Colleges campuses across America are becoming more diverse every year. Underrepresented minority students are not only enrolling in college, but are making educational and professional impacts in all fields—from science to education to civil service—at an unstoppable rate.
College costs, however, are climbing. According to U.S. News & World Report, from 1995 to 2015, in-state tuition and fees at public universities rose a staggering 296 percent. Average costs continue to rise every year, well beyond the rate of inflation. With tuition bills and extra expenses like housing, meal plans, parking permits, books and fees, any financial assistance can make a sizeable difference.
To help offset college costs, you can obtain minority scholarships, grants and fellowships that are available to men and women of African American, Alaska Native, Asian American, Hispanic and Latino, Native American and Pacific Islander descent. Use this guide, including our interactive scholarship tool, to locate and apply for unique opportunities to help pay for college. After all, you can be the student who brings new ideas and perspectives to your own college campus.
Talented and diverse young leaders have further opportunity to make an impact through a college education and scholarship opportunities. The first U.S. Congressional woman of color and first Asian American woman elected to the House of Representatives expresses the power of making contributions as a minority:
“We have to build things that we want to see accomplished, in life and in our country, based on our own personal experiences...to make sure that others...do not have to suffer the same discrimination.” - Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink
To start building your future, consider the many college scholarships available to minorities through corporations, charitable organizations, advocacy groups and professional associations.
How to Pay for College
1
Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarships for minorities, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
2
Grants
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
3
Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
4
Student Loans
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
5
Federal Work-Study Program
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your high school education to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Although there are scholarship opportunities that aren’t merit-based, it’s valuable to take the SAT or ACT standardized tests in case it’s a scholarship qualification.
Your scholarship essay is what will bring attention to your application out of the pool of applicants. That’s why it’s important to craft a stand out piece that attests to your experience, adheres to the scholarship guidelines and most importantly, highlights your true personality.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or bosses, so that they can speak to your qualifications. You may also want to provide them with a resume that outlines your achievements and goals as well.
No matter your background, where you’re from or if your family members attended college, you can find ways to pay for college through scholarships and fellowships. Check out the scholarships below to see the opportunities available.
Scholarship Opportunities for Minorities
Instructions:Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your ethnicity, field of study and award amount. Click the box for a larger view.
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
First generation college prospective students who are underrepresented, low income, and passionate about pursuing a career in health related fields. Students are not required to be U.S. citizens, but must have a 3.5 GPA to be considered.
Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarships
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
The scholarship is intended for students entering or attending law school and demonstrate a commitment to developing a career in intellectual property law. The applicant must be US citizen and demonstrate merit and financial need before applying for the scholarship.
Anna N Dosen Serbian Educational Fund
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
March 31, 2020
Graduating seniors and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for this award. Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and pursue a degree in health related fields. Preference to students of Serbian heritage.
Herbert Lehman Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
April 1, 2020
Student must be enrolled in a full-time accredited university. Must have a record of excellence in academic achievement and commitment to community service.
EMPOWER Scholarships
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
April 15, 2020
The EMPOWER Scholarship, supports minority students who are pursuing a career in a medical or rehabilitation field.
Great Minds in Stem Scholarship Program
Amount: $500-$10,000
Deadline:
April 1, 2020
Applicants must be of Hispanic origin and/or must demonstrate leadership or service within the Hispanic community. Applicant must also be enrolled in an accredited 2 or 4-year undergraduate or graduate program and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must be pursuing a STEM degree.
A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Amount: up to $2,000
Deadline:
March 31, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to college students who are AISES members of American Indian or Alaskan Native ethnicity, and are pursuing a degree in engineering, medicine, natural resources, math, and other sciences. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Native American and Alaska Natives are preferred.
Ceasar Chavez Latino Education Fund
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
Latino students in Arizona and California are qualified to apply. Scholarships are based solely on academic performance, leadership, extracurricular activities, commitment to volunteer service and financial need.
Freedom from Religion Foundation Catherine Fahringer Memorial Award - this link is no longer active and I couldn't find the award by searching online
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
June 21, 2019
This award is available to high school students who identify as atheist, agnostic, humanist and/or secular and are the first in their families to attend an accredited two or four-year colleges or university. Preference will be given to students of color, and students who have been in foster care, homeless, undocumented or LGBTQ. Applicants will be chosen based on the strength of their essay.
Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
June 30, 2019
Must be a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student to apply. Applicants should have a strong history of activism and involvement in either the API and/or LGBTQ communities, but do not need to identify as either to apply.
Korean American Scholarship Foundation - Western Regional Chapter
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 30, 2019
Scholarship is designated to students of Korean heritage who are studying in the U.S. at a full-time status. The college or university must be in the Southwestern region states (Arizona, Colorado, Alaska, California, Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington or Wyoming).
Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline:
July 1, 2019
Children of migrant workers who demonstrate pursuit of a career in agriculture are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must have completed one year of college to qualify.
North Dakota Indian Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
June 15, 2019
Applicant must be enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribe. They must be accepted for admission by a North Dakota institution of higher learning or state vocational education program and be enrolled as full-time students.
Ron Brown Scholars Program
Amount: $40,000
Deadline:
January 9, 2020
African American students in their senior year of high school are eligible for this scholarship program. This scholarship will be awarded to students who demonstrate an interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship
C. Richard and Audrey Barnes Nursing Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 1, 2019
Applicant must be pursuing an undergraduate nursing degree and be a member of an underrepresented minority group.
Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
Hawaii Community Foundation is providing a wealth of financial support to qualified students throughout Hawaii. With over 250 scholarships, Hawaii students can surely find a scholarship that applies to them.
National Medical Fellowships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
The National Medical Fellowships awards financial support to underrepresented minority students demonstrating leadership and currently enrolled in a graduate level healthcare program in the US. Must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Community service will also be considered in application process.
Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
The MBA Fellowship is designed to increase interest in financial services among black, hispanic and native american business school students.
Pauahi Foundation Public Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 8, 2020
Candidates must be attending a trade, vocational or undergraduate institution. Preference is given to students of Hawaiian ancestry.
TELACU College Success Program Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
Applicants for the TELACU College Success Program must be first-generation college students from a low to moderate household income. A GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.
HACUS-IES Study Abroad Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
November 1, 2019
Candidates are U.S. permanent residents or citizens who have been accepted to or enrolled in a semester, summer or academic year IES abroad program. Scholarships are awarded to those attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions that belong to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
LULAC National Scholarship Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
LULAC strives to create lifelong learners and leaders within the hispanic community. Students must be pursuing a bachelor's degree at a full-time status in order to be considered.
CIRI Foundation Fellowships
Amount: $250
Deadline:
December 1, 2019
Qualified candidates are CIRI original enrollees or direct lineal descendants. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher with a desire to perform and transmit the literary, visual and performing arts of Alaska Natives.
Cherokee Nation College Resource Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 15, 2019
Candidates must demonstrate tribal citizenship in the Cherokee Nation. The scholarship is awarded to those who plan to attend or are attending an accredited U.S. institution.
Catching The Dream Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 15, 2019
The scholarship assists Native American high school students with their college academic pursuits. All tribes and regions are welcome to apply. Preference is given to those who plan to study engineering, math, science, business, computers and education.
Zuni Tribal Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
October 30, 2019
Students of the Zuni Tribe are eligible for this award. Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in a college institution.
Native American Seminary
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
Native American students seeking a degree at a University Senate approved seminary are eligible to apply. Candidates must have a minimum of a 3 year membership in the UMC (United Methodist Church).
Latinos in Technology Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
The Latinos in Technology Scholarship was established to support Hispanic community in Silicon Valley. This program will give up to 100 Latino student to graduate from college with an educational opportunity. The scholarship is need-based specifically for residents of specific Northern California counties.
Seeds of Fortune Inc. Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
All female NYC high school sophomores or juniors have the opportunity to receive a 6 year high school to college program, and join a network of young women mentors and college coaches. Each participant is awarded a free laptop, tours to colleges and universities, and mentor/coaching opportunities.
American Sociological Association Minority Fellowship Program
Amount: $18,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2020
This scholarship awards graduate students pursuing a degree in sociology demonstrating strong mental health research and/or interest. Students will be selected based on intent on research and development in mental health, academic achievement and financial need.
Edward S. Roth Manufacturing Engineering Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 1, 2020
Minorities of any group are eligible to apply for this award. Candidates are high school seniors and undergraduate or graduate students. Students must be pursuing a degree in manufacturing engineering at an ABET accredited school.
