As more Hispanic students enroll in college, many are worried about the cost of attendance. Fortunately, there are hundreds of very substantial scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students. Finding these scholarships can seem difficult if you don’t know where to look. Read below to learn where to find Hispanic scholarships, how they work and how to apply.
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What is a Hispanic scholarship?
Hispanic students can apply for scholarships that are targeted to the Hispanic community as well as scholarships that are geared to any underrepresented group. For example, the Jackie Robinson Foundation offers scholarships to minority students who have demonstrated financial need and will be attending a two or four-year school.
Hispanic scholarships may pay for some or all education-related expenses, and may be given for just one year or several years. Scholarship renewal often depends on the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA).
Hispanic scholarship providers may require that students have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools also mandate that students interested in financial aid submit the FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA renders students eligible for federal and state aid, including grants and federal student loans.
How to apply for a Hispanic scholarship
There are dozens of different Hispanic scholarships available, and students should take the time to research all scholarships they may qualify for.
Students should not only look for general Hispanic scholarships, but also for niche awards that fit their distinctive interests and skills. For example, the National Hispanic Business Women Association Educational Scholarship is only given to a female Hispanic student based in California.
While some Hispanic scholarships are open to anyone with Hispanic heritage, others are only available if you are from a specific country or region. For example, the CINTAS Foundation Brandon Fradd Fellowship in Music Composition is only given to students with a Cuban parent or grandparent.
Once you have a list of scholarships, try to organize them by the scholarship deadline date. Then, read through the requirements and figure out what you need in order to apply. Most scholarships will require an official transcript and letters of recommendation. Many will also ask for information about your parents’ financial situation, and may require a copy of their tax return.
Some scholarships will have an essay component. Even if you have a strong GPA and extracurricular record, essay scholarships, though they will take a bit more work on your part, may be your best chance to stand out from the other applicants. Try to have someone else read your essay before submitting it. This will help you to catch any errors you may have missed. Be sure to perform a spelling and grammar check on any documents you submit. Remember that the essay is one of the most important parts of your application, so it’s important to allow yourself as much time as possible to write and edit it before you send it in.
Frequently asked questions about Hispanic scholarships
What are the best scholarships available for Hispanic students?
There are many Hispanic scholarships that cover most or the entire cost of tuition. For example, the McDonald’s HACER® National Scholarship offers up to 30 scholarships for Hispanic students, with three different award tiers. The first tier receives up to $100,000, the second tier receives $10,000 or $20,000 and the third tier receives $5,000.
Are there any scholarships specifically for Hispanic women?
There are plenty of Hispanic scholarships that are open to all genders, but there are several scholarships that are only for female Hispanic students. For example, the NYLPRW, Inc. Scholarship for Puerto Rican Women is a scholarship just for female students of Puerto Rican heritage.
The Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarships help Chicana or Latina women residing in and attending post-secondary school in Northern California. The organization will select between 40 and 45 students, each receiving $1,500.
Are there scholarships available for DACA recipients?
For example, TheDream.US National Scholarship is only given to immigrant students who are undocumented. Students must have come to the US both before November 1, 2017 and before the age of 16.
Can Hispanic students receive scholarships for graduate or professional school?
Many students assume that scholarships are only available for undergraduate studies, but there are several award programs available for post-graduate studies. For example, the NBCC Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors is available for minority students who are receiving a Master’s degree in counseling.
The MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program provides scholarships between $2,000 and $10,000 to law students who are passionate about legal rights for Latinos.
If you're applying to grad school, contact the financial aid department and ask them how to be considered for all potential scholarships. You may have to submit a separate application and fill out the FAFSA as well.
