Who We Help
Average Annual Income for Women
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Adult women who are facing challenges including divorce, death of a spouse, disabilities, domestic violence, and job loss oftentimes need to go back to school. They seek to secure careers and support their families; college education is key to their success.
JRF provides scholarships to low-income women who are 35 and older. A Jeannette Rankin scholar is a woman who has clear goals and a vision of how a college education will benefit herself, her family, and her community. In addition, JRF scholars are women who have "the grit factor," because they are determined to overcome challenges and build a better life.
While there are many scholarships available for youth who go to college after high school, there are far fewer for non-traditional, adult students. Jeannette Rankin Fund is one of the oldest organizations helping the large and underserved group comprised of adult women ages 35 and older.
Eligibility Requirements
An applicant for a JRF scholarship must be:
- A woman, age 35 or older.
- A U.S. citizen.
- Enrolled in, or accepted to, an accredited school.
- Pursuing a technical or vocational education, an associate's degree, or a first bachelor's degree.
- Low-income according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Lower Living Standard.
Income Guidelines
JRF's low-income eligibility is based on the student's estimated household income for the coming school year. Our income guidelines, which are updated each year on November 1, come from the Department of Labor's Lower Living Standard.
| Household Size | Maximum Net Household Income for the 2010 School Year |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,578 |
| 2 | $22,254 |
| 3 | $30,542 |
| 4 | $37,703 |
| 5 | $44,497 |
| 6 | $52,034 |
