Scholarships

As the AEC receives new scholarship information specific to students with disabilities, announcements are posted on our website.

The AEC coordinates the application process for the following scholarships:

Other UO scholarships available for students with learning disabilities:

Non-UO resources on scholarships available for students with disabilities:

Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Scholarship

The University of Oregon was recently selected by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to be a part of their Scholarship Program.  This Foundation Scholarship is available to eligible students with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)* who attend or plan to attend the University of Oregon as an undergraduate or graduate student.

This scholarship provides funding for full in-state and partial out-of-state tuition and fees to qualified students for the duration of their degree program. In addition to tuition, supplemental support funds may include (but are not limited to) transportation, child care, housing, personal care assistance, adaptive equipment, books and/or assistive technology. The total amount awarded varies by student.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria:

  • Currently enrolled at the University of Oregon full-time pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, OR admitted for Fall 2024. In some cases students registered less than full-time may be eligible, but approval from AEC is required.
  • Eligible degree programs are Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 and above for Undergraduate Students; Min. 3.0 GPA for Master's students.
  • To be eligible to apply, students must have a spinal cord injury and be registered with AEC as a student with a disability (documentation on file). Incoming students or university applicants not already registered with AEC should schedule an appointment prior to the scholarship application deadline to begin the process to determine eligibility. To schedule an initial appointment, contact AEC at uoaec@uoregon.edu or (541) 346-1155.

*Only students with neurological and functional impairment due to traumatic SCI, degenerative disease primary to the spinal cord, (i.e. transverse myelitis) or damage to the spinal cord due to tumors and surgery are eligible for support through this program. Individuals with spinal dysfunction, paralysis or pain syndromes caused by other traumatic or primary orthopedic, genetic or developmental disorders are not eligible (e.g., multiple sclerosis, ALS, Chiari malformation or peripheral nerve injury).

Application deadline is March 8, 2026 at 5pm. Apply via Neilsen Foundation Scholarship application. 

Hesser Memorial Scholarship

Those who knew Myrtle Hesser, a food service worker and supervisor in the UO dorms from 1957 to 1972, discovered a warm and friendly person with a wry sense of humor and a soft spot for the students she fed. While Hesser had little formal education herself, she was smart and well read and chose to leave her entire estate to the University of Oregon for student scholarships.

Eligibility:

  • Eligible students must have a physical disability, such that it significantly impacts the student’s ability to work and attend school, or that the student incurs significant expenses that are related to the disability.
  • Students must be admitted to or enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Oregon. If the student cannot attend full time due to the disability, the scholarship may be prorated for the term or year.
  • Preference will be given to freshmen and sophomores with a minimum 3.2 high school GPA or 3.0 college GPA.
  • Selection will be based on financial need, academic ability, and impact of disability. The scholarship award will be approximately $3,400 per academic year to be split across three terms. This scholarship is renewable for up to 5 years based on continued eligibility.

Applications are now closed.

Marjorie Dale Pincetich Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors the memory of Marjorie D. Pincetich, known as Jerry to family and friends, who devoted many years of volunteer work on behalf of people with visual disabilities. Throughout her lifetime she was active with Braille groups throughout the United States and Nigeria, Micronesia, and Malaysia. Her spirit of devotion to those with visual disabilities infuses this family scholarship for students at the University of Oregon.

Eligibility:

This scholarship is intended to support students who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, are enrolled in at least 6 credits, have a GPA of at least 3.0 who are eligible to receive services from or engaging with the Accessible Education Center. Preference will be given to students who are eligible to receive visual access support. This award is open to all applicants, regardless of identity, background, or beliefs. Each applicant will be evaluated individually and consistent with relevant award criteria. The award is $1,000, with the award recipient being able to choose to receive funds in one lump sum or to be split evenly across terms. Funding will be disbursed starting in Winter 2027. The scholarship is renewable each year as long as the recipient meets eligibility requirements.

Marjorie Dale Pincetich Memorial Scholarship Application Form 2026-2027

Application Deadline: October 30th at 11:59pm

If you have any questions or need assistance with applying, please call (541) 346-1155 or email Melissa Maldonado at melissa0@uoregon.edu.

Karen Pfunder Art Scholarship

James D. Mayol and Birgitt A. Mayol established this scholarship in 2012 to honor Karen Pfunder, who was an academic specialist for college students with learning disabilities. This scholarship supports undergraduate students with junior or senior standing in the Department of Art. Special consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated an ability to overcome obstacles toward obtaining their bachelor’s degree.

See the College of Design scholarships website for more information on applying.