Scholarships for Hispanic students

Published Apr. 15, 2022 Updated Jan. 11, 2023 Our editorial process

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Individuals of Hispanic descent in the United States come from a wide range of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Some Hispanic individuals might have migrated for work or personal interest, while others came in search of better opportunities or a safe place to raise their families. When it comes to earning a college degree, a huge motivator for many Hispanic students is honoring the sacrifices of their parents or ancestors and creating a better future for themselves and their descendants.

The cost of tuition and unequal access to education can be a major challenge for many Hispanic students, as well as other minority groups and underserved populations. Although Hispanic students rank as the second largest ethnic group in higher education, they’re still underrepresented in some academic environments, such as 4-year colleges. In fact, although Hispanic students account for almost 22% of undergraduate students, only 20% of all Hispanic students are enrolled in a 4-year bachelor’s degree program, compared with 56% of white students.

Providing scholarship and grant funding can help close this gap by expanding access to education. When diversity increases in colleges, universities, and the workforce, we can learn from differing perspectives and create more innovative solutions to the complex problems that we face today.

With this in mind, numerous colleges, universities, and scholarship organizations provide generous scholarships for students of Hispanic heritage, including undocumented students. Below are just a few of the great scholarships for Hispanic students available.

What is HACU?

HACU is an abbreviation for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Founded in 1986, this is the national organization representing over 500 Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) in the U.S., Latin America, and Spain. HSIs are officially recognized and accredited higher education institutions with a minimum of 25% full-time Hispanic students.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.

Scholarships for Hispanic students at the undergraduate level

Pursuing your first degree can be an exciting and challenging time. Scholarships can help take away some of the financial burden, which can give you more time and energy to focus on your education. Below are just a few of the scholarships for Hispanic students at the undergraduate level.

Haz La U Scholarship

Each year, Colgate and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation provide over 30 scholarships to Hispanic high school seniors. Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage, including Spain, Brazil, and the Philippines, and hold a 3.0 GPA. The scholarship committee considers academic performance, community service, and leadership when selecting winners.

Scholarship amount: Up to $10,000

Official scholarship website: Colgate Haz La U

Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

Full-time undergraduate students from Hispanic, Black and African American, Native North American, and Pacific Islander backgrounds can apply for this annual scholarship. Students should have at least a 3.0 GPA and plan to pursue a career related to actuarial sciences.

Scholarship amount: Up to $4,000

Official scholarship website: Actuarial Foundation

Leading Con Educación Scholarship

In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Fund, Intuit TurboTax and EVERFI provide 40 scholarships per year to Hispanic students. In addition to funding for school, students participate in entrepreneurship and personal finance programs to build their skills for a future career and take control of their personal finances.

Scholarship amount: $2,500

Official scholarship website: Intuit Turbo Tax scholarship

United Talent Agency Entertainment Scholarship

Students who identify as Hispanic and Latinx and are attending an HACU member institution are eligible for this scholarship. Students can be pursuing a degree in any major, but should be interested in a career in the business side of the entertainment industry.

Scholarship amount: $2,500

Official scholarship website: Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)

Latin American Educational Foundation Scholarship

In an effort to expand access to higher education, LAEF awards scholarships for Hispanic students in Colorado. Applicants must be Colorado residents, actively involved in the Hispanic community, and possess a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Scholarship amount: No amount specified

Official scholarship website: Latin American Educational Foundation

When it comes to earning a college degree, a huge motivator for many Hispanic students is honoring the sacrifices of their parents or ancestors and creating a better future for themselves and their descendants.

Scholarships for Hispanic students at the graduate level

Earning a graduate degree is a major investment – both financially and timewise. However, depending on your career goals and area of expertise, it can give you a huge advantage when applying for jobs and advancing your career. Many organizations, including the ones below, provide scholarships to help students further their education.

Fleming-Blaszcak Scholarship

Both undergraduate and graduate students of Mexican or Mexican American descent can apply for this scholarship. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in plastics and be either majoring or taking courses related to a career in the plastics industry.

Scholarship amount: No amount specified

Official scholarship website: SPE Scholarships

Cafe Bustelo El Cafe Del Futuro Scholarship

These annual scholarships for Hispanic students are presented to 25 students per year pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Any major can apply. Students must be attending a Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) member institution, such as Adelphi University, Emory University, Oregon State University, or the University of Arizona.

Scholarship amount: $5,000

Official scholarship website: Hispanic Association or Colleges and Universities

Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation Scholarship

Hispanic law students in Texas are eligible to apply for this annual scholarship from the Dallas Foundation. The organization awards scholarships for law school as well as bar exam study grants. Applicants can also apply for the foundation’s competitive legal internship program.

Scholarship amount: No amount specified

Official scholarship website: Dallas Foundation

Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Latino Scholarship

Students of Hispanic ancestry who are currently or have attended high school in Oregon or Clark County, WA are eligible for this scholarship. Winners are selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, community service, essays, and letters of recommendation. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply.

Scholarship amount: No amount specified

Official scholarship website: Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

Need-based scholarships for Hispanic students

While scholarships can help all students pay for school, some students have higher levels of financial need than others. Some organizations provide need-based scholarships, which are awarded based on your level of financial need. These types of scholarships give underprivileged students an advantage when it comes to winning money for school.

José Martí Scholarship

The Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance offers need-based merit scholarships for Hispanic students. Recipients need to attend a public institution or eligible private institution in Florida. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply. The award is renewable on an annual basis.

