Why Choosing the Right College Matters for LGBTQ+ Life Success
As back-to-school transitions begin for another year, it’s a good time to remember that choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions any young adult can make. For LGBTQ+ students — including and especially transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) individuals — that decision carries even more weight.
From campus culture and inclusive policies to financial aid and post-grad support, the college a student attends can significantly shape not only their college experience but also their professional future and long-term financial health. Whether you’re still in high school, already in college, or a recent graduate, it’s never too late to seek options for living your best life. Here’s how you can make informed choices that set you up for success in school, the workforce, and your bank accounts.
Why Campus Inclusivity and Support Matters
For LGBTQ+ students, as for everyone else, the college years are not just about academics; they're a time of personal identity development and increased independence. But without the right LGBTQ-friendly colleges and support systems, this journey can be difficult.
LGBTQ+ students are more likely to experience discrimination and harassment in college, which can impact their mental health and academic performance. It’s important to choose a college that is truly inclusive and supportive in practice, not just in brochures and boilerplate language. Attending a truly LGBTQ+-affirming college or university can lead to greater mental well-being, a stronger sense of belonging, and a safer environment for self-expression.
How to Choose the Right College for a Positive Academic Experience
To identify the best colleges for LGBTQ students, you should:
Look for schools that have a campus LGBTQ+ center or resource office.
Research schools with gender-inclusive housing and bathrooms.
Check for nondiscrimination policies that explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Ask whether the school provides supportive mental health and medical services, including for transgender students.
Financing College Wisely Is Critical for LGBTQ+ Student Success
Beyond campus culture, affordability is a major concern. LGBTQ+ students are significantly more likely to have student loan debt than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, and they also carry disproportionately high student loan debt. The need to take out student loans can be due in whole or in part to family estrangement, discrimination, or other financial constraints.
How to Choose the Right College for Good Financial Health
To avoid long-term financial strain, students should prioritize schools that
Offer generous institutional scholarships (some offer specific scholarships for LGBTQ students)
Have a transparent financial aid process
Provide emergency financial support for students in crisis
Provide student loan or financial counselors
LGBTQ+-specific scholarships are also available through many community and nonprofit organizations.
Other ways to minimize college debt include:
Applying early for federal aid (using the FAFSA form)
Considering community college or 2+2 transfer plans
Using state-based 529 college savings plans
Living at home (if possible/practical) to save on housing costs
Career and Networking Support Matter More Than Ever
A good college will support students not just in the classroom but well into their careers. For LGBTQ+ students, this kind of support can be a game-changer. Young nonbinary professionals often face systemic barriers in employment, including bias in hiring and limited access to mentors.
How to Choose the Right College for Career Success
Although entering the workforce might seem like it’s still a far-off event, students should keep the big picture in mind and seek out colleges known for:
Robust career services, including resume help, mock interviews, and job fairs
Professional career counselors familiar with challenges facing LGBTQ+ grads
Alumni networks that include LGBTQ+ professionals and networking opportunities
Internship placement programs that offer real-world experience
For LGBTQ+ students navigating industries that may be less inclusive, these services provide not just guidance but a safety net.
Workforce Development Nonprofits Can Help Too
Even with the right school, career services, and financial planning, LGBTQ+ students may still face plenty of hurdles after graduation. That’s where specialized workforce development organizations such as TransCanWork come in. They can also help you if you did not attend college or graduated from a school that wasn’t adequately supportive of your needs.
TransCanWork is a nonprofit focused on increasing economic opportunities for TGI individuals. It offers job readiness training, connects people to inclusive employers, provides resources for navigating life in the workforce, helps young professionals understand their workplace rights, and advocates for workplace equity.
Whether you’re preparing to enter the workforce or making a career shift, nonprofits such as TransCanWork can:
Provide resume and interview coaching tailored to TGI individuals
Connect candidates with employers who value diversity
Offer mentorship programs and professional development workshops
These kinds of support are essential for TGI graduates navigating a job market in which bias still exists but in which their unique identities and perspectives can also be powerful assets.
The right college choice sets the foundation for TGI and other LGBTQ+ students to thrive not just academically but professionally and financially. A school that provides authentic inclusion, generous financial aid, and strong career support can mean the difference between struggling and succeeding. For students planning their next steps, it’s not just about where you go — it’s about what your school does to help you grow, graduate, and step into a future where you can live and work with pride.
Plan for College and Career Success With TransCanWork
At TransCanWork, we envision a world where the barriers to employment for transgender individuals are dismantled and where they can pursue fulfilling careers free from discrimination and prejudice. This vision encompasses several key elements that enable empowerment, equality, and dignity for transgender workers everywhere.
We promote the implementation of policies that protect the rights of transgender workers, including nondiscrimination policies, health care coverage for gender-affirming treatments, and appropriate restroom and dress code accommodations.
However, we can’t do this without you. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed on our key issues and projects, and please consider donating today!