Scholarships are a type of financial aid that you donât need to pay back. Students may find scholarships that are need-based or merit-based, as well as scholarships for minorities that are historically underrepresented on college campuses.
College scholarships for minorities are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Weâve outlined a list of scholarships for minority students below, plus some tips for applying and what to expect for eligibility requirements.
Table of Contents
Key Points
âą Scholarships for minorities are a form of grant aid that does not need to be repaid.
âą Minority scholarships come from many sources â federal, institutional, and private â and can target underrepresented ethnic groups.
âą Eligibility often depends on a mix of criteria: academic merit (GPA, leadership, talent), financial need (often via FAFSA), or shared cultural/ethnic background.
âą These scholarships cover a wide variety of fields and majors, including STEM, business, law, architecture, and the arts.
âą In addition to scholarships, minority students can rely on grants, federal student loans, and private student loans to pay for college.
Eligibility Requirements
Itâs important to check the eligibility requirements before applying for scholarships and grants. There are multiple types of scholarships that students could qualify for based on where they live, their chosen field of study, or being recruited as a student athlete.
Academic, Financial, and Demographic Criteria
Minority scholarships are often based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two. Competitive merit scholarships can involve GPA minimums, community service experience, or proficiency in the arts or a specific academic discipline.
Need-based scholarships, which are based on a studentâs financial need, can help make college more affordable for students from low-income backgrounds. Whether applying for federal grants or private scholarships, students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSAÂź).
Additionally, demographic criteria â such as belonging to an underrepresented racial or ethnic group â are typically central to eligibility, with some scholarships further narrowing qualifications based on heritage, first-generation status, or intended career path.
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How to Find Minority Scholarships
There are many scholarship options for students from underrepresented populations. Finding minority scholarships begins with completing the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based awards, such as Pell Grants.
Resources for Locating Minority-Focused Awards
Finding scholarships designed for minority students can be easier with the right tools and support systems. Many colleges, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies maintain databases specifically dedicated to funding opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Helpful resources include:
• University financial aid offices and multicultural resource centers
• Scholarship search engines that filter by demographic criteria
• Professional associations offering field-specific awards for minority students
• Community-based organizations and local foundations
• Government-sponsored directories of state and national programs
Using Scholarship Search Engines Effectively
Searching for scholarships online is a common approach. The Department of Labor maintains a scholarship database, known as CareerOneStop.
SoFiâs scholarship finder is another resource to find free money to help pay for college, graduate school, or trade school. Users can filter results by residency, field of study, ethnicity, and other criteria.
General Scholarships for Minority Students
Below are some scholarships for minority students to begin their search.
• AMA Diversity Leadership Scholarship: Supports underrepresented marketing students who demonstrate leadership within their campus chapter or community.
• Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship: Multiple scholarships for minority students enrolled in a course of study preparing for a career in state or local government.
• Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program: Scholarships to support undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors become effective K-12 STEM teachers.
For a chance to win SoFiâs monthly $2,500 Scholarship Sweepstakes, simply let us know your name, email address, and school.
Scholarships for Specific Minority Groups
Scholarships for minorities can be specific to certain ethnicities and heritages, rather than open to all minority groups.
Minority students should also look into grants for college. Like scholarships, grants typically donât need to be repaid. A couple distinctions to note: Grants are usually based on financial need versus academic merit, and funds are often from federal and state government instead of private and non-profit entities.
After scholarships and grants, students can rely on federal student loans and private student loans.
Hereâs a look at college scholarship opportunities for several different minority groups.
Scholarships for African American Students
Black and African American students can apply for specific minority scholarships and grants to help minimize college debt. Scholarship eligibility may be based on a studentâs major, location, and the type of institution.
• CBC Spouses Education Scholarship: Scholarships for African American or Black students who demonstrate leadership through community service, pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree.
• HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative Scholarship: Awards for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and majoring in STEM, business, or sustainability-related disciplines.
• Historically Black Law School Scholarship Program: Awards a scholarship to one student at each historically black law school in the U.S.
• National Forum for Black Public Administrators Scholarships: Awards for African American students enrolled in a four-year degree program who demonstrate leadership related to public service.
• NSBE Scholarship Program: Multiple scholarships for African-American undergraduate and graduate students majoring in engineering.
Scholarships for Hispanic/Latino Students
Hispanic and Latino students have unique funding opportunities to apply for among the list of scholarships and minority grants for college. Eligibility may depend on the institution type and location, as well as a studentâs location and financial need.
• CafĂ© BusteloÂź El CafĂ© Del Futuro Scholarship: Scholarships for college students with a passion for community involvement and enrolled at a Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities member institution.
• Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders: Need-based awards for full-time students of Hispanic ancestry who are committed to servant leadership.
• Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards: Scholarships for students of Hispanic heritage enrolled at an accredited higher education institution.
• HSF Scholar Program: Merit-based awards for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, or DACA of Hispanic heritage enrolling in undergraduate or graduate school.
• Latinos in Technology Scholarship: Scholarships and summer internship opportunities for Latino and Hispanic students enrolled in a STEM program in their junior or senior year at a college in Northern California or a graduate of a high school in Northern California.
Scholarships for Native American Students
Some minority scholarships are available to Native American students exclusively. Tribal enrollment and field of study are two eligibility requirements to be mindful of.
• American Indian Education Fund Scholarships: Awards for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Catching the Dream Scholarship: Awards for Native American and Alaska Native students to study business administration, economic development, and related subjects.
• American Indian College Fund: Awards for American Indian and Alaska Native students seeking technical, undergraduate, and graduate degrees at tribal colleges or accredited non-profit schools.
