Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by Northwestern Mutual Foundation
About This Scholarship
Through its long-running Childhood Cancer Program, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation funds $5,000 college scholarships for young people who have survived childhood cancer. Up to 25 survivors are selected each cycle, and awards are renewable for a second year — up to $10,000 in total — until a bachelor's degree is earned. The foundation has committed more than $3.1 million to the survivor and sibling scholarships since launching them, with $500,000 funded for the most recent academic year alone.
The program, administered by Scholarship America, is open to pediatric cancer survivors age 25 and under who are high school seniors or current undergraduates planning full-time study at an accredited institution. A physician-signed medical verification form documents the applicant's history, and the application includes a personal impact statement about how cancer affected the applicant's life along with a statement of educational and career goals.
Selection considers academic record, leadership, work experience, and financial need. Applications for the 2027-28 academic year open December 1, 2026.
Eligibility
- Childhood cancer survivor age 25 or under (physician-signed Medical Verification Form required)
- High school senior, high school graduate, or current undergraduate
- Planning full-time undergraduate study at an accredited institution
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
How To Apply
- Apply through the Scholarship America portal linked from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation scholarships page once applications open December 1, 2026
- Submit the physician-signed Medical Verification Form, a personal impact statement, and your goals statement
- Awards are announced in April, with payment made in early August
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. Awards are renewable for up to one additional year — or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever comes first — bringing the potential total to $10,000.
I'm the sibling of a childhood cancer patient. Can I apply?
Not to this program, but Northwestern Mutual runs a parallel Childhood Cancer Sibling Scholarship with the same award amounts and timeline specifically for siblings.