STEAM Scholarship For A Bright Future Scholarship supports underrepresented, underprivileged, and exceptional students pursuing a degree in sustainability and STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. For A Bright Future provides annual scholarships to underserved students with outstanding achievement and the drive to pursue higher education in select fields. Students have [...] More
The Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship will be awarded to full-time students (women and minority students), enrolled in their second semester and at least two semester-equivalent courses) currently pursuing a graduate degree at any accredited academic institution in the United States and living in the United States in an eligible major that supports the mission of AFCEA Educational [...] More
The first step in becoming a CPA is to complete your higher education. Graduating from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university is strongly recommended. The AICPA is looking for scholarship applicants who are declared accounting, finance or related majors and intend to pursue the CPA license. Become an AICPA Legacy Scholar by applying for an AICPA Legacy Scholarship. If chosen, [...] More
The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Latinx, Native North American and Pacific Islander students. The scholarship award recognizes and encourages the academic achievements of full-time undergraduate students pursuing a degree that may lead to a career in the actuarial profession. Scholarships [...] More
The goal of our scholarship fund is to help eliminate one of the leading obstacles preventing single parents and minority students from attending college – the soaring cost of tuition. We believe when students have the opportunity to attend college, our society thrives. We provide talented students with the means to be able to reach a higher education, which helps develop the future leaders of [...] More
The BLM² Scholarship Foundation program is designed to address the financial needs of minority college students and award outstanding high school graduates who plan to earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, four-year college or university with financial assistance. Full details and application may be found at our website and any questions regarding the scholarship or application directed [...] More
Today, Latinos are the fastest growing group in the country; however, this group also has the country's highest high school drop-out rate. Latinos not only have to face the normal hurdles of school education, but many face the challenges of being first-generation students, having to assist at home with financial burdens early on in life, learn a new language, or suffer a lack of educational [...] More
The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) program was created to be Florida’s Answer to Diversity in Teaching. For over 20 years, the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. has answered the call and continues to provide the great state of Florida with high quality, highly qualified minority teachers. FFMT is governed by a Governor appointed Board of Directors from institutions of higher [...] More
To be eligible for the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship, applicants must: be a black or Hispanic/Latinx student; be an Indiana resident and a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen; be admitted or already attending an eligible Indiana institution as a full-time student; pursue or intend to pursue a course of study that would enable the student, upon graduation, to teach in [...] More
The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation (ILLCF) was established in 2002 as a strong voice and resource for the Illinois Latino population and for those that work and live within Latino communities statewide. Through its annual statewide conference and the ILLCF Public Policy Institute, the Foundation seeks to empower Latinos to confront critical issues affecting their communities and to [...] More
Founded in 1903, the American Political Science Association (APSA) is the leading professional organization for the study of political science and serves more than 11,000 members in more than 100 countries. With a range of programs and services for individuals, departments, and institutions, APSA brings together political scientists from all fields of inquiry, regions, and occupational endeavors [...] More
The mission of The National GEM Consortium is to enhance the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) at the master’s and doctoral levels in engineering and science. GEM recruits high quality underrepresented students looking to pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees in applied [...] More
Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr., a product of the Latino Civil Rights Movement, was hired to teach civics in a Texas public school. His classroom was primarily composed of Mexican-American children, many of whom were children of migrant farm workers and spoke little English. After teaching for three days, Dr. Andrade was fired and arrested for speaking Spanish in his own classroom. This incident prompted [...] More
The Society for Classical Studies (SCS), founded as the American Philological Association in 1869 by "professors, friends, and patrons of linguistic science,", was renamed in 2014 as the result of a strategic planning process and membership vote following a successful capital campaign. It is currently the principal membership organization in North America for the study of ancient Greek and Roman [...] More
The Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) shares your dream of a college education. We offer a wide range of scholarships for students working to fulfill their educational goals. HEEF welcomes students who are undocumented. The HEEF Scholarship Program considers applicants based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities, community [...] More
The NBCC Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors (Doctoral) administers up to 20 doctoral-level counseling fellowships of $20,000, plus the travel expenses to participate in program-related trainings. Eligible applicants must demonstrate knowledge of and experience with one or more of the following: underserved minority communities, child/adolescent and geriatric groups, minority [...] More
The National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program will administer up to 40 master’s degree-level counseling fellowships of $15,000 for addictions counseling students, plus the travel expenses to participate in other program-related trainings. Eligible applicants must demonstrate knowledge of and experience in addictions/substance abuse services to one or more of the [...] More
Through its Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), ASA provides a stipend of $20,000 for each annual award (August 1-July 31) and works with departments to try to arrange for the payment of tuition for the academic year. The Fellowship includes designated cohort programming at the ASA Annual Meeting, travel support for scientific conferences, and the opportunity to become part of a distinguished [...] More
The Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarship (SEAS) endowment fund was established in 2010 to increase recruitment and retention of under represented minorities obtaining degrees in archaeology. Minority groups have long been under represented and marginalized in American archaeology, creating an imbalance with consequences, not only in research goals and interpretations, but also in [...] More
The EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship provides funds for two years of undergraduate study majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) discipline related to NOAA's programs and mission. The program is targeted toward students who have completed their sophomore year and are attending minority-serving institutions (MSIs). You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national who is [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
MPower Artist Grants are competitive scholarships designed to empower alumni of the Sphinx Competition, Sphinx Symphony, Sphinx Virtuosi, Sphinx Performance Academy, Sphinx Medals of Excellence, Sphinx LEAD, EXIGENCE, NAAS, and SOPA to achieve their career objectives in classical music. Artist Grants will range based upon the scope, need and nature of each competitive application. Grants may [...] More
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers funding to assist students of Hispanic heritage obtain a university degree. Scholarships are available, on a competitive basis, to high school seniors, undergraduate students, community college students transferring to four year universities, and graduate students. Applicants must be Hispanic/Latino, have a minimum 3.0 GPA (for high school students) or 2.5 [...] More
The AMS Scholarship for Underserved Communities will award funding to students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, especially Hispanic, Native American, and Black/African American students. Funding for the scholarships is provided through donations made to the AMS Annual Giving Program. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is committed to, and benefits from the full [...] More
New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) provides scholarships every year to deserving young students. Scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000 for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students for students pursuing a career/major in the field of communications. Applicants must reside in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania or go to college or university in one of those [...] More
Each year, The LAGRANT Foundation provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate ethnic minority students who are attending accredited institutions and are pursuing careers in the fields of advertising, marketing or public relations. The scholarship recipients will receive a trip to either New York City, Portland, OR, or Minneapolis, MN where they will participate in career building [...] More
Each year, The LAGRANT Foundation provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate ethnic minority students who are attending accredited institutions and are pursuing careers in the fields of advertising, marketing or public relations. The scholarship recipients will receive a trip to either New York City, Portland, OR, or Minneapolis, MN where they will participate in career building [...] More
The Mexican Studies Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to highly motivated students. The scholarship program is intended to help current and future community leaders to advance their educational goals. Recipients will work closely with the Institute staff and community-based organizations to advance the Mexican and/or immigrant community. Criteria for selection are academic excellence, [...] More
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Achille & Irene Despres, William & Andre Scholarship is awarded to students of Mexican heritage, who also currently reside in either Kent County, Michigan or Ottawa County, Michiagn, and will be attending an accredited college or university for their upcoming undergraduate studies. Applicants must also present a financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA.
