12 college scholarships for Hispanic and Latino students
If you’re having trouble finding the funds to pay for college as a Hispanic or Latino student, scholarships may be a great opportunity to get additional assistance. Scholarships are available from a range of organizations and are sometimes created with specific groups of students in mind.
If you’re a Hispanic or Latino minority student searching for scholarships, there are many options available.
In this article, we'll cover scholarships available for Hispanic or Latino students, as well as scholarships available specifically for Hispanic or Latina women and first-generation students.
Are there scholarships for Hispanic and Latino students?
Yes, there are scholarships for Hispanic and Latino students. Do a quick search of an online scholarship database, and you’ll find an abundance of scholarships specifically designated for Hispanic or Latino students.
Keep in mind award amounts are going to vary depending on the scholarship, but there’s never a limit to how many scholarships you can apply for. That’s why we always suggest applying for as many as you're eligible to receive and that you have time to apply for. Even if the award amounts are low, a few hundred dollars here and there can be immensely helpful when paying for college.
Reading through the qualifying criteria and application requirements is important when searching for scholarships. Many scholarships have separate applications and deadlines, and you’ll want to ensure you meet them to be eligible for the award.
Is it worth applying for scholarships specific to Hispanic or Latino students?
The scholarship process is time-consuming. Each scholarship requires an application and a different set of eligibility requirements. However, for students that need extra help paying for school, it's always worth applying for as many scholarships as they can.
Scholarships for Hispanic or Latino students
There are many scholarships specifically for Hispanic or Latino students. Below are just some of the scholarships that are available.
1. American Chemistry Society Scholars Program
Amount: Up to $5,000
This is a scholarship for undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups -- including Hispanic students -- who are majoring in chemistry-related disciplines and intending to pursue chemistry-related careers.
2. The Actuarial Foundation Actuarial Diversity Scholarship
Amount: Varies
This 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. It’s designed to promote diversity within the profession by awarding the scholarship to Black/African American, Latinx, Native North American, and Pacific Islander students.
3. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute EMPOWER Scholarship
Amount: Varies
The EMPOWER Scholarship, administered by the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, encourages and supports ethnically diverse students pursuing a career in the medical or rehabilitation field, offering scholarships to students enrolled in a post-high school program.
4. American Association of Law Libraries The George A. Strait Minority Scholarship & Fellowship
Amount: Varies
The George A. Strait Minority Scholarship & Fellowship is awarded to college graduates with law library experience who are members of a minority group as defined by current U.S. government guidelines. Students must also be degree candidates in accredited library or law schools who intend to have a career in law librarianship.
5. The Goizueta Foundation Goizueta Legacy Scholarships
Amount: Varies
This scholarship is only available to the children of Coca-Cola Company employees. It’s designed to increase the number of students of Hispanic/Latinx heritage who enroll and complete their undergraduate degrees at Georgia State. It also provides mentors, internships, and community service experiences to scholarship recipients.
6. McDonald’s HACER® National Scholarship
Amount: Varies
The McDonald's HACER® National Scholarship program is a merit scholarship for U.S.-based Hispanic students to help them fund their college tuition. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievements, community involvement, a personal statement they provide, and their financial need.
7. Hispanic Scholarship Fund HSF Scholar
Amount: Up to $5,000
This scholarship awards up to $5,000 to selected recipients of Hispanic heritage. Selected scholars also have access to programs, including career services, mentorships, leadership development, and wellness training.
8. Maestro Cares Foundation Scholarship Program Building Dreams Fund
Amount: Varies
The Maestro Cares Foundation Scholarship Program Building Dreams Fund is designed to promote academic excellence among disadvantaged Latino youth with significant financial need as they embark on their undergraduate studies. This scholarship is available to students studying in the United States, Puerto Rico, or Latin America.
9. 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc. Young Latinas Leadership Institute (YLLI) Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000 each year for four years
This scholarship aims to encourage Latina students to succeed academically and professionally, make social change, and become leaders.
10. Chicana Latina Foundation Leadership and Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,500
The Chicana Latina Foundation offers yearly scholarships in varying amounts. Most scholarships are merit-based and awarded to the Latina community — helping students overcome personal challenges and obstacles by providing financial support for their future.
11. Next Day Animations Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship
Amount: Four awards of $750
This is a scholarship opportunity for young women or gender non-conforming individuals of color who are actively working to change the world. The scholarship is awarded in winter to be put towards the recipient’s spring semester. Applicants must already be enrolled in college to qualify.
12. Dorrance Scholarship Programs
Amount: $12,000 each year for four years
While not specifically for Hispanic or Latino students, The Dorrance Scholarship is a need-based award for Arizona families aimed at supporting first-generation college-bound students as they embark on their college careers.
Final thoughts
Beyond scholarships, it’s important to contact your financial aid office and ask for help when needed. Financial aid administrators are there to help students figure out how to pay for college — including helping them find additional scholarships and aid opportunities they might not otherwise know about.
