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LGBTQ+ students in Arizona
LGBTQ+ scholarships exist at national, state, and local levels — and many are specifically designed for students whose families may not be supportive of their college plans. This guide maps the programs worth knowing, including ones that don't require you to publicly disclose your identity to qualify.
Arizona has a growing landscape of LGBTQ+-affirming scholarship programs. The Point Foundation is the largest national funder — its scholars receive not just money but mentorship and community. PFLAG Phoenix and Tucson chapters run local awards. At the university level, ASU's LGBTQ+ Resource Center, UA's Spectrum (LGBTQ Resource Center), and NAU's LGBTQ and Ally Programs offer emergency funds, housing resources, and scholarship referrals. Many general merit scholarships also explicitly welcome LGBTQ+ applicants — the key is knowing where to find them. This guide surfaces the programs most relevant to Arizona students and explains how to present your identity in applications when and how you choose.
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Things worth knowing
The Point Foundation scholarship is one of the most generous — and least-applied-to — LGBTQ+ scholarships in the country
Point Foundation awards scholarships averaging $13,600 per year to LGBTQ+ students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community. Its applicant pool is small relative to the money available. The application opens each fall at pointfoundation.org. Point Scholars also get a year-round mentorship program and a leadership conference — the community is as valuable as the funds.
You do not have to out yourself to qualify for most LGBTQ+ scholarships — applications are confidential
Most LGBTQ+-specific scholarships are reviewed by committees within the sponsoring organization and the information you share is not published or shared beyond reviewers. You can write about your identity, your community, or your experiences in your essays without that information being tied to your legal name in any public way. If you have concerns about confidentiality for a specific award, contact the sponsoring organization directly.
PFLAG Phoenix and Tucson chapters run local awards with much lower competition than national programs
PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) chapters run local scholarship programs that receive far fewer applications than national awards. Phoenix and Tucson chapters both have active scholarship programs. Local programs often prioritize geographic connection — being an Arizona resident in your area is a real advantage. Check pflag.org for chapter contact information and current award cycles.
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