The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund provides educational assistance to eligible dependents of people who died or became severely disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks and related events covered by the Fund. Eligibility is specific and requires documentation of the family relationship and qualifying circumstances; it is not a general scholarship for anyone affected by a tragedy or job loss. Scholarship America administers applications and reviews files on behalf of the Fund.
Assistance is based on financial need and may change each year with family resources, education costs, and the Fund’s projections. Students must reapply annually even if they received support before. The 2026–27 full-year application closed in August; the Fall 2026 term window closes October 15, and the Spring 2027 window runs December 15, 2026, through February 15, 2027. Applications outside those periods are not accepted.
The review verifies enrollment and academic progress, but grades alone do not determine initial need or the award amount. The page explains that the Fund may coordinate with other aid and that terms can change; do not budget the award as a fixed amount before receiving a decision. Read the official documents, create an account early, and contact the administrator if you are unsure which relatives or circumstances qualify.
Before committing, compare net cost with the written aid offer and confirm dates, renewal, eligible expenses, and obligations directly with the program and college financial-aid office.
Read the scholarship profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before committing.
Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund — Scholarship America.
Families of Freedom Fund: program information — Scholarship America.
FAFSA — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
Research checked October 13, 2026. Deadlines and requirements refer to the stated cycle; some programs are already closed or will open later. Do not pay to apply or assume eligibility from an estimate: confirm the cycle, documents, eligible costs, and terms on the official portal.
Verify your fund’s criteria, cycle deadlines, and remaining balance after aid before making a decision.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund provides educational assistance to eligible dependents of people who died or became severely disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks and related events covered by the Fund. Eligibility is specific and requires documentation of the family relationship and qualifying circumstances; it is not a general scholarship for anyone affected by a tragedy or job loss. Scholarship America administers applications and reviews files on
Scholarship and college-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.