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.
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.
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.
California Health Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to underrepresented students pursuing a health-related profession in the state of California.
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.
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.
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.
Mae & Mary Scholarship Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
The Mae & Mary Scholarship Fund supports the advancement of African Americans in health care and medical related fields. Eligible students are high school seniors planning to attend a university or technical school.
Indian-American Foundation Upakar Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
Eligible candidates are those either born in or have a parent born in the Republic of India. High school seniors should apply and be pursuing enrollment in a two or four year degree program.
Moss Adams Foundation
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
The Moss Adams Foundation is available to minority women, or women returning to school to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting. Must demonstrate clear evidence persistence towards personal and professional goals.
LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
May 6, 2020
Scholarship applicants must be of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity, be pursuing a major in fashion or graphic design, have demonstrated involvement in community service, extracurricular, or other activities, and have a minimum GPA of at least 3.0.
TMCF Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 27, 2020
Scholarships are available through the Guam Society of America to students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Current scholarships and eligibility requirements are listed on the website.
TMCF Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 27, 2020
Scholarships are available through the Guam Society of America to students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Current scholarships and eligibility requirements are listed on the website.
Guam Society of America Scholarship Program
Amount: $7,500
Deadline:
May 30, 2020
Applicant must be of Armenian heritage, be a full-time graduate student at a top tier American university and have a minimum of 3.5 GPA to apply.
George Washington Carver Scholarship Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 30, 2020
Students must be demonstrated leaders planning to attend or currently enrolled at a HBCU.
Guam Society of America Scholarship Program
Amount: $7,500
Deadline:
May 30, 2020
Applicant must be of Armenian heritage, be a full-time graduate student at a top tier American university and have a minimum of 3.5 GPA to apply.
Leon Bradley Scholarship
Amount: $3,500
Deadline:
May 31, 2020
Awards support and encourage more minorities and persons of color to work in the field of teaching and school leadership. Applicants must reside in these geographic locations or be currently matriculating at an institution in these states or regions: Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. or West Virginia.
Tribal College & University (TCU) Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 31, 2020
Applicants must be a registered member of a state or federally recognized tribe or be a descendant of at least one parent or grandparent who is an enrolled member. Scholarship candidates must also be enrolled full-time at an accredited university or college and have an interest in the financial services industry and internship opportunities.
American Indian Nurse Scholarship Awards
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
June 1, 2020
Candidates must be at least 1/4 American Indian and enrolled in a tribe, or able to prove direct tribal ancestry. Candidates must be enrolled an undergraduate or graduate nursing program are eligible.
Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 7, 2020
This award supports high school, undergraduate, professional, trade, vocational or graduate students who demonstrate activism. Preference is given to students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer or transgender.
Ricoh Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 15, 2020
As a global technology leader, Ricoh is offering need-based scholarships to HBCU minority students. The applicant must be pursuing an undergraduate degree and a U.S. Citizen, or permanent resident. Out of 5 awards, for 2 awards at least preference shall be given to women.
Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline:
July 1, 2020
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.
Immigration Scholarship Essay Contest
Amount: $500
Deadline:
July 1, 2020
Any U.S. resident that has been accepted to an accredited university can apply. Applicants are asked to answer questions on immigration for a chance to win.
Asian Heritage High School Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
August 1, 2020
This scholarship is offered annually for high school seniors of Asian heritage living in Boston. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded every fall semester and is intended to encourage more Asian Americans to choose a degree that will help them give back to the Asian community.
Denny's Hungry for Education Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
August 18, 2020
All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution (K-12, high school and college) in the United States or Puerto Rico
Denny's Hungry for Education Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
August 18, 2020
All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution (K-12, high school and college) in the United States or Puerto Rico
HBCU Connect Minority Student Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
August 31, 2020
This scholarship is open to minority students currently enrolled, or planning to enroll, into any Historically Black College or University within 6 months of the submission deadline. Students must show proof of enrollment.
All Graduating High School Seniors or Transfer students, and Current HBCU students must show proof of enrollment.
EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Amount: $45,000
Deadline:
September 1, 2020
Applicants must be studying a discipline related to NOAA's programs and mission at an accredited minority serving institution within the United States, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2.
EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Amount: $45,000
Deadline:
September 1, 2020
Applicants must be studying a discipline related to NOAA's programs and mission at an accredited minority serving institution within the United States, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2.
LimNexus Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
September 7, 2020
One student will be awarded with this scholarship based on their schools accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) or AALS. Applicants will be reviewed based on their interest in pro bono, public interest and/or public legal service work, financial need, leadership potential, and affiliation with the Asian Pacific American community.
Catching The Dream Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 15, 2020
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.
Catching The Dream Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 15, 2020
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.
