Despite the challenges that narcolepsy can present, research has shown that people with narcolepsy receive college degrees just as often as those without the sleep disorder. But even without symptoms of narcolepsy — such as excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and insomnia — determining how to pay for higher education can be challenging and stressful.

The good news is, there is financial assistance out there for college-bound people living with narcolepsy. Here are some of the scholarships available to those with narcolepsy (and other chronic disorders) that can help you alleviate the stress of paying for your degree.

Scholarships for Those With Narcolepsy and Other Sleep Disorders

The following are some scholarship opportunities dedicated exclusively to those living with sleep disorders like narcolepsy.

Project Sleep’s Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship

Founded by Julie Flygare (president and CEO of Project Sleep and author of “Wide Awake and Dreaming: A Memoir of Narcolepsy”) and the Graham family, Project Sleep’s Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is aimed at American students living with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. In 2021, Project Sleep doled out $1,000 scholarships to 31 recipients to help defray the cost of an education. The program also aims to raise awareness about narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia and their impacts on high school and college-aged students.

To qualify for the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship, you must be a high school senior planning to attend a four-year college or university in the fall. Applications for students entering school in the fall are due on April 1 of the same year. Learn more about the scholarship.

Mattress Advisor Sleep Science Scholarship

Mattress Advisor’s Sleep Science Scholarship awards selected students $1,000 toward educational expenses. To apply, students must submit an essay detailing their relationship with sleep health and how it has impacted their education. This 800 to 1,000 word essay should cite recent research on sleep health and explore the resources available to help improve poor sleep health.

Applicants for Mattress Advisor’s Sleep Health Scholarship must be enrolled or due to enroll at a full-time, accredited American college or university. Proof of enrollment can be provided via a tuition bill, recent transcript, or acceptance letter. The annual deadline for this scholarship is March 20.

Scholarships for Those With Medical Issues and Disabilities

There are many scholarships available for individuals with varying medical conditions. Some are granted to students pursuing certain career paths or educational fields, while others are open to applicants regardless of their educational interests. Be sure to check each scholarship’s website for eligibility information and additional resources.

Google Lime Scholarship

The Google Lime Scholarship is an annual scholarship program awarded by Google and Lime Connect, a nonprofit organization for students and professionals with disabilities. This scholarship is available to students with “visible or invisible” disabilities or chronic health conditions who are pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or similar technical fields.

Awardees of this scholarship receive $10,000 ($5,000 if you're based in Canada), the opportunity to participate in the Google Lime Scholars summer gathering, and consideration for software engineering internships at Google.

To qualify for the Google Lime Scholarship, students must be currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate programs at universities in the United States or Canada. Applicants are required to submit contact, education, and experience information; a current resume; unofficial transcripts; three essays exploring their interest in computer science; and one letter of recommendation. Applications are generally due in early December. To learn more, visit Lime Connect’s scholarship information page.

Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People With Disabilities

The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People With Disabilities is available to high school seniors, high school graduates, and current graduates with chronic health concerns or disabilities. This program offers renewable scholarships up to $2,500 for full-time students and up to $1,250 for part-time students.

To qualify for this scholarship, students must be completing a full- or half-time undergraduate degree at an accredited two- or four-year university in the United States. You can apply for this scholarship through the Scholarship America hub.

For more information about scholarships, check out the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website.

Hear From Others Who Understand

MyNarcolepsyTeam is the social network for people living with narcolepsy. Here, more than 8,000 members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and share stories with others who understand life with narcolepsy.

Are you living with narcolepsy and currently attending or planning to attend college? How has the condition affected your academic career? Share your story in the comments below or by posting on MyNarcolepsyTeam.