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.
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.
Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship
Amount: $1,250
Deadline:
February 28, 2021
This award will recognize one African American female that's pursuing a full time bachelor's degree and participating in golf at an accredited university. Students must demonstrate academic achievement and community service for consideration
The Lagrant Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Amount: $3,750
Deadline:
February 28, 2021
The Lagrant Foundation scholarships aim to increase the number of minorities working in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations. Applicants must be a minority student pursuing a masters degree in one of those subjects.
Truman D. Picard Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
March 1, 2021
Scholarships are awarded to Native Americans of a federally recognized tribe or of the Alaska Native Corporation. Students must be pursuing a career path in natural resources.
ESA Foundation Scholarship Program: esports Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
March 2, 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.
NSHSS Foundation
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 15, 2021
These scholarships are targeted toward high school seniors or rising college freshmen who belong to groups generaly under-represented in STEM careers.
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 15, 2021
The scholarship awards first-generation high school seniors who are underrepresented, need financial assistance and are passionate about furthering their education as a means to help out their family, community and themselves. The candidate must be graduating a high school, who will pursue a full-time undergraduate degree in the United States at any 4-year university by fall semester and plan to study in listed concentrations such as Transportation Management, STEM, Psychology, Spanish, Architecture Language/Literature, Environmental Design, Pre-Med.
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.
Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline:
March 29, 2021
The MBA Fellowship is designed to increase interest in financial services among black, hispanic and native american business school students.
California Health Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 1, 2021
Scholarships are awarded to underrepresented students pursuing a health-related profession in the state of California.
TMCF Wells Fargo Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 1, 2021
Applicant must be attending one of the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the TMCF member-school network and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must be an upperclassmen pursuing majors in business, finance, mathematics, accounting, statistics, and other relevant fields.
CBC Spouses Heineken USA Performing Arts Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
April 3, 2021
Candidates are African-American students planning to enroll or already enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and study the performing arts including drama, music dance, oepra, marching bands, and other musical ensembles.
Soule Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
April 8, 2021
The Soule Foundation offers scholarships to LGBTQ youth of color from the tri-state area of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Applicants will be selected based on the demonstration of past leadership, community service involvement, and academic credentials.
Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 15, 2021
Students must paln to attend college in Fall 2020/Spring 2021, and plan to major in graphic design, illustration, or photography
JASC-Nielsen STEM Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2021
Eligible applicants include high school seniors, high school graduates planning or already enrolled in a college or university program within the next, or current college or university students. High school applicants' families must be current JASC members. Preference given to applicants who show participation in JASC or other Japanese American community events, programs and projects.
A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 30, 2021
This scholarship was established in memory of distinguished director of Sunkist Growers and agricultural leader, to provide funds for undergraduate students from Arizona or California agricultural backgrounds who are in need of financial assistance. GPA and extracurriculars must demonstrate potential for success.
CBC Spouses Education Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 30, 2021
Candidates must African American or black students and constituents of a CBC member's district who are enrolled or plan to enroll in the upcoming academic year as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. A GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.
George and Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is offering this scholarship to undergraduate students who need financial aid to futher their education. At least one award is reserved for a candidate who has chosen to study journalism.The applicant must be able to produce a copy or transcript of your Baptismal or Chrismation Certificate along with other requirements.
A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 15, 2021
Candidates for this award are full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are pursuing a degree in medicine, engineering, physical science, natural resources, math or science.
TMCF Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 27, 2021
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) offers financial assistance to outstanding students attending one of TMCF’s 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or a Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).
Guam Society of America Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 30, 2021
The Guam Society of America, Inc.’s Scholarship Program provides annual scholarship opportunities to its member students as an integral part of supporting and sponsoring educational, Chamorro cultural and social programs for those who are motivated to improve society by enhancing their future through a college education. The scholarships are for students pursuing their Undergraduate degrees only.
Minority Fellowship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 30, 2021
To apply for the Minority Fellowship Program, you must be an American citizen that identifies as an underrepresented minority, enrolled full-time. Must have a Masters degree or have taken 9 credits involving mental health and/or substance abuse.
Denny's Hungry for Education Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
August 18, 2021
All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution (K-12, high school and college) in the United States or Puerto Rico
EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Amount: $45,000
Deadline:
September 1, 2021
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.
Chickasaw Nation Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 15, 2021
Chickasaw citizens who are pursuing higher education are eligible for numerous awards. Details for current scholarships and eligibility are listed on the website.
Catching The Dream Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 15, 2021
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, 2021
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, 2021
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.