Golden Door Scholars
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 16, 2020
Applicants from states where DACA or TPS should have strong academic performance. Students attending community college or public universities paying out-of-state-tuition are perfered.
Golden Door Scholars
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 16, 2020
Applicants from states where DACA or TPS should have strong academic performance. Students attending community college or public universities paying out-of-state-tuition are perfered.
Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
September 30, 2020
Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. Applicants must be minority students enrolled in one of the technical sciences or engineering disciplines and be working towards a bachelor's, master's or PhD program. Must have a B average or better.
Golden Door Scholars
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 30, 2020
Applicants from states where DACA or TPS should have strong academic performance. Students attending community college or public universities paying out-of-state-tuition are perfered.
Golden Door Scholars
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 30, 2020
Applicants from states where DACA or TPS should have strong academic performance. Students attending community college or public universities paying out-of-state-tuition are perfered.
Smithsonian Native American Awards Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
October 1, 2020
Applicants must be formally or informally affiliated with a Native American tribe or community. Students must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in learning more about career opportunities related to Native American resources.
NSCA Minority Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
October 15, 2020
This scholarship is designed to encourage minorities, ages 17 and older, to enter into the field of strength and conditioning. Applicants must demonstrate they have been accepted into an accredited institution working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in the strength and conditioning field.
La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
October 18, 2020
Hispanic and Latino students seeking a bachelor's degree or graduate degree and have demonstrated dedication to advancing the Latino community are eligible to apply. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.8. Undergraduate students must have completed at least one year of full-time study in order to be eligible.
Zuni Tribal Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
October 30, 2020
Students of the Zuni Tribe are eligible for this award. Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in a college institution.
Surety & Fidelity Industry Intern-Scholarship Program
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
November 1, 2020
Undergraduate minority students who have declared insurance or risk management, accounting, finance or business as a major are eligible to apply. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
NBCUniversal LNESC Scholarship - this is a repeat from the previous excel sheet I was working on
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
November 15, 2020
Latino students pursuing a career in the entertainment or media industry are eligible for this award.
California Medical Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
November 15, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to underrepresented students pursuing a medical profession in the state of California.
Generation Google
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
December 5, 2020
The scholarship is open to qualified students enrolled at a U.S. or Canadian university in a bachelors, masters, or PhD program. The program encourages people who identify as part of historically underrepresented groups, including African American, Latinx, American Indian, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander to apply.
University of California Presidential Fellowship for UCLA Undocumented AB540 Graduate Students
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 15, 2020
Awards are available for UCLA graduate students with undocumented AB540 status.Proof of financial need via copy of DREAM Act Application (for California AB540 students).
Girls Who Illustrate Awesomeness Scholarship
Amount: $750
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
This is a scholarship opportunity for young women of color who wish to make the world a better place. Students must be enrolled in an accredited university and have a 3.0 GPA for consideration. 500-word essays and/or 5 minute video submissions will be selected for this award.
Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
Students of Hawaiian descent and residents of the state of Hawaii are eligible to apply for scholarships. A range of scholarship opportunities are available each year. Current listings and eligibility are listed on the website.
The CAPAL-MAASU Public Service Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student enrolled at a school that belongs to the Midwest Asian American Students Union (MAASU) or a school located in a midwestern state
APIASF General Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 15, 2021
Candidates must graduating high school students of Asian and/or Pacific Islander descent. Eligibility includes U.S. citizens, national or legal permanent residents, along with citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Federated States of Micronesia, Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.
Walton-UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 15, 2021
The fellowship Program is a talent development initiative aimed for high-achieving African Americans engaged in education reform in America . Applicant must be an African American who is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and enrolled at an HBCU.
AIA/Architects Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 15, 2021
The scholarship aims to support students from a minority race or ethnicity who intend to become architects. US residents who are entering, attending or transferring to a professional program in architecture that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Alaska Chinese Association Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 15, 2021
The Alaska Chinese Association awards scholarships each year to students who demonstrate community and cultural involvement. Students who demonstrate academic excellence will be strongly considered.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Amount: $42,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
Candidates must be U.S. citizens accepted to or enrolled in an undergraduate program related to NOAA mission-related sciences of oceanography, marine biology and maritime archaeology, including all science, engineering and resource management of ocean and coastal areas.. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
Hyatt Hotels Fund for Minority Lodging Management Students
Amount: $500 - $7500
Deadline:
February 28, 2021
The scholarship is open to minority students who are attending an undergraduate institution in the next academic year. Students must be majoring in hospitality management.
ESA Foundation Scholarship Program: esports Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
March 1, 2021
This year, as part of its 2020-21 scholarship program, the ESA Foundation introduced its first-ever esports scholarship, offering academic support for women and minorities competitively gaming through their U.S. colleges and universities.Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 15, 2021
Applicants must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry who are pursuing a degree in the health or medical field. A service obligation post-degree is required.
