40 College Scholarships for Latino and Hispanic Students
Unlock financial support to pursue your academic dreams with this comprehensive guide to scholarships for Latino and Hispanic students.
Paying for your college degree is something that many college students are concerned about, especially with the rising costs of schools across the nation. For Hispanic and Latino students, this challenge may be even more pronounced as they navigate unique barriers such as cultural expectations or socioeconomic differences. Maybe you’re a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient or the first in your family to go to college; either way, you likely have a lot of questions about affording a college degree.
Between 2000 and 2020, the number of Latinos enrolled at four-year institutions jumped from 620,000 to 2.4 million, a 287% increase that continues to grow. Despite this record-level enrollment, according to the Pew Research Center, affordability is still a major obstacle for Hispanic students. Hispanic and Latino/Latina students are also more likely to be first-generation college students than any other racial/ethnic group.
Fortunately, there is vast, nationwide support for you both at college and community levels as you navigate your college options and work towards earning a degree, including this list of top scholarship opportunities.
This list of 40 scholarships are specifically designed to support and empower students like you in your academic journey and reduce your financial burden. Keep reading to learn more about what funding you might be eligible for and how you can get started applying today.
40 College Scholarships You Can Apply for Now
These 40 scholarship options range from need-based to merit-based and include major-specific and geo-specific awards as well as options for part-time and online students. Award amounts range from $500 to full coverage of tuition. All these awards have the goal of making higher education more affordable and accessible for Hispanic and minority students.
General Scholarships & Grants for Hispanic and Latino Students
AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
- Amount: $3,000 – $10,000
- Eligibility/Description: This award provides financial assistance to outstanding minority students to encourage their pursuit of accounting as a major and their entry into the profession. You must be planning to pursue CPA licensure.
- Deadline: March 15
Alexis Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship for the Arts
- Amount: $1,500 – $3,000
- Eligibility/Description: Any Latina female high school student who has been accepted to a two- or four-year college or an art institute may apply for this scholarship if they’re pursuing the arts and in need of financial assistance.
- Deadline: May 31
American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars
- Amount: Up to $5,000 annually
- Eligibility/Description: The ACS Scholars Program awards renewable scholarships to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups in the chemical sciences. Applicant must be majoring in chemistry-related disciplines and intending to pursue chemistry-related careers.
- Deadline: March 1
Ascend Educational Fund
- Amount: $2,500 – $20,000
- Eligibility/Description: Immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a New York City high school are eligible to apply. You must be enrolled full-time at an accredited public or private college or university in the fall following graduation from high school.
- Deadline: February
Café Bustelo® El Café del Futuro Scholarship Program
- Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility/Description: This program is for students at institutions that are members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). The program is looking for applicants who plan to give back to their communities.
- Deadline: June 30
Charles Cheesman’s Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
- Amount: $1,650 – $5,000
- Eligibility/Description: This scholarship program, offered by the Cheesman family, seeks to reduce student loan costs for Hispanic/Latino or African American first-generation students who are currently in college or have graduated with student loans.
- Deadline: November 30
Chicana Latina Foundation
- Amount: $1,500
- Eligibility/Description: Eligible students are those who identify as Chicana and/or Latina and are enrolled in an accredited college, university, or community college in one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo.
- Deadline: TBA
Cybersecurity & The LatinX Community Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility/Description: Latinx students pursuing higher education in cybersecurity and from a low-income background are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
- Deadline: November 25
David Sankey Minority Scholarship in Meteorology
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility/Description: This scholarship aids minority students in their sophomore years or higher of undergraduate or graduate study and who are enrolled in a program of meteorology or atmospheric science or related field.
- Deadline: May 23
Desire to Inspire Scholarship
- Amount: $500 – $3,000
- Eligibility/Description: This award recognizes young individuals from historically underrepresented minority groups. Applicants must be interested in a career in healthcare and making a determined effort to inspire others.
- Deadline: June 9
EducationDynamics $10,000 Minority First Generation Scholarship Contest
- Amount: $10,000
- Eligibility/Description: This scholarship is open to all minority applicants who are the first in their families to go to college, are at least 17 years of age, and are pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning or a certificate program.
- Deadline: July 30
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility/Description: This program serves first-generation high school seniors who are underrepresented, need financial assistance, and are passionate about furthering their education to help their families, communities, and themselves. You must be planning to attend a four-year accredited university in the U.S. in STEM fields or Transportation Management.
- Deadline: March 14
Force For Good High School Essay Contest
- Amount: $500 – $2,500
- Eligibility/Description: Eligible students must be sophomores or juniors in high school in the U.S. and members of an underrepresented population.
- Deadline: May 26
Healthcare Scholarship For A Bright Future
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility/Description: This scholarship supports and encourages underserved students to pursue careers in healthcare and STEM. Applicants must be looking to contribute to addressing their communities’ social and financial problems.
- Deadline: May 30
HSF Scholar Program
- Amount: $500 – $5,000
- Eligibility/Description: In addition to funding, HSF Scholars also have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services like career services, mentorship, and leadership development. You must be Hispanic and have a 3.0 minimum GPA.
