Scholarships for Hispanic Students

Pursuing higher education can be financially challenging, but numerous scholarships are available to support Hispanic students in achieving their academic goals. Below is a curated list of scholarships, including eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application deadlines.

Scholarships for Hispanic Students

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

Eligibility: Open to students of Hispanic heritage, including high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (high school) or 2.5 (college) and plan to enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. institution.

  • Award Amount: $500 to $5,000, based on financial need and academic performance.
  • Application Deadline: February 15, 2025.
  • Application Link: Hispanic Scholarship Fund

McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship

Eligibility: High school seniors with at least one parent of Hispanic heritage. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college or university.

Hispanic Scholarship Consortium Scholars Program

Eligibility: Open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate or graduate students of Hispanic/Latino heritage residing in Texas. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll part-time or full-time in a certificate or degree program.

MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program

Eligibility: Open to all students enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. law school. Applicants should demonstrate involvement with and commitment to serving the Latino community through their legal careers.

Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to full-time graduate students pursuing careers in health-related fields, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, and public health. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving health in the Hispanic community.

Colgate-Palmolive Haz La U Scholarship

  • Eligibility: High school seniors of Hispanic heritage with a minimum GPA of 3.0, planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. university.
  • Award Amount: $10,000.
  • Application Deadline: November 11, 2024.
  • Application Link: Colgate-Palmolive Haz La U Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship

  • Eligibility: High school seniors from at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 and demonstrate leadership abilities.
  • Award Amount: Full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution.
  • Application Deadline: September 15, 2025.
  • Application Link: The Gates Scholarship

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

  • Eligibility: High school seniors of Hispanic heritage with a minimum GPA of 3.0, planning to enroll in an accredited higher education institution.
  • Award Amount: Up to $1,000.
  • Application Deadline: November 13, 2024.
  • Application Link: Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

TheDream.US National Scholarship

  • Eligibility: For undocumented students (DACA or TPS) who have graduated or will graduate from high school and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Award Amount: Up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Application Deadline: February 28, 2025.
  • Application Link: TheDream.US National Scholarship

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Scholarships

  • Eligibility: Various scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students attending HACU-member institutions. Eligibility criteria vary by scholarship.
  • Award Amount: Varies.
  • Application Deadline: Varies by scholarship.
  • Application Link: HACU Scholarships

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

  • Eligibility: Hispanic students enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited colleges or universities. Selection is based on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need.
  • Award Amount: $250 to $2,000.
  • Application Deadline: March 31, 2025.
  • Application Link: LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Prospanica Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Hispanic students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in business or business-related fields. You must be a Prospanica member.
  • Award Amount: Up to $5,000.
  • Application Deadline: April 30, 2025.
  • Application Link: Prospanica Scholarship

La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Hispanic students enrolled in an eligible bachelor’s or master’s degree program with a minimum GPA of 2.8.
  • Award Amount: $500 to $1,000.
  • Application Deadline: October 15, 2024.
  • Application Link: La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarship

Tips for Applying:

Applying for scholarships can be competitive, but with careful planning and organization, you can improve your chances of success. Start by researching scholarships early. Many scholarship programs have deadlines several months before the academic year begins, so it’s essential to start your search and application process well in advance. Bookmark scholarship websites and set calendar reminders for application deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities.

Gathering and organizing documents ahead of time can streamline the application process. Commonly required items include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Request letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or mentors who know your strengths and ambitions well; a thoughtful, personalized recommendation can make a big difference in your application’s impact. Similarly, put time and effort into crafting your personal statement or essay, as it’s your chance to showcase your personality, goals, and unique background.

Finally, pay close attention to each scholarship’s instructions and eligibility requirements. Each scholarship is unique, and small mistakes, like missing a required document or exceeding the word limit on an essay, can disqualify your application. Tailor each application to align with the scholarship’s goals, and consider asking a teacher, counselor, or mentor to review your materials before submission. By presenting yourself thoughtfully and attentively, you’re more likely to leave a lasting impression on the selection committee.

  • Start Early: Many scholarships have early deadlines; begin your search and application process well in advance.
  • Gather Documents: Prepare transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements ahead of time.
  • Follow Instructions: Carefully read and adhere to each scholarship’s application requirements.
  • Seek Guidance: Utilize school counselors or mentors for assistance and feedback on your applications.

By taking advantage of these scholarship opportunities, Hispanic students can alleviate the financial burden of higher education and focus on achieving their academic and professional aspirations.