Cancer for College helps cancer survivors move forward after diagnosis by easing two major financial burdens: education costs and medical debt. The organization provides college scholarships to survivors pursuing higher education, as well as medical debt relief for young survivors and families facing cancer-related bills. Their programs are designed to reduce financial stress so survivors can focus on healing, growth, and building their future beyond cancer.

Scholarship Eligibility 

Who – Cancer survivors/patients who are attending or planning to attend an accredited US college, university, trade school, or certificate program as at least a part-time student with an adjusted gross income under $150,000

When – Opens every year November 1 and closes January 31. Winners announced by July 1 

Awarded – Most awards are around $5,000 but some specialty scholarships can be up to $10,000

Total Awarded  – Over $7 Million since 1993 

Additional Documentation Required – First two pages of the latest tax return (or proof of income), transcripts from the last two years, confirmation of cancer diagnosis on medical letterhead, written (sometimes video) personal statement, optional letters of recommendation 

Medical Debt Relief Eligibility 

Who – Cancer survivors aged 25 or younger or parents of a child cancer survivor with medical debt associated with a medical facility, collections agency, financial institution or similar. Credit card debt does not qualify. 

When – Accepted on an ongoing basis but some specifics open in October 

Awarded – Varies by need. Appears they first try to negotiate with facility on your behalf and then consider grant assistance. 

Total Awarded – Unclear

Additional Documentation Required – Not every person needs all of these but you could need: Cancer diagnosis on medical letterhead, most recent medical billing statement showing the amount owed, itemized bills with dates of service, explanation of benefits from insurance, oldest hospital bill related to the debt