In this guide, you’ll find clear information about financial aid for recovering addicts, including federal student aid, scholarships, and grants available for people in recovery who want to pursue a college degree or job training program. We’ll also cover which schools offer financial aid tailored for students in recovery.
Because financial aid rules can change frequently, recovering students should always check the official FAFSA website and individual scholarship providers for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements.
Does FAFSA Help Recovering Addicts?
Yes, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application can help students in recovery gain access to grants, loans, and work-study programs to pay for college or other professional training. FAFSA does not cover addiction treatment services, but it does make students eligible for federal and state aid that can offset education costs. Since 2021, federal student aid no longer denies eligibility based on prior drug convictions, which makes financial aid a lot more accessible for people in recovery.
Although FAFSA does not pay for addiction treatment, it can help connect recovering students to Pell Grants, federal student loans, and other work-study opportunities that make higher education more affordable.
To qualify for FAFSA, students must demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and enroll at an accredited institution. Make sure to always review the full FAFSA eligibility checklist to confirm requirements.
How to Find Financial Aid for Recovering Addicts
People in recovery have several options to help cover the cost of treatment, housing, and/or education:
- Sober living homes. Some nonprofit and faith-based organizations provide reduced-cost or sliding-scale sober living options for people in recovery. Availability of these homes varies by state, so make sure that you check with your local housing organizations and recovery networks.
- Financial aid from a treatment facility. Certain treatment centers offer payment plans, sliding-scale fees, or scholarships for recovery services. The SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is a reliable tool to find facilities near you.
- Financial counseling. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies and community financial aid offices can help people in recovery create budgets, manage debts, and explore options such as income-driven repayment plans for student loans.
- Crowdfunding. Platforms like GoFundMe and GiveSendGo are frequently used to help raise funds for medical expenses, including treatment and recovery housing. While money and funding is not guaranteed, these campaigns can provide temporary relief especially during financial hardship.
- Health insurance. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Affordable Care Act, most private insurance and Medicaid plans must cover addiction treatment as a medical condition. Coverage details vary, so make sure that you check with your insurance provider or state Medicaid office.
Financial Aid: The Best Scholarships and Grants for Recovering Addicts
| Scholarship or Grant Name | Provider | Amount |
| Face the Music Foundation Scholarship | Face the Music Foundation – Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Varies |
| SAMHSA Grant (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Varies |
| Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Varies |
| Sobriety Foundation Scholarship | Sobriety Foundation – Salt Lake City, Utah | Varies |
| Treatment Scholarship | Recovery Foundation – Madison, Wisconsin | Varies |
| Veterans Affairs Benefits | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Available at no cost to eligible veterans |
| 10,000 Beds Scholarship | 10,000 Beds – Cedar City, Utah | Varies |
Because many recovery scholarships are funded through local nonprofits and treatment centers, availability of these funding opportunities can change each year. Students in recovery should confirm directly with the provider and also search databases like SAMHSA’s Grant Finder for current opportunities.
The Best Financial Aid Resources for Recovering Addicts
Several nonprofit organizations and federal programs provide financial support to people in recovery. These resources may cover treatment, sober living, or education costs:
- Face the Music Foundation Scholarship | Face the Music Foundation
The Face the Music Foundation, a nonprofit based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, provides scholarships and financial aid for addiction recovery and also runs music-based prevention and aftercare programs. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
SAMHSA provides federal grants to state addiction treatment providers. These funds support treatment programs, prevention efforts, and access to recovery services for people with limited resources. - Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
This grant program provides funding to states and territories to support prevention, early intervention, and treatment for substance use disorders, particularly for vulnerable populations. - Sobriety Foundation Scholarship | Sobriety Foundation
Based in Utah, the Sobriety Foundation provides scholarships for sober-living costs to low-income people in recovery. It also promotes services that encourage long-term recovery. - Treatment Scholarship | Recovery Foundation
The Recovery Foundation, based in Madison, Wisconsin, offers scholarships to people with substance use disorders who lack insurance coverage. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. - Veterans Affairs Benefits | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides addiction treatment services, including inpatient, outpatient, and residential programs, at no cost to eligible veterans. - 10,000 Beds Scholarship | 10,000 Beds
10,000 Beds partners with treatment programs across the U.S. to provide scholarships for people seeking treatment who require financial assistance.
Because many of these scholarships are run by nonprofits, their availability may change from year to year. Students in recovery should confirm directly with the provider and also check state-level coalitions for additional opportunities.
Schools That Offer Financial Aid for Recovering Addicts
Many colleges and universities have created Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) that include scholarships, financial aid guidance, and community support for students in recovery. Here are a few examples of CRPs that exist today:
- Texas Tech University: The Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities (CCRC) at Texas Tech offers scholarships to students who show a strong commitment to recovery, academics, and leadership. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Limited part-time scholarships are also available.
- Tulsa Community College: Tulsa Community College provides a Recovery Scholarship for students who have maintained at least six months of sobriety and are enrolled in at least six credit hours for the upcoming term. Active participation in student organizations may also be required.
- The University of Texas at Austin: The Center for Students in Recovery (CSR) at UT Austin provides scholarships to students in recovery and offers guidance on completing FAFSA applications. Details about eligibility and application deadlines are available on the university’s CSR website.
- University of Southern Maine: The Recovery Oriented Campus Center (ROCC) at the University of Southern Maine awards five $2,500 scholarships each fall and spring semester. Preference is given to students in recovery who demonstrate financial need and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
More than 140 colleges and universities in the U.S. now have Collegiate Recovery Programs that provide scholarships, peer mentoring, and other forms of support. Students should contact their school’s recovery office to learn more about local opportunities.
Should You Apply for Recovering Addicts Financial Aid?
Yes, students in recovery should absolutely explore financial aid options. Recovery often comes with added financial responsibilities, such as treatment costs and housing, which can make scholarships, grants, or federal student aid especially valuable and pivotal to earn a degree.
Because treatment and tuition expenses can be significant, financial aid can help reduce some of the financial stress during recovery. A financial counselor can also help students create a budget, manage debt, and explore options like payment plans or income-driven repayment programs for loans. For students interested in careers in behavioral health, many universities now offer online substance abuse counseling degree programs that prepare graduates for entry-level roles as substance use counselors or recovery specialists.
Financial Aid for Recovering Addicts FAQ
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that effective treatment typically lasts at least 90 days, with many people needing 12 months or longer for sustained recovery.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines low-income households through annual poverty guidelines. For 2025, the federal poverty guideline is $15,060 for a single-person household in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
Faith-based rehab programs are addiction treatment services run by religious or spiritual organizations. They often combine clinical approaches with spiritual counseling or 12-Step support, and some offer sponsorships or church-based aid to reduce costs.
For more answers about treatment coverage, recovery timelines, and financial eligibility, the SAMHSA Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) offers free, confidential support available 24/7.
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