Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources for Hispanic Students

Numerous scholarships and resources are available to help Hispanic and Latino students pay for college. Reviewing your spending and effectively budgeting can also help you save for school.

By Nathan Paulus

Updated: October 30, 2024

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Latino students enrolled in college or postgraduate education increased from 2.9 million to 4.2 million between 2010 and 2022, reflecting the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population to over 63 million. However, like many Americans, Hispanic students face challenges in obtaining college degrees. One significant obstacle is the cost of education.

Various means of financial assistance are available through scholarships and grants for Hispanic and Latino students. Although finding and applying for this aid requires effort, it is often worth the investment. Learning how to navigate this process and exploring various financial aid options can help you pay for college and achieve your educational goals.

Scholarships for Hispanic Students

Various scholarships are available to support Hispanic students in their educational journey. These range from smaller, community-based scholarships to larger, national awards, each offering different levels of financial assistance. Understand the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to help you set up successful applications.

Scholarship Name	Award Amount	Eligibility Criteria
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)	$500 to $5,000	Hispanic heritage High school seniors or college students Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale U.S. Citizens, Permanent Legal Residents, DACA recipients or eligible noncitizens Completed FAFSA application All majors encouraged, with an emphasis on STEM
Utah Somos Foundation Scholarship	$500 to $1,000	Hispanic or Latino descent Reside in Utah High school seniors or college/vocational school students Demonstrated leadership in school and community service
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards	Up to $4,000	Currently enrolled in high school Graduating in Spring 2025 Minimum unweighted of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 7.5 on a 10.0 scale Seeking enrollment at an accredited higher education institution in 2025–2026 Hispanic heritage (includes Spain, Brazil and the Philippines)
La Unidad Latina Scholarship	$500 to $1,000	Undergraduate students Minimum 2.8 GPA Enrolled in a bachelor's degree program Completed one year of full-time study
Gates Millennium Scholars	Varies based on need	Minority students Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale Demonstrated leadership abilities Meet Federal Pell Grant criteria

Scholarships for Undocumented Hispanic Students

Many Hispanic students have special situations, circumstances and needs that set them apart from the general student population. With many undocumented workers in the country, several groups and associations seek to provide students who are undocumented or whose parents are undocumented with aid to attend post-secondary school.

Scholarships are also available for students who are migrant workers, come from migrant worker families or are first-generation U.S. citizens. Even being the first in your family to attend college can win you a scholarship.

Scholarship Name	Award Amount	Eligibility Criteria
Jean DeGrace Crandall Memorial Scholarship Fund	Up to $1,000	Open to migrant farmworkers or children of migrant farmworkers from Mexico with a history of migration to Ulster, Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland or Westchester Counties in New York State
Lydia Mendoza Graduate Fellowship	Up to $15,000 for one academic year	Enrolled full-time in a graduate degree program at a New York area university through Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Demonstrated financial need Open regardless of immigration status Willingness to share experiences and accomplishments Commitment to the Mexican immigrant communities Preference given to CUNY graduate students
TheDream.US National Scholarship	Up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree	Undocumented immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS Arrived in the U.S. before age 16 and before November 1, 2018
Que Llueva Café Scholarship	$500	Chicano/Latino descent Undocumented students (born outside of the U.S. and living here without federal authorization) First-time enrollees in an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Puerto Rico Demonstrated financial need and academic potential

Scholarships for First-Generation Students

Latinos are much more likely to be first-generation college students than other racial or ethnic groups. In 2015, almost half of Latinos (44%) were the first in their family to attend college, compared to African American (34%), Asian (29%) and white (22%) students.

Below are some scholarships first-generation Hispanic and Latino college students may qualify for:

Scholarship Name	Award Amount	Eligibility Criteria
EducationDynamics Minority First Generation Scholarship Contest	$10,000	Minority students who are the first in their families to attend college At least 17 years old Enrolled in an associate degree, bachelor's degree or certificate program at an accredited college or university
Dorrance Scholarship Program	$12,000 (per academic year)	Arizona high school students who will be the first to attend college in their families Accepted to one of Arizona's three state universities Agree to live on campus for at least the first two years Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, 1110 SAT and 22 ACT composite scores
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program	$5,000	Underrepresented first-generation high school students Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale Planning to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S. to study select fields Not required to be a U.S. citizen

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Applying for scholarships requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of the process. Starting the application process about a year before enrolling in college gives you a clear advantage, allowing ample time for research, document gathering and adjustments to meet specific scholarship requirements.

Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the scholarship application process:

1
Start Early and Stay Organized
Begin your scholarship search and application process as early as possible. Early preparation allows time for gathering necessary documents, crafting compelling essays and arranging recommenders. You can use tracking tools or software to monitor important deadlines and requirements for different scholarships.
2
Research and Evaluate Scholarships
Find relevant scholarships by downloading application forms from providers' websites or online scholarship platforms. Evaluate each scholarship to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
3
Verify Timelines
Verify specific timelines for each scholarship you're interested in. Some programs may have different deadlines.
4
Use Available Resources
Seek advice and resources from your school's career center. Utilize reputable online resources for further research and guidance on Hispanic scholarships and their application process.
5
Proofread and Review
Carefully proofread all application materials before submission. Errors and typos can be costly. Use spelling and grammar checks, read your application aloud and have a peer or family member review your work for a fresh perspective.

EXPERT TIPS ON WRITING A COMPELLING ESSAY

Your personal story could set you apart from other applicants. Take time to craft a compelling narrative that highlights your unique experiences and aspirations.

Jeff Rossi, founder of Peak Wealth Advisors, emphasizes that "Authenticity and mature thinking should come across in your responses. The essay is not just a test of writing ability but an opportunity for students to get noticed through powerful stories that align with the topic of the essay. Whether it's a response meant to show pride in your heritage or just your feelings about a social concept, make an impact through a story that shows adult thinking and insight."

David Siminoff, Chief Creative Officer and Founder of Shmoop, advises, "Be real. Being Hispanic is likely a different experience in Maine versus what it's like to be Hispanic in Los Angeles. Tell your story. How do you connect with the culture? Don't present yourself as yet another story about a tough upbringing. Lots of people hurdle challenges to get places. How is yours different from the pack?"

College Budgeting Tips for Students

Groceries, gas, insurance, rent and other necessities add up quickly. Review your monthly budget and spending habits if you're looking for additional college funds or ways to save. You can decrease some of your monthly payments to save hundreds of dollars a year. Here are some everyday student expenses that you can review for cost-saving opportunities:

Take Advantage of Campus Resources

Many colleges offer resources for students, including financial aid workshops, budgeting seminars and access to community support programs. Utilize these resources to gain financial literacy and make informed decisions about your money.

Apply for Work-Study Programs

Look into work-study programs offered by your college. These programs provide part-time jobs for students with financial needs, helping to reduce education costs while providing valuable work experience.

Manage Credit Card Usage

Credit cards are convenient but can quickly lead to debt if not managed well. Focus on using credit cards to build your credit score by keeping your balances low and paying off your cards on time. Use student, prepaid or gas credit cards to control spending and avoid high-interest debt.

Optimize Car Insurance

Ensure you get the best car insurance. Compare quotes from different providers and consider adjusting your coverage to save money.

Protect With Renters Insurance

If you rent a room, apartment or house, protect your belongings with renters insurance. Shop around to find the best value and coverage for your needs. Look for policies that offer discounts for bundling with other insurance products or for having security systems in place.

Use Public Transportation

Instead of driving, use public transportation. This can save you money on gas, parking and maintenance costs. Many schools offer discounted transit passes for students.

Cook at Home

Eating out can significantly drain your budget. Plan your meals and cook at home to save money. Look for affordable and nutritious recipes and take advantage of student discounts at local grocery stores.

Scholarship Application Questions and Answers

We spoke with experts to gather insights on successfully navigating the scholarship application process. From avoiding common mistakes to crafting compelling essays, our experts provide valuable advice to help Hispanic students secure the funding they need for their education. Here are their answers to some of the most pressing questions about scholarship applications:

Additional Resources

We've curated a list of resources that provide valuable support tailored specifically to help Hispanic students and their families find the support they need to navigate various challenges and achieve their educational and financial goals.

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP): This program offers financial and academic support to students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds to help them succeed in college.
National Immigrant Justice Center: This center offers legal services to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers to ensure human rights protections and access to justice.
National Latinx Psychological Association: This organization is dedicated to advancing psychological education and training to meet the needs of Latino populations, promoting research and providing a network for Latino psychologists.
United We Dream: The largest immigrant youth-led organization in the U.S. advocates for the rights of immigrant youth and provides support for their educational and personal development.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

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sources

Excelencia in Education. "“Latinos In Higher Education: Compilation Of Fast Facts." Accessed October 10, 2024.
Pew Research Center. "Key facts about U.S. Latinos for National Hispanic Heritage Month." Accessed October 10, 2024.