While women today are graduating with a bachelor’s degree in greater numbers than men, the playing field remains uneven, in a variety of ways. There are many grants for women that seek to address this inequality and encourage a greater diversity of student population at all levels of study.

One of the most important areas that needs to be addressed is the prevalence of men in certain careers and fields of study. Majors related to science, engineering, mathematics, and technology are often overwhelmingly dominated by men. Educators tend to place the blame for this on influences that go as far back as our early childhoods, where boys are often encouraged to stimulate their spatial and mechanical understanding by playing with blocks, racecars, and other “masculine” toys, whereas women are generally channeled into the social sciences.

But the fact remains that while nearly all fields, with the exception of early and primary education, have significant male participation, women continue to be sorely underrepresented in the areas mentioned above. For this reason, many grants are designed to encourage women to study these fields. Two simple examples are found in the grants offered by the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting and the American Society of Women Accountants. Both of these organizations sponsor scholarships for women studying two-year, four-year, or even graduate programs in finance or accounting. There are many other scholarships depending on the area of study.

Another simple fact that explains why women need the extra assistance of a grant is found in the age of female college students. Again, although women are graduating in greater numbers than men, most of these women are young women – ages 21 to 23, finishing their first degree directly out of high school. But among non-traditional students – those who are returning to school or going for the first time, usually after already having some kind of job experience or starting a family – males tend to outnumber females. This is because the responsibilities of raising children tend to fall more heavily on women, making it harder for them to fit in schooling. In addition, most single-parent homes are headed by women, making it nearly impossible to return to school. In addition, many of these single mothers belong to minority groups, which have always been underrepresented in higher education.

To help offset these issues, there are many grants and programs available. To name just one, the American Association of University Women promotes the education and professional advancement of women at all levels. The organization focuses its support on low-income women, minorities, and non-traditional (returning) students. Even Wellesley College, one of the most respected women’s-only colleges in the nation, has designed the Davis Program, which serves the needs of non-traditional students.

No matter what your situation, as a woman, it is likely that there are several grants out there which you qualify for. Whether based on your field of study, need, or age, you can find help towards paying for your college education.