- Deadline: February 15
José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund
- Amount: $2,000
- Eligibility/Description: The José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund is a need-based merit scholarship that provides financial assistance to eligible students of Hispanic origin who will attend Florida public or eligible private institutions.
- Deadline: April 1
José Ventura and Margarita Melendez Mexican-American Scholarship Fund
- Amount: $1,775
- Eligibility/Description: Any Mexican or Mexican American student who will be a first-generation undergraduate student may apply for this scholarship if they have work experience or strong volunteering experience.
- Deadline: December 2
Joseph Zukin Jr. Scholarship For Entrepreneurship
- Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility/Description: Any graduate or undergraduate student whose academic record and community activities reflect the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by Mr. Zukin can apply with special consideration given to applicants from marginalized communities.
Latinos in Technology Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $30,000
- Eligibility/Description: The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley awards the Latinos in Technology Scholarship to up to 100 Latino students who are studying STEM-related fields. They also have access to internship opportunities to continue learning and gaining experience in the field.
- Deadline: February 27
LULAC National Scholarship Fund
- Amount: $250 – $2,000
- Eligibility/Description: This scholarship is offered by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and DACA recipients are eligible. You need to be a resident of one of the 13 states listed in the eligibility requirements.
- Deadline: TBA 2025
Maestro Cares Scholarships for Latino/a Undergraduate and Graduate Students
- Amount: Up to $6,000 a year
- Eligibility/Description: To be eligible for this scholarship, students should be of Latino origin, between the ages of 17-24, and enrolled in an accredited university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or Latin America.
- Deadline: June 1
McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $100,000
- Eligibility/Description: HACER scholarships are given to up to 30 outstanding Hispanic students from all over the country to narrow the gap for Hispanic college-bound students.
- Deadline: TBA
Ohio News Media Foundation Minority Journalism Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility/Description: You must be a graduating senior at an Ohio high school or a current student at an Ohio college or university and interested in studying journalism.
- Deadline: May 20
Overcoming Adversity Cariño Scholarship
- Amount: $4,559
- Eligibility/Description: Any Latinx high school senior student from the state of Washington who has a history of overcoming adversity may apply for this scholarship. Preference is given to those who do not qualify for federal loans/grants/DACA. You can apply if you are attending a two- or four-year program or a trade school.
- Deadline: June 30
Provident Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: $3,000
- Eligibility/Description: The Provident Foundation offers scholarships for underrepresented minority Chicago-area students who want to pursue training in a medical field. You should reside in the Chicago Metropolitan area, have demonstrated leadership ability, and show a commitment to serving medically underserved communities to be eligible.
- Deadline: May 26
Queen-Nellie Evans Award
- Amount: $4,000
- Eligibility/Description: The APF Queen-Nellie Evans Award funds a graduate student from an underrepresented group, who has demonstrated financial need, and who is committed to improving the disparities in societal structures and issues that negatively impact communities of color.
- Deadline: January 31
Se Vale Soñar Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility/Description: Any Hispanic or Latinx high school senior or undergraduate student in Arizona who is a first-generation college student may apply for this scholarship.
- Deadline: July 1
Single Parent Household Scholarship For a Bright Future
- Amount: $10,000
- Eligibility/Description: This scholarship focuses on underrepresented and underprivileged exceptional students raised in single-parent households or students who are single parents themselves and pursuing degrees in education, STEM, and sustainability.
- Deadline: May 30
STEAM Scholarship For A Bright Future
- Amount: Up to$10,000
- Eligibility/Description: This scholarship supports underrepresented, underprivileged, and exceptional students pursuing degrees in sustainability and STEAM.
- Deadline: May 30
Texas Medical Association Diversity in Medicine Scholarship
- Amount: $10,000
- Eligibility/Description: The Texas Medical Association Diversity in Medicine Scholarship offers support for minorities historically underrepresented in Texas medical schools and the state’s physician workforce.
- Deadline: May 31
The Dream.US National Scholarship
- Amount: Covers tuition and fees up to $33,000
- Eligibility/Description: Highly motivated undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition in their home state but with significant, unmet financial needs can apply.
- Deadline: February 29
The Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $80,000
- Eligibility/Description: TheDream.US created this Opportunity Scholarship for undocumented students who live in states without access to college, either because they don’t have in-state tuition or because their states don’t allow them to be admitted to their universities.
- Deadline: February
The Gates Scholarship
- Amount: Full cost of attendance
- Eligibility/Description: The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Preference is given to students with strong academic records (top 10% of class) and leadership ability.
- Deadline: September 15
The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $20,000 ($5,000 annually for four years)
- Eligibility/Description: The National Hispanic Health Foundation offers this scholarship for medical, nursing, dental, pharmacy, and public health students with outstanding academic records, leadership ability, and commitment to serving Hispanics.
- Deadline: Applications are posted between May and June
Public Service Scholarships for Latino or Hispanic Students
Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program
- Amount: $10,000
- Eligibility/Description: This scholarship program was created in response to California’s resolution to end affirmative action and race-based admissions at UC schools. Law students at UC Berkeley, Stanford, UC, Santa Clara, and the University of San Francisco are eligible to apply.