• Udall Undergraduate Scholarship: Awards undergraduates from Native American or Alaska Native backgrounds who commit to environmental stewardship, tribal public policy, or Native healthcare careers, including financial support and leadership training.
• Native Forward Direct Scholarship: Offers financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled in U.S.-accredited institutions, helping cover educational costs mid-year for those who demonstrate unmet financial need.
Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Students
There are a variety of scholarships for Native Hawaiian students to help pay for the cost of college. Eligibility for scholarships may vary based on the field of study and a studentâs residency.
• AIANTA Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship: Financial assistance for Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and Native American students toward a degree or certificate in hospitality, culinary arts, or related fields.
• AISES Scholarships: Scholarships for Native Hawaiian and Native American undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees.
• CCAPW Scholarships: Assistance for American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women from specific central California communities.
• Hoâoilina Scholarship: Awards Hawaiâi public high school graduates who enroll in Travel Industry Management at University of Hawaiâi at MÄnoa with a four-year scholarship to help cover tuition and related costs as they train to become future professionals in tourism and hospitality.
• Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program: Scholarships for Native Hawaiians pursuing careers in primary and behavioral health disciplines.
Scholarships for Asian American Students
There are minority scholarships designated for Asian American students. Note that scholarship eligibility may be specific to certain ethnic groups and ancestry.
• Asian Pacific Fund Scholarships: Offers multiple scholarship programs catering to various Asian and Pacific Islander communities, supporting undergraduate and graduate students in different fields based on heritage, financial need, and academic merit.
• Kimbo Foundation Scholarship: Multiple awards for Korean-American college students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, financial need, and volunteer or community service commitment.
• NSRCF Scholarships: Multiple awards for high school seniors of Southeast Asian ancestry living in designated areas of the United States.
• Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund: Need-based scholarships for Taiwanese American college students of all majors.
• Korean American Scholarship Foundation Scholarship (KASF): Designed specifically for Korean-American high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduates; awards range generally from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, helping recipients with college expenses.
Scholarships for Pacific Islander Students
There are a variety of scholarships for Pacific Islander students to help cover the cost of college. Below are five to choose from.
• HoÊ»oulu Scholarship Fund: Offers financial support to Pacific Islander students who previously attended college but paused their studies and are now returning.
• Ida M. Pope Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to Hawaiianâancestry women majoring in health, science, or education fields, recognizing academic achievement and supporting their continued education.
• KapiÊ»olani Pacific Islander Scholarship (via KapiÊ»olani Community College): Provides tuition relief to students from U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, covering a portion of tuition costs for credit courses while enrolled.
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) Scholarship: Offers one-time or multi-year awards (from around $2,500 up to $20,000) to undergraduate students of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander heritage.
• Blossom Kalama Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund: Administered by the HawaiÊ»i Community Foundation, this fund supports Hawaiianâancestry students (including undergraduates, juniors, seniors, or graduate students) with financial need.
Scholarships for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Students
Scholarships for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) students provide vital financial support to help these students pursue higher education in the U.S. and abroad. Here are five to choose from:
• Arab America Scholarships: Financial award for U.S. students of Arab descent that helps cover college tuition and encourages educational and civic engagement.
• AAMA Houston Chapter Scholarship: Offered to Arab American students in medical, dental, nursing, or related health fields.
• Amideast Hope Fund Scholarship: Aimed at deserving Palestinian youth, this award supports those seeking undergraduate study in the U.S. who need financial assistance and academic opportunity.
• U.S.-MEPI Student Leaders Program Scholarship: From the U.S.âMiddle East Partnership Initiative, this scholarship supports undergraduate or graduate students from MENA countries with academic funding and leadership training.
• ExxonMobile MENA Scholars Program: A competitive scholarship for students from the Middle East and North Africa pursuing advanced degrees (often in STEM or related fields) at U.S. universities.
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Tips for Applying
Applying for scholarships can be made easier with some prior planning. After identifying scholarship options, making note of application deadlines is a useful place to start.
Tailor Your Personal Statement
If a scholarship requires an essay or personal statement, double check that youâre following the prompts and word limit requirements. Highlighting your personal experience, strengths, and achievements can help you stand out as an applicant.
Request Letters of Recommendation Early
Letters of recommendation are a common application requirement. Think about which teachers or employers would be best suited to write a recommendation â and give plenty of notice if asking them to do so.
Organize Deadlines and Materials
Staying organized is key when applying for scholarships, as missing a deadline or submitting incomplete materials can disqualify you. Create a calendar or spreadsheet to track each scholarshipâs due date, required documents, and submission method. Keep copies of transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and financial information in one easily accessible folder, ensuring you can quickly tailor materials for each application.
The Takeaway
Scholarships and grants are a great way for minority students to pay for college and reduce student debt. But many students require additional financing, such as federal and private student loans, to fund their education.
If youâve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Are there scholarships for multi-racial students?
Yes, multi-racial students can access minority scholarships that relate to any part of their multicultural heritage or ancestry. Eligibility requirements for minority status or specific ethnic groups are typically outlined in the scholarship description.
Do minority scholarships consider financial need?
Entities offering minority scholarships may consider a studentâs financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
What documents are required for minority scholarships?
To apply for minority scholarships, students may need to submit their transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, essays, and the FAFSA.
Are there scholarships for undocumented minority students?
Yes, there are scholarships specifically for undocumented minority students. Many come from nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and state or private scholarship funds dedicated to helping undocumented or DACAâeligible students. These scholarships often focus on financial need, academic merit, and community involvement.
Can I apply for more than one minority scholarship at a time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple minority scholarships at the same time. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and deadlines, so applying to several increases your chances of receiving funding.
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