Scholarship amount: $2,000

Official scholarship website: Florida Student Financial Aid

Hispanic Heritage Scholarship

Students of Hispanic heritage with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible for the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship. Students must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, Seminole State College, Lake-Sumter State College, Rollins College, or AdventHealth University. Preference is given to students with financial need.

Scholarship amount: Up to $5,000

Official scholarship website: Hispanic Heritage Scholarship

Merit-based scholarships for Hispanic students

Unlike need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships are awarded based on your academic performance. In an effort to recognize the achievements of aspiring and current college students, a wide variety of organizations provide merit-based scholarships. You can check out just a few of them below.

ExxonMobil Engineering Scholarship

Incoming engineering students of Hispanic heritage can apply for this generous scholarship from ExxonMobil. Applicants must have a 3.75 GPA or higher and be residents of:

Albuquerque, NM
Austin, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
El Paso, TX
San Antonio, TX
Miami, FL
Kansas City, MO
Philadelphia, PA
San Diego, CA
Vancouver, WA
Bayamon, PR
Colorado Springs, CO

Scholarship amount: Up to $20,000

Official scholarship website: ExxonMobil Scholarship

Third- and Fourth-Year Dental Student Scholarship

In partnership with A-DEC, the Hispanic Dental Association provides scholarships to students in their third or fourth year of dental school. The scholarship committee selects winners based on academic performance. Applicants must be members of the Hispanic Dental Association or Hispanic Student Dental Association and attend the HSDA Regional Conference.

Scholarship amount: $4,000

Official scholarship website: Hispanic Dental Association

Scholarships for Hispanic women

Supporting the success of women, especially women from minority or marginalized groups, is important for the advancement of our society. By expanding the representation of women in leadership roles and male-dominated industries, we can shift decision-making and create environments that drive innovation. The organizations below provide annual scholarships to Hispanic or Latina women.

Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship

With the goal of empowering Chicana and Latina women, the Chicana Latina Foundation provides up to 40 scholarships per year. The scholarship committee selects recipients based on leadership qualities, commitment to equality and justice, ability to overcome obstacles, and academic achievement. Winners need to also participate in the annual Leadership Institute.

Scholarship amount: $1,500

Official scholarship website: Chicana Latina Foundation

MANA de San Diego Scholarship

Hispanic and Latina women with an exceptional record of academic success are eligible for this scholarship. Students at any level of education can apply, from community college students to Ph.D. candidates. Financial need, leadership qualities, community engagement, goals, and special circumstances are all important factors in the selection process.

Scholarship amount: No amount specified

Official scholarship website: MANA de San Diego

Scholarships for undocumented students

Undocumented students, including DREAMers, are often left out of financial aid and higher education discussions. The reality is that over 450,000 students are undocumented. Winning money to pay for school can help undocumented students build a future for themselves and pursue their dreams. Some organizations recognize the importance of including undocumented and DREAMer students in their scholarship eligibility, including the ones below.

What is a DREAMer?

Someone who came to live in the United States as a minor (under the age of 18), and lacks official government authorization.

Azteca Scholarship

Houston Community Services awards 2 scholarships per year to students of Chicano, Mexican, Raza, or Latinx descent. Applicants need to be residents of the Houston area and pursuing their first 4-year degree. Undocumented students are also encouraged to apply.

Scholarship amount: No amount specified

Official scholarship website: Houston Community Services

Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders

The United States Hispanic Leadership Institute provides this scholarship to undergraduate students of Hispanic descent. Students must demonstrate financial need. Recipients also receive funds to attend the annual USHLI National Conference. Undocumented students are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship amount: Up to $1,000

Official scholarship website: United States Hispanic Leadership Institute

There are a variety of ways available for students to finance their education. Yet, it doesn’t make sense to pay out of pocket for school when it’s possible to find the money in other ways. Applying for grants and scholarships for Hispanic students can help you graduate without student debt and put more money towards your future. With a solid scholarship strategy and careful financial planning, you can soon be on your way to creating change within your community and building a successful future.

Best hispanic scholarships of 2022-2023

Showing 15 to 15 of 15 results

Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

Florida State Department of Education

Renewable

Amount: $2,000+

Deadline: 4/1

124,000 Awards granted in the last calendar year

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. Enroll as a degree-seeking student at an eligible postsecondary institution and enroll each academic term for a minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduate study or 9 credit hours for graduate study. Kindly visit the scholarship site for more details.Read more

Scholarships for Hispanic students

What is HACU?

Scholarships for Hispanic students at the undergraduate level

Scholarships for Hispanic students at the graduate level

Need-based scholarships for Hispanic students

Merit-based scholarships for Hispanic students

Scholarships for Hispanic women

Scholarships for undocumented students

What is a DREAMer?

Best hispanic scholarships of 2022-2023

Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

Haz La U Scholarship

TACHE Graduate Fellowship Award

American Meteorological Society Minority Scholarships

Azteca Scholarship

CVS Health Foundation Health Care Careers Scholarship

Cafe Bustelo El Cafe Del Futuro Scholarship

Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education Scholarships

Foundation Education Award Scholarship

Fulfilling Our Dreams Scholarship Fund

Hispanic Dental Association Foundation and A-DEC Scholarship

Hispanic Dental Association Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive Scholarship

Latino Scholarship

PlaceWorks Scholarship Program

UNCF-Anthem Corporate Scholars Program

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a HSI?

Where can I find scholarships for Hispanic students?

Can undocumented students apply for scholarships for Hispanic students?

How do I apply for scholarships for Hispanic students?

How much does a college degree cost?

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