- Deadline: May 31
Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders
- Amount: $500 – $1,000
- Eligibility/Description: Applicants must be current or future undergraduate students for the upcoming fall semester. You can apply if you have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry. Non-U.S. citizens can also apply (DACA or Undocumented).
- Deadline: November 30
For a Bright Future Dr. Emma Lerew Scholarship
- Amount: $2,500 – $10,000
- Eligibility/Description: The Dr. Emma Lerew Scholarship supports underrepresented and underprivileged exceptional students focused on careers in education.
- Deadline: May 31
Laurel House, Inc. Social Work Racial Equity Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility/Description: The mission of this scholarship is to cultivate more minority social workers committed to social change and increase access to mental health care treatment by communities of color. You must be a CT resident and enrolled in a Master of Social Work curriculum in CT or NY program to apply.
- Deadline: May 15
Leon Bradley Scholarship Program
- Amount: $3,500
- Eligibility/Description: The Leon Bradley Scholarship Program encourages People of Color to enter the field of teaching and school leadership. Minority candidates seeking their initial teaching certification endorsement are eligible to apply.
- Deadline: May 17
Increase Your Chances of Earning a Scholarship
Once you know more about the scholarships you are eligible for, you can set yourself up for success before the application is even submitted. The best practices listed below increase your chances of standing out in a competitive pool of applicants.
Do Your Research
Hispanic students on average receive $3,160 in scholarships, but that’s just a small portion of the scholarships available. Knowing what you’re eligible to apply for and the process for each application is crucial to securing as many scholarships as you can.
Follow Instructions Exactly
Every scholarship application has different instructions, from application materials and deadlines to essay questions. For example, The Gates Scholarship requires you to create a myTGS profile as well as add documents like your admission letter and headshot photo. Follow instructions precisely to make sure scholarship committees will consider your application.
Showcase What Makes You Unique
Many of the scholarships for Latino and minority students look for qualities that make you unique. Whether it’s the fact that you are the first person in your family to go to college or you’ve started a volunteer project in your community, don’t be afraid to lean into your story and make an impression.
Source Strong Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters are key components of most scholarship applications and can paint a picture of who you are as a person outside of your resume and school transcript. Think about people in your life, whether a teacher, advisor, coach, etc. who can vouch for your character and academic ability.
Edit Your Application
Go through every submission and double-check that you’ve got the key facts correct and have followed all instructions. It’s also helpful to do a final spelling and grammar check to ensure you don’t have any typos or errors as well as get another pair of eyes to review your applications.
Submit It on Time
Submitting your application on time is essential. Most application committees won’t even consider an application that was turned in late. After putting in the work to get all your materials together, you want to make sure your application is considered with the rest.
Say Thank You and Follow Up
A solid thank you note can work wonders, whether it’s for a scholarship application or job interview. Thank the committee reviewing your application for taking the time and consideration with your application. Also follow up to get more information on the next steps and the potential timeline for decisions.
Resources for Hispanic & Latino Students
Looking for more help preparing for college life? You’re in the right place. This section highlights 10 great resources for Hispanic and Latino students that can help you be successful in this next season of your life. From social support and networking to education and financial resources, these resources assist you as you navigate your college career.
- National Hispanic Institute
The National Hispanic Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership opportunities and educational resources for Hispanic and Latino youth. - Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is a champion of Hispanic success in higher education, representing more than 500 colleges and universities. - Alliance for a Better Community (ABC)
ABC advocates for policy changes that will create improved outcomes for Latinos throughout the LA region. The organization has resources for students of all ages to help prepare them for college and careers and full participation in the civic, economic, and cultural life of the community. - Hispanic Scholarship Fund
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and resources to Latino students to help them achieve their higher education goals. - White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics
This Department of Education initiative focuses on advancing equity in schools across the U.S. and promotes the economic opportunity that follows. There are several types of resources – such as DACA guides, grants, and more – available to Latino students. - Hispanic/Latino Professional Association (HLPA)
The HLPA connects top employers with Latino talent. With an HLPA membership, you receive invitations to networking events in your area, job and career opportunities, and other products and services to help your professional development. - Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU)
The HACU represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the U.S., Latin America, and Spain and is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-serving institutions. HACU also publishes The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education magazine, which focuses on issues impacting the Hispanic population. - Equal Opportunity Schools
Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) works collaboratively to identify and enroll underserved and underrepresented students in advanced courses. EOS offers a wide variety of helpful resources, such as educational webinars, blogs, and in-person events. - Latino Professional Network
The Latino Professional Network is a global community that connects, promotes, and empowers Latino professionals to achieve greater career success. - McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship Program
HACER provides scholarships and leadership development opportunities to support Hispanic students pursuing STEM degrees and careers. - Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
MALDEF is a national civil rights organization that works to protect the rights of Latinos through community education, advocacy, and legal action. It provides resources and support for Latino students, particularly in areas of education equity and access.
