
(ISC)˛ Women's Scholarships
The (ISC)˛ organization offers up to 10 scholarships per year to women in cybersecurity-related majors. Academic achievement, financial need, and demonstrated commitment to the cybersecurity industry are the main evaluation criteria.
Award: $1,000-$5,000
Computing Minds College Scholarship
This scholarship provides funding to women in computer science programs at two-year and four-year colleges. Applicants from other majors also qualify if they plan to pursue careers in technology.
Award: $250-$1,000
ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship
ESA's program offers funding to women and students of color. Applicants must be enrolled in degree programs that lead directly to careers in the video game or technology industries.
Award: Varies
Executive Women's Forum Information Networking Institute Fellowship
This valuable scholarship covers recipients' full tuition costs. Applications are open to women and other historically underrepresented populations in master of science in information security programs.
Award: Varies
ITWomen College Scholarships
This renewable scholarship provides $2,000 in funding per academic year. It is available to college-bound graduating high school senior women in select Florida counties. Applicants must plan to study information science or engineering.
Award: $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years
Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors and women returning to college in the Kansas City area may apply for this scholarship. A candidate must possess a minimum 3.2 GPA and study a tech-related subject.
Award: Minimum $1,500
Michigan Council of Women in Technology Scholarship Program
Michigan women studying tech-related subjects at a Michigan university qualify for this funding program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Award: $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years
National Center for Women & Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing
Tech-oriented high school students in grades 9-12 qualify for this funding opportunity. Applications are open to women, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming candidates. The tiered awards vary in value.
Award: Varies
Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
Women enrolled in colleges or universities in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico may apply for this award. Applicants must major or plan to major in software engineering, computer science, or other related technical fields.
Award: $7,000
Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
These programs provide funding to women enrolled in ABET-accredited engineering, technology, or computer science programs. Bachelor's and graduate students may apply.
Award: Varies
University of Maryland Baltimore County's Center for Women in Technology Scholars Program
This merit-based award offers funding to high-performing undergraduate women in STEM fields. Recipients must be enrolled at UMBC.
Award: $5,000-$15,000/year (in-state students); $10,000-$22,000/year (out-of-state students) for four years
Visionary Integration Professionals Women in Technology Scholarship
High-performing women accepted to or enrolled in computer science-related programs at two-year and four-year colleges in the U.S. may apply. Candidates are evaluated based on grades, extracurriculars, leadership, and essay responses.
Award: Up to $2,500
Resources for Women in Computer Science
Scholarship funding is just one of many resources available to women in computer science programs. Other options include community-based support groups that promote gender diversity and inclusion. The following links offer additional information.
Women in Computer Science
Gender Diversity in Computer Science
Guide to Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
Questions About Women's Computer Science Scholarships
Why are scholarships for women in computer science important?
The tech industry has historically been a male-dominated sector. Scholarships provide valuable funding for women and other underrepresented groups studying technology. Greater diversity in the tech industry improves its products and services, along with access to in-demand jobs.
What kinds of scholarships are available for women in computer science?
Scholarships offer one-time and renewable funding sources for women in computer science programs. They are generally open to high-performing applicants with strong community service and leadership potential.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
Each scholarship provider sets specific application deadlines. To ensure you do not miss any opportunities, begin your search a full calendar year in advance.
How can I increase my chances of getting scholarships?
Candidates should look for opportunities to stand out in competitive fields. Tell a compelling personal story — community service, leadership, extracurricular activities, and volunteering all make excellent complements to high grades.
Featured Image: Thanmano / iStock / Getty Images Plus
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