The Arthritis Foundation's Arthritis Champions Scholarship awards $5,000 per academic year (up to four years, $20,000 total) to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with doctor-diagnosed arthritis or a related rheumatic disease who maintain at least a 2.5 GPA as a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or medical student -- including high school seniors entering college. Applicants must be engaged Arthritis Foundation advocates, fundraisers, or volunteers and submit an essay covering their challenges, accomplishments, and community involvement; funds are restricted to tuition, books, and academic supplies. The program has run since 2010 and awarded scholarships to 20 students for the 2025-26 school year; the 2027-28 cycle opens in early January 2027.
Eligibility
DemographicsMust have doctor-diagnosed arthritis or a related rheumatic disease and be an engaged Arthritis Foundation advocate, fundraiser, or volunteer.
Applying
$5,000 per academic year, renewable up to 4 years ($20,000 max); funds restricted to tuition, books, and academic supplies. 20 scholarships were awarded for 2025-26; the count varies by cycle and isn't published in advance.