Living with a rare disease like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can present unique challenges, from managing medical costs to navigating societal barriers. For students with rare diseases, pursuing higher education may seem daunting due to financial constraints and health demands. Fortunately, scholarships for students with rare diseases provide critical support, enabling individuals to achieve their academic and career goals. Among these, the RAREis Scholarship Fund stands out as a beacon of hope for rare disease scholars. This guide explores the best scholarship for rare diseases opportunities in 2025, answers the question “What is the rare disease scholar?” and clarifies “Is CAH a rare disease?” to help students access life-changing financial aid.

Understanding Rare Diseases and CAH

Before diving into scholarships, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a rare disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, a rare disease affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Globally, over 7,000 rare diseases impact millions, often requiring specialized care and significant financial resources.

Is CAH a rare disease? Yes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is classified as a rare disease. CAH is a group of genetic disorders affecting the adrenal glands, leading to hormone imbalances that can cause symptoms like abnormal growth, early puberty, or salt-wasting crises. With an estimated prevalence of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 18,000 births for classic CAH, it meets the rare disease criteria, making students with CAH eligible for many scholarships for students with rare diseases.

What is the Rare Disease Scholar?

A rare disease scholar is a student who, despite living with a rare disease, demonstrates resilience, academic potential, and a commitment to personal growth or community impact. These scholars are recognized through programs like the RAREis Scholarship Fund, which celebrates their leadership, perseverance, and contributions to school or community activities. Being a rare disease scholar is not just about receiving financial aid—it’s about embodying the strength to overcome health challenges while pursuing educational dreams.

The term “rare disease scholar” is closely associated with the RAREis Scholarship Fund, administered by the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases. This program awards up to 104 one-time grants of $5,000 annually to students with any rare disease, including CAH, to support their education at accredited colleges, universities, or vocational schools.

Top Scholarships for Students with Rare Diseases in 2025

Several scholarships and grants are available to support students with rare diseases, including those with CAH. Below is a curated list of the best scholarship for rare diseases opportunities, with details on eligibility, application processes, and deadlines.

1. RAREis Scholarship Fund

The RAREis Scholarship Fund, sponsored by EveryLife Foundation and supported by Amgen, is a flagship program for scholarships for students with rare diseases. It provides one-time $5,000 awards to U.S. residents aged 17 or older who have a physician-verified rare disease diagnosis.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: U.S. residents planning to enroll full- or part-time in an accredited college, university, or trade school. Must have a rare disease (e.g., CAH) verified by a physician. No minimum GPA required.

• Requirements: Complete an application form, submit a Diagnosis Verification Form, and provide an essay detailing your personal journey and educational goals. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating financial need, leadership, or community involvement.

• Deadline: April 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.

• Impact: Up to 104 awards are granted annually, covering tuition, books, or other educational expenses.

2. RARE Scholars Program

The RARE Scholars Program, funded by BioMarin, supports students with specific rare diseases, including mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), phenylketonuria (PKU), or Batten disease. While CAH is not explicitly listed, students with CAH may qualify if their condition aligns with the program’s broader criteria for rare diseases.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: High school seniors, graduates, or current postsecondary/graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Must be U.S. citizens diagnosed with a qualifying rare disease.

• Award Amount: $5,000 for four-year or graduate studies; $2,500 for two-year or vocational-technical programs.

• Deadline: Check BioMarin’s scholarship webpage for 2026 updates.

• Impact: Distributes up to $20,000 annually, empowering students to pursue higher education.

3. Beth Carew Memorial Scholarship Program

Offered by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, this scholarship supports students with bleeding disorders, which may include rare conditions related to CAH complications. It provides financial aid to students pursuing higher education.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: U.S. residents with a bleeding disorder or related rare disease, enrolled in an accredited institution.

• Award Amount: Varies based on funding.

• Deadline: Typically spring (check the foundation’s website for 2026 updates).

• Impact: Helps students overcome financial barriers to education.

4. Eric Dostie Memorial College Scholarship

Administered by NuFACTOR, this scholarship supports students with hemophilia or related bleeding disorders, which may overlap with CAH-related complications. It awards ten $1,000 scholarships annually.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Students with hemophilia or a related disorder, enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution.

• Requirements: An essay about overcoming challenges, academic transcripts, and proof of condition.

• Deadline: March 1, 2026.

• Impact: Recognizes academic excellence and resilience.

5. Infucare Rx Scholarship Program

This program supports students with chronic or rare diseases, including CAH, pursuing higher education. It offers financial assistance to cover tuition or related costs.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: U.S. residents with a chronic or rare disease, enrolled in an accredited program.

• Award Amount: Varies.

• Deadline: Check Infucare Rx’s website for 2026 updates.

• Impact: Provides flexible funding for diverse educational paths.

Eligibility and Application Tips

To qualify for most scholarships for students with rare diseases, applicants must:

• Verify Diagnosis: Provide a physician’s Diagnosis Verification Form confirming a rare disease like CAH.

• Demonstrate Enrollment: Show proof of enrollment or intent to enroll in an accredited institution (full- or part-time).

• Highlight Achievements: Emphasize leadership, community service, or extracurricular activities in your application.

• Prove Financial Need: Many scholarships prioritize applicants with demonstrated financial need.

Application Tips:

• Craft a Compelling Essay: Share your journey with CAH or another rare disease, focusing on resilience and educational goals. Be authentic and specific.

• Gather Documentation Early: Secure transcripts, medical verification, and recommendation letters well before deadlines.

• Tailor Applications: Align your application with the scholarship’s mission, such as advocacy for rare disease awareness.

• Seek Support: Consult academic advisors or rare disease support groups (e.g., NORD) for application guidance.

The Impact of Scholarships for Rare Diseases

Scholarships for students with rare diseases do more than alleviate financial burdens—they empower rare disease scholars to pursue their passions and contribute to society. For students with CAH, these scholarships provide the resources to focus on education without the added stress of medical costs. Recipients often go on to become advocates, healthcare professionals, or researchers, driving progress in rare disease care and awareness.

For example, the RAREis Scholarship Fund has supported students in diverse fields, from nursing to engineering, enabling them to break barriers and inspire others. By fostering education, these programs help reduce stigma and promote inclusivity for those living with rare diseases like CAH.

How to Find More Opportunities

To discover additional scholarship for rare diseases opportunities:

• Explore Scholarship Databases: Websites like Scholarships.com, myscholarshipportal.com, and accessscholarships.com list rare disease scholarships with updated deadlines.

• Connect with Rare Disease Organizations: The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) offers resources and networking opportunities for students.

• Check University Financial Aid Offices: Some universities provide internal scholarships for students with chronic or rare conditions.

• Join Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the EveryLife Foundation or CARES Foundation (specific to CAH) can connect you with funding opportunities and support networks.

Conclusion

Living with a rare disease like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) should not limit your educational aspirations. Scholarships for students with rare diseases, such as the RAREis Scholarship Fund, RARE Scholars Program, and others, provide critical financial support to help rare disease scholars achieve their goals. By answering “What is the rare disease scholar?” and confirming that CAH is a rare disease, this guide highlights the opportunities available in 2025. Start exploring these scholarships today, prepare a strong application, and take the first step toward a brighter, empowered future.