ACS awards renewable scholarships to underrepresented minority students who want to enter the fields of chemistry or chemistry-related fields. African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander (excluding Asian) or American Indian high school seniors or college freshman, sophomores, or juniors pursuing a college degree in the chemical sciences or chemical technology are eligible to apply. Seniors can [...] More
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Hackett Family Scholarship is offered to a senior at or has graduated from any public high school located in Grand Rapids, Godfrey Lee, Godwin Heights, Grandville, Kelloggsville, Kentwood or Wyoming, Michigan and is a full time undergraduate student attending an accredited college/university or skilled trade school of their choice. Preference is given to [...] More
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Miller Johnson Michigan Diversity Law School Scholarship is awarded to students of color with a permanent residence in Michigan or attending a Michigan law school. Students must demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) and applicants follow the GRCF [...] More
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship is awarded to students of color (African-American, Hispanic-American, Native-American, AAPI) attending a non-profit public or private college or university in Western Michigan, majoring in Fine Arts (including all visual and performing art forms). Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship, be a [...] More
Through the Spectrum Scholarship Program, the American Library Association affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion by seeking the broadest participation of new generations of racially and ethnically diverse librarians to position ALA to provide leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services. The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships [...] More
The Fontana Transport Inc Scholars Program is for first generation high school seniors who are underrepresented, need financial assistance and are passionate about furthering their education as a means to help out their family, community and themselves. We want to be able to find, sponsor, and guide leaders who are determined to succeed by all means possible regardless of their struggles, lack of [...] More
The Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students awards a scholarship for the undergraduate study of religion journalism or mass communications. The scholarship assists a United Methodist undergraduate who intends to pursue a career in religion journalism through study at an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must be a United Methodist ethnic [...] More
To be eligible for the CLA Scholarship for Minority Students, applicants must: be US citizens (or permanent US residents) and permanent California residents; be enrolled in an ALA-accredited master's of library and information science or information studies program and have completed one or more courses (applications from students at institutions actively seeking accreditation are also welcome); [...] More
To be eligible for the Esperanza Scholarship, applicants must be graduating from high school and be: enrolled full-time in college or university for the upcoming fall semester; a resident of Cuyahoga County (HPOA applicants may also reside in Lorain County); Hispanic or have at least one parent who is Hispanic; and an American citizen or Permanent Resident (DACA Eligible students are also [...] More
META's Platinum Scholarship provides students up to $6,000, payable over four years, to entering college freshman attending four-year colleges and universities or students attending community college with plans to transfer. Recipients of the Platinum Scholarship will also be provided mentorship and access to workshops. Applicants must be applying, accepted or enrolled at an accredited institution [...] More
If: 1) you plan to teach at a nonprofit Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary school, or secondary school, for which the Illinois State Board of Education has determined that no less than 30 percent of the enrolled students are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Native American; and 2) you are of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian [...] More
The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives established this scholarship in honor of Albert W. Dent, the first African-American Fellow of ACHE. This scholarship is offered to provide financial aid to racially/ethnically students in healthcare management graduate programs to help offset tuition costs, student loans and expenses.
Offered annually, the Albert W. Dent Graduate [...] More
Applicants of the Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship must be a United States citizen or permanent resident who is a full-time student enrolled in his/her junior, senior year or graduate program at an accredited college/university and have a declared major in civil, chemical or environmental engineering or one of the environmental sciences (e.g. biology, geology, hydro-geology, ecology). Must [...] More
To be eligible for the George A. Strait Minority Scholarship, applicants must: be enrolled in an ALA accredited library graduate school program or law school in the U.S.; be a member of a recognized minority group (as defined by current U.S. guidelines); intend to pursue a career in law librarianship; complete the Strait Scholarship/Fellowship application, indicating their interest in either the [...] More
The American Bus Association Foundation promotes academic excellence and diversity in the motorcoach travel and tour industry through its scholarship program. The ABA Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in financial support to hundreds of scholars since its inception. The ABA Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes deserving students who demonstrate scholastic ability, leadership, [...] More
Created by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1974 as a non-profit corporation with the merging of the Tennessee Educational Loan Corporation and the Tennessee Tuition Grant Program, the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) administers over 20 different state student financial aid programs, including the HOPE scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student [...] More
