Last updated: March 16, 2018
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.
How to Pay | Application Preparation | Scholarships for Minorities | All Scholarships
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.
There are hundreds of scholarships for minorities, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
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.
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
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.
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.
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.
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your ethnicity, field of study and award amount. Click the box for a larger view.
Amount: $1,950
Deadline: February 24, 2019
The scholarship awards students from Lee County in Florida with a physical disability to pursue higher education in a college, university or technical school. Applicant must be able to describe give proof of disability.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 30, 2019
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.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30, 2019
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.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: February 15, 2019
Students will be considered for this award based on their commitment to a career in the hospitality industry. Must be a U.S. citizen enrolled as a full-time student to apply.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May 1, 2019
This scholarship is intended to help students who have been underrepresented in study abroad programs. Applicants must be attending a private college or university that is a Member or Associate Member of the IES Abroad Consortium. Home university must transfer a minimum of 75% of its institutional aid for study abroad.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May 15, 2019
The Presbyterian Church provides this yearly need-based opportunity for sophomores, juniors and seniors who are full time, first degree students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Preference extends to racial ethnic students. Must be a member of the Presbyterian Church, and have completed their first year of study. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher, and demonstrate financial need for consideration.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 30, 2019
Students must be demonstrated leaders planning to attend or currently enrolled at a HBCU.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 31, 2019
Students attending non-tribal public or private universities in the U.S. are encouraged to apply for this need-based scholarship. Applicants must be a member of a recognized tribe or descendant of an enrolled tribal member and have a 2.0 GPA or higher.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: June 1, 2019
To be eligible, candidates must be a CIRI original enrollee or direct lineal descendant. A high school diploma or GED is required with current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Part-time and full-time students are eligible.
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 15, 2018
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).
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 31, 2018
All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution (K-12, high school and college) in the United States or Puerto Rico
Amount: $18,000
Deadline: January 31, 2019
Applicants can be new or continuing graduate students, but preference will be given to students entering doctoral programs or students enrolled in strong mental health programs. Fellows will be selected on their commitment to research in mental health.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 1, 2019
Students must be enrolled in a math or science program at an accredited U.S. university. Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher for consideration. Preference for students of Italian descent.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15, 2019
The scholarship wants to encourage the study of physics among the groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering. U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are undergraduate student members of the SPS national organization are eligible to apply. The program awards students who are majoring in physics or a related science and intend for continued scholastic development in physics in future.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 1, 2019
Scholarships are awarded to children of immigrants or immigrant students who are graduating from an NYC high school. Eligible candidates are those who plan to attend a two or four year college institution.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
Students of Asian Pacific descent who are also legal American citizens are eligible to apply for public service internships in Washington, DC.
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).
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.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January 1, 2019
Undergraduate or graduate level students of a minority group can apply. Students must be pursuing ordained ministry with at a minimum of a two year membership with United Methodist Church (UMC).
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.
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.
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 1, 2019
Chickasaw citizens who are pursuing higher education are eligible for numerous awards. Details for current scholarships and eligibility are listed on the website.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 1, 2019
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
Students of the Zuni Tribe are eligible for this award. Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in a college institution.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
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).
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
Scholarships are granted through the Osage Minerals Council for the study of petroleum related subjects. Students must be of Osage Indian blood.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 30, 2019
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
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.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 18, 2019
The scholarship aims to recognize and encourage outstanding graduate or upper level undergraduate minority students enrolled in a course of study preparing for a career in state or local government finance. The applicant must be willing to pursue fields with a specific focus on government or nonprofit management.
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: January 1, 2019
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.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 1, 2019
Hispanic and Latino students seeking a bachelor's degree or graduate degree 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.
Amount: $750
Deadline: January 1, 2019
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.
Amount: $500
Deadline: December 31, 2018
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.
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: January 10, 2019
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.
Amount: $100,000
Deadline: February 4, 2019
Hispanic and Latino high school seniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be younger than 21 years old and be a legal resident of the United States.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 15, 2019
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 1, 2019
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.