No student demographic group has grown more over the past 45 years than Hispanic and Latino/a students. Between 1980 and 2020, these students have grown from just 3% of the college student population to just over 18%.
Despite this growth, Hispanic and Latino/a students often face serious financial challenges associated with attending college. Some might come from low socio-economic groups, be a member of a migrant family, or be the first in their family to attend college.
Scholarships and grants geared specifically toward Hispanic and Latino/a college students are an important resource for making higher education accessible. Below is a list of scholarships, along with eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts.
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Sixty-four percent of families used scholarships to help pay for college in 2024, according to the lender Sallie Mae. The year prior, 86% of Hispanic families said this financial aid made college possible.
Here is a list of general scholarships designed to support the growing Hispanic and Latino/a population in the U.S.
Not only are Latinas nearly twice as likely to have a bachelor’s degree today than they were in 2003, but, according to the Pew Research Center, Hispanic women are more likely than Hispanic men to have crossed the graduation stage.
There is significant support to help historically excluded women access higher education. Below are some scholarships reserved for Latina and Hispanic women.
Narrowing your list of scholarship applications to those that are field-specific is one way to be more competitive in your scholarship search.
Ample funding is available for specific sectors, especially government, communications, business, and fields related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Check out some niche scholarship options for Hispanic and Latino/a students below.
According to Sallie Mae’s 2023 report, “How America Pays for College,” 83% of first-generation college students receiving scholarships said the financial aid made getting to college possible. A financial lifeline can be life-changing. Many scholarships are geared to help the first in a family earn a degree.
NHI collaborates with 80 colleges and universities nationwide and serves 2,000-2,500 Hispanic high school and college students each year through youth leadership programs, financial awards and fellowships, and national and international outreach programs. Approximately 90% of NHI alumni graduate college within five years, according to the organization.
HACU comprises more than 500 colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, and Spain, and it is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs). The organization works to provide access to high-quality academic and professional programs for Hispanic and Latino/a students.
This organization promotes student engagement, academic achievement, and workforce preparation for the Latino/a postsecondary community. Excelencia in Education comprises a variety of initiatives that aim to improve federal and state policy, education pathways, and financial aid opportunities for historically excluded students.
This organization works with approximately 80 partner colleges to support undocumented students through their college graduation. Each partner college has an on-campus scholar advisor to help students navigate the college journey and access financial resources. TheDream.US also awards scholarships throughout the academic year, as undocumented students often don’t qualify for most federal or state financial aid.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a person of Hispanic or Latino/a descent is from a Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Spanish, or South or Central American culture.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is a competitive award based on academic merit and need. There are numerous ways to get involved. HSF selects 10,000 scholars from a broad pool of applicants each year. Winners get ongoing career and academic support. Some also receive scholarships ranging from $500-$5,000. Applications are due Feb. 15.
Each program will have a different definition of what qualifies a student for a Hispanic or Latino/a scholarship. Some require applicants to prove 25%, 50%, or 100% Hispanic heritage, while others require that you identify as Hispanic. Check with each program as you apply.
The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund, for example, which offers awards of $3,500-$5,000 to students attending college in Central Florida, requires applicants to be born in a Hispanic country, or be first- or second-generation descendants of Hispanic immigrants.
HSIs are nonprofit universities and colleges with a full-time undergraduate student enrollment that is at least 25% Hispanic. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a list of eligible HSIs. These schools qualify for more federal funding and meet certain grant and scholarship requirements.
Yes, some scholarships will be open to anyone of Hispanic heritage, but others will require U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or DACA designation. Carefully read over eligibility requirements when applying for a scholarship to make sure you are spending your time on applications for which you are eligible.
Applying for college can be stressful for the parents and family of undocumented students. Read this guide and see how you can help your student succeed.
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Updated June 27, 2023
Are you a DACA or undocumented student thinking about college? Here’s what you need to know about financial aid and choosing and applying to a school.
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Find out more about the application process and your educational rights with our graduate school guide for undocumented students.
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