The EMPOWER Scholarship is open to culturally diverse students who have been accepted to or are enrolled in a post-high school program. Eligible applicants must: be a resident of Minnesota or Western Wisconsin or be attending school in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin; have volunteer and/or community service; demonstrate financial need; have a 2.0 GPA; and plan on pursuing a career in healthcare. [...] More
The Latino Social Work Coalition provides scholarships to Latino/x/e and bilingual students with significant economic need who are entering their 2nd or 3rd year pursuing a master’s degree in social work (this includes advanced standing, OYR, extended students). Eligible applicants must: be attending an accredited social work school or program in New York State; have a 3.0 GPA; agree to [...] More
Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) is pleased to announce the GMiS California Health Sciences Scholarships, which provide financial assistance and support for underrepresented students in California, pursuing undergraduate degrees in health-related disciplines. Interested students must complete the online application and provide appropriate supporting documentation. Undergraduate students, who are [...] More
In collaboration with member organizations, benefactors, professional groups, colleges, universities and dedicated individuals, the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) provides sizable, renewable scholarships. The program is open to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students. Eligible applicants must be Hispanic/Latino, have a 2.5 GPA (or a 3.0 for Renewable [...] More
The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (PMAHCC) realizes the substantial rewards of giving a way into educational opportunities to eager Hispanic students. PMAHCC supports scholarship funds of the Hispanic community in Pittsburgh and continues to give time and effort in the accumulation and security of their resources to benefit the continuous rise of the number of [...] More
Page Grants are awarded to Minnesota students of color who attend Minnesota post-secondary schools and agree to complete annual service projects with young children. Students at all levels of academic achievement can qualify for a grant. The selection process highlights an applicant's attitude toward education, willingness to provide service to children, and financial need. You must be enrolled [...] More
AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship Initiative, managed by the AIA Chicago Foundation, is an opportunity to attract and retain diverse, talented young professionals in Chicago and recognizes the value of new and unique voices in the profession. One $10,000 undergraduate scholarship is awarded each year. Applicant must be able to demonstrate financial need and fulfill diversity [...] More
The Annual Colorado State Fair Fiesta Queen Pageant selects an ambassador to represent the diverse Hispanic community and culture for the Colorado State Fair and provides scholarships to select highly qualified young women who will act as the Colorado State Fair Fiesta Queen and her Court.
Applicants must not be married (which includes common law), divorced, and/or have had an annulment. [...] More
A nationally recognized university located in Sioux Falls, Augustana is home to students who aspire to become the change-makers and problem-solvers of tomorrow. We believe life is about the journey — the places you see, the experiences you have, the knowledge you gain and the people you meet along the way. It's what being a Viking is all about, and it's why we're proud to partner with families to [...] More
FTE offers fellowships to sustain current Ph.D. and Th.D. students of color through graduate school and into a vocation of teaching and scholarship. In doing so, FTE is working toward improving the quality of theological education and scholarship by diversifying the faculties of theological schools. Financial support is available for doctoral students who have completed the coursework stage of [...] More
The vision of Great Minds in STEM is to be a national leader in keeping America technologically strong by promoting science, technology, engineering and math careers especially in underserved communities. Part of their mission is: to enlighten and engage families, educators, communities and employers to assist underserved students pursuing STEM career; and to inspire our nation through [...] More
The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) has designated Bosnia and Herzegovina as a study abroad destination under its TCA Study Abroad Scholarship Program for American Minority Students. TCA provides 100 scholarships per year to eligible American undergraduate and graduate students of African American, Hispanic American, and Native American descent who are accepted to study for a semester or a [...] More
NACME is the largest provider of college scholarships for underrepresented minorities pursuing degrees at schools of engineering. NACME Scholarships make a significant impact on the lives of deserving students who ultimately become valued participants in the engineering and computer science workforce. NACME is responsible for over $5 million in scholarships awarded annually to underrepresented [...] More
At Morgan Stanley, we strive to build an organization that is diverse in experience and background but consistent in reflecting our standards of integrity and excellence. One way we demonstrate this commitment is through the Morgan Stanley Richard B. Fisher (RBF) Scholarship Program, which is an integral part of our diversity recruiting efforts for college sophomores and juniors, helping to [...] More
The GBHEM scholarship application opens in January of each year. You can only submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the first page of the scholarship application which of the below listed programs you would most like to be considered for. Scholarship programs are divided into three categories: General Scholarships